Braulio Carrillo: Aerial Tram, Zipline & Butterfly Garden Day

Rainforest canopy rides ziplining butterflies and trails in Braulio Carrillo

You’ll glide silently above Braulio Carrillo’s rainforest on an aerial tram, zipline between treetops with guides who keep things light, and get close to butterflies and orchids in peaceful gardens. Expect laughter, maybe some nerves on the cables, and plenty of small surprises along winding trails. This day is as much about feeling alive as seeing wildlife.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aerial tram, zipline, and nature walk

• Ride aerial tram over rainforest
• Zipline through jungle canopy
• Explore butterfly and orchid gardens
• Visit frog and snake exhibitions
• Take guided rainforest nature walk

The experience

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it got as the aerial tram lifted us up. Just the soft whirr of the cable and a few birds arguing somewhere below. Our guide, Sofia, pointed out a sloth curled up so high I’d have missed it. The air smelled green: like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. I kept thinking: this is what “rainforest” really means, not just a word in a brochure.

When we got to the top, it was time for the zipline circuit. Honestly, my hands were sweaty (and not just from the humidity). The staff double-checked all our harnesses. Sofia made a joke about her own first time (“I screamed louder than the monkeys,” she said). Pushing off that first platform felt like stepping into nothing, and then you’re flying through green light and tangled branches. My heart didn’t slow down until I landed. There’s this moment mid-zip where you can see all the way across Braulio Carrillo, mist hanging over everything. I still think about that view.

Afterwards we wandered through a butterfly garden: one landed right on my shoe, which made me freeze for way too long. There’s also an orchid garden and these glass cases with frogs and snakes (the bright green one looked fake but wasn’t). The nature walk was slower. Sofia showed us leaves that close when you touch them and told stories about plants people use for medicine here. It started to drizzle halfway through but nobody minded much. It’s Costa Rica, after all.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Braulio Carrillo’s aerial tram ride both ways over the canopy, a guided zipline circuit with ten cables and fourteen platforms, access to butterfly and orchid gardens plus frog and snake exhibitions in a terrarium, a guided rainforest nature walk along local trails, and free parking if you’re driving yourself.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or Spanish08:00 and 10:00

Guide in English or Spanish08:00

Guide in English or Spanish08:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Route 32, next to Braulio Carrillo National Park, 45 mins from San José, downtown, Limón, Guápiles, Costa Rica.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Elite Shore Excursions

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long does the Braulio Carrillo aerial tram & zipline tour last?

This is a full-day experience combining multiple activities in one seamless tour.

Is lunch included on this 6-in-1 adventure?

No lunch is included. Food options are not mentioned in the inclusions.

What’s included in the Braulio Carrillo day trip?

The tour includes an aerial tram ride, zipline circuit (10 cables), butterfly garden, orchid garden, terrarium with frog & snake exhibits, nature walk, and free parking.

Are there age or weight restrictions for the zipline?

Yes, minimum age is 5 years old; maximum weight is 136 kg (300 lbs); minimum height is 120 cm (3’11”).

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is listed. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Will I see wildlife during this day trip?

You may spot wildlife from the tram or trails. Butterfly and reptile exhibits guarantee close encounters.