Jaco: ATV, Zipline & Waterfall Rappelling Jungle Adventure

Summary

Jungle trails, wild waterfalls and canopy ziplines in Jaco Costa Rica

You’ll race ATVs through Jaco’s muddy forest trails, rappel down El Encanto’s roaring waterfall (yes, you’ll get soaked), and soar above the jungle on a zipline with local guides cheering you on. Expect real adventure — plus pickup options, gear provided, and light snacks along the way to keep you going.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV, waterfall rappelling, and zipline

• Ride ATV through forest 1.5 hours
• Rappel 180 feet at El Encanto waterfall
• Zipline over 2000 meters at El Encanto

Top questions

How long does the Jaco ATV & zipline tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is available if arranged during booking; provide your hotel details at checkout.

Can children join the waterfall rappelling part?

Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for the ATV & waterfall tour?

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy; all equipment is provided.

Are refreshments included during the adventure?

Yes, light refreshments are included during your day.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; guides assist throughout.

Where does the waterfall rappelling take place?

The rappelling takes place at El Encanto waterfall near Jaco.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment for ATV riding, ziplining, and waterfall rappelling at El Encanto near Jaco, professional local guides leading each activity, plus light refreshments to keep your energy up between adventures. Pickup can be arranged if you share your hotel info when booking.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I'd start my day covered in mud, but that's what happens when you sign up for an ATV tour in Jaco. The first thing I noticed was how the air felt — humid, thick with that earthy smell after a night of rain. Our guide, Diego, just grinned and said it was “perfect riding weather.” He showed us how to handle the ATVs (I stalled mine twice — no one cared), and then we were off, engines echoing through the trees. There’s something about bouncing over those rocky trails that makes you forget about your phone or anything else really.

We stopped at El Encanto waterfall after about an hour and a half. You could hear it before you saw it — this constant roar mixed with birds yelling at each other overhead. Standing at the top looking down 180 feet… honestly, I hesitated. But Diego just clipped me in and said “Pura vida!” so I went for it. Cold spray hit my face halfway down and I remember thinking: this is way scarier than it looks from Instagram. My hands were shaking when I landed but in a good way.

After that came ziplining — which sounds chill until you’re actually flying over the canopy with your legs dangling above all that green. The guides joked around (“Don’t look down!”) but of course I did anyway. At one point the sun broke through and everything glowed for a second; I still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy back home. We finished up sweaty and laughing, somehow still finding mud in our shoes hours later.