Ziplining and ATV from San Jose near Carara National Park

Ten ziplines strung through rainforest canopy, then an ATV ride to a waterfall and the beach.

Ziplining and ATV adventure from San Jose near Carara National Park combines 10 ziplines through protected rainforest with a 2-hour ATV tour that crosses rivers, reaches a mountain waterfall, and ends at the beach. The full day includes lunch, air-conditioned pickup from San Jose, and a specialized guide in English or Spanish. A damage deposit is required for the ATV. Riders must bring a valid driver's license and pass a driving test to operate the vehicle.

The experience

The day starts with a 20-minute stop at Tarcoles River Bridge on the drive from San Jose: time to photograph crocodiles from the bridge, use the restroom, grab coffee or buy a souvenir. The ride to the park takes about an hour and a half. Once there, a canopy guide walks you through safety and gear before you clip into the first of 10 ziplines strung through the rainforest canopy. Two hours of zipping follows, moving through the jungle at height before you descend to the restaurant for lunch.

After eating, you switch to the ATV. The ride takes you through jungle trails crossing the river multiple times on the way to a small mountain waterfall. You'll navigate the terrain yourself: the guide leads the route but you operate the machine. On the return, the trail opens onto a beach where the day winds down before the drive back to San Jose.

The whole outing runs about nine hours door to door. Weather can shift the order of activities, and the terrain demands at least moderate fitness and comfort operating an ATV. Riders with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns should sit this one out. You'll need to present a valid driver's license and pass a quick driving test before taking the ATV. A credit card holds a damage deposit in case of accidents on the machine.

What’s included

• 10 ziplines through rainforest canopy.
• 2 hours of ATV riding with river crossings and a mountain waterfall visit.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return transport from San Jose.
• specialized canopy guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 85 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TOP Costa Rica

Is this one for you?You need moderate fitness and comfort on an ATV to enjoy this one. The ziplining is guided, but the ATV portion puts you in control of the machine through jungle terrain and water crossings. Riders with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns should choose a different activity.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 24 h before the start.

What happens at Tarcoles River Bridge on the way from San Jose?

Tarcoles River Bridge is a 20-minute stop where you can photograph crocodiles from the bridge, use facilities, and buy coffee or souvenirs before continuing to the park.

How many ziplines are there, and how long does the canopy part take?

There are 10 ziplines through the rainforest canopy, and the ziplining portion lasts approximately 2 hours before you descend to lunch.

Do I operate the ATV myself, or does a guide drive?

You operate the ATV yourself. The guide leads the route through jungle trails and river crossings to the mountain waterfall, but you control the machine. You'll need a valid driver's license and must pass a driving test first.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Lunch and air-conditioned transport from San Jose are included. Bring a valid driver's license if you plan to ride the ATV. A credit card is required to hold a damage deposit for the machine.

How long is the full day, and when do we return to San Jose?

The entire activity runs about 9 hours from pickup to drop-off in San Jose, combining the drive, ziplining, lunch, and the ATV tour.