Costa Rica Zipline Tour: 11 Waterfalls & Rainforest Cables

Soar directly over waterfalls and plunge into refreshing natural pools below.

Zipline across 18 cables over 11 waterfalls in the rainforest near Puntarenas, starting with a 4x4 climb to nearly 1,000 meters for views of the Gulf of Nicoya. The activity includes rappelling down a waterfall, crossing a suspended Tibetan bridge, and swimming in a natural pool, with all equipment, a bilingual guide, and optional hotel pickup from San José, Jaco, Arenal or other departure points. Duration is approximately 3.5 hours plus transport time if selected.

The Experience

The day starts with a 4x4 ride up scenic mountain trails to the Adventure Park & Hotel Vista Golfo, climbing to nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. At the top you get panoramic views of the Gulf of Nicoya, its islands, and the surrounding landscape before the ziplines begin. Then you step into the harness and clip onto the first of 18 cables strung across a dramatic river canyon.

What sets this apart from other zipline parks is the water itself — you're not zipping past waterfalls, you're zipping directly over them. The cables take you through the canopy and across cascading drops, with the sound and spray of the falls around you. Between runs, the guide leads you to a suspended Tibetan bridge high above the canyon floor, then down to a natural waterfall pool where you can cool off and swim. There's also an easy rappel down one of the waterfalls, safe for all skill levels and included as part of the experience.

A professional bilingual guide stays with your small group throughout, handling all the equipment checks and safety briefings. Hotel pickup is available from San José, Jaco, Arenal, Guanacaste, Monte Verde, Puntarenas and other regions — you choose the option that matches where you're staying. All necessary gear is provided. The whole experience runs about 3.5 hours of activity, plus whatever travel time your pickup option adds.

What’s included

• All zipline equipment and safety gear.
• professional bilingual guide leading a small group.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on which option you select).
• access to the natural waterfall pool for swimming.
• the rappel down a waterfall and the suspended Tibetan bridge crossing.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Adventure Park and Hotel Vista Golfo

Is this one for you?If you're staying in or near San José, Jaco, Arenal or another region with a pickup option, the transport is arranged for you — you don't coordinate a separate ride to the park. If you're already at the Adventure Park or prefer to drive yourself, the no-transport option keeps the price lower. Either way, the small-group format with a bilingual guide means you're not in a crowd of thirty, and the waterfall pool gives you a place to recover between the adrenaline and the ride back.

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Top questions

How many waterfalls do you actually see on this zipline?

You zip over 11 waterfalls across the 18 cables, flying directly above them through the river canyon instead of alongside them. The waterfalls are the main feature of the route, not a backdrop.

Is rappelling down a waterfall something I have to do, or can I skip it?

Rappelling down a waterfall is included in the experience and is designed to be easy and safe for all skill levels, but confirm with your guide on the day if you'd prefer to sit it out — the rest of the ziplines and the pool swim are the core of the activity.

What's the Tibetan bridge part of the experience like?

The suspended Tibetan bridge is strung high above the canyon and gives you a different kind of thrill than the ziplines — you walk across it rather than fly, and it's part of the route between cable runs.

Do I need to be fit to do this, or can anyone handle it?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the climbing, the zipline effort, and the rappel. Children from age 6 can participate, and the maximum weight is 260 pounds. Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes and bring a swimsuit.

Can I book this if I'm flying into San José but staying in a different region?

Yes — pickup options include San José with transport, Jaco with transport, Arenal with transport, Guanacaste with transport, Monte Verde with transport, and Puntarenas City & Hotel Fiesta. You can also book without transportation if you prefer to arrange your own way to the park.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

All necessary equipment, the professional bilingual guide, and the full activity are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in most options but not all — check which option you're booking. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.