Jaco Jungle: ATV, Zipline, Horseback & Waterfall Rappel Day

Summary

Adventure deep into jaco’s wild valley by atv zipline horse and more

You’ll ride ATVs through Jaco’s wild river valley, zipline high above the trees, rappel beside El Encanto waterfall and share laughs over a Costa Rican lunch. Local guides keep things real and relaxed throughout your full-day adventure. Expect muddy shoes, new friends and at least one moment you’ll replay in your head later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to hear scarlet macaws before I even saw them — that screech cuts right through the trees. We’d just started the Jaco Jungle Adventure day trip, still shaking off the weirdly sweet smell of the morning (some kind of flower I couldn’t name), when our guide José pointed up and grinned. “They’re always louder than you think,” he said. The air was thick but not uncomfortable, just heavy enough that every sound felt close by. I kept thinking we’d see a dinosaur lumber out from the ferns — someone else joked about it too.

The ATV part was way muddier than I imagined (I wore white shoes, rookie mistake). We tore through this private river valley — 850 acres apparently, but it feels endless when you’re bouncing along behind your guide and trying not to eat too much dust. There were moments when we slowed down near a troop of monkeys; they barely cared we were there. Ziplining came next and honestly? My stomach did flip-flops on that first launch. The view over the canopy was wild — green everywhere, sunlight flickering through gaps — but what stuck with me most was how quiet it got up there for a second.

Lunch was this big plate of casado — rice, beans, chicken, plantains — nothing fancy but so good after all that adrenaline. Our group sat around swapping stories and laughing about who screamed loudest on the rappel down El Encanto waterfall (it might’ve been me). The guides switched between English and Spanish without missing a beat; Li tried to order seconds in Spanish and got teased for her accent. That felt nice somehow, like we weren’t just tourists passing through.

I left with mud splattered up my legs and a sunburn on my nose, but also this weird sense of calm from being out in the jungle all day. Even now, sometimes I catch a whiff of wet earth after rain and it takes me right back there — hanging onto that rope above the waterfall, heart racing but grinning like an idiot. Would do it again just for that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Jaco Jungle adventure

• Horseback riding in Jaco Jungle
• Tractor Jungle Tour
• Ziplining at El Encanto
• Waterfall rappelling at El Encanto
• ATV riding in private river valley
• Lunch in Jurassic park setting

Top questions

How long is the Jaco Jungle Adventure day trip?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple activities included.

What activities are included in this Jaco jungle tour?

You’ll go horseback riding, ziplining, waterfall rappelling, ATV riding and take a tractor jungle tour.

Is lunch provided during the Jaco adventure tour?

Yes, an authentic Costa Rican lunch is included in the experience.

Are English-speaking guides available on this tour?

Yes, professional English-speaking guides lead all activities.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No mention of hotel pickup is provided in the reference content.

Are all necessary equipment and safety gear included?

Yes, all necessary equipment for each activity is provided as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your full day includes guided ATV rides across an 850-acre private river valley, horseback riding through lush trails, ziplining above the canopy, rappelling down El Encanto waterfall with expert instruction plus bottled water and light refreshments along the way. A traditional Costa Rican lunch is served midday so you can catch your breath before heading back out for more adventure—all gear provided by your local guides.