Butterflies and jungle zip lines: Private day trip from Jaco
Private ride with a local driver
6h 15mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Two of the central Pacific coast's most immersive nature experiences within easy reach of Jacó — an aerial tram and zip-line through primary rainforest canopy followed by a butterfly garden of extraordinary species diversity. A day that moves between the treetops and the forest floor without ever leaving the jungle.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Jaco whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Your driver connects both attractions from Jacó and manages the timings between sites, leaving you free to focus entirely on what's happening in the canopy above you.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Royal Butterflies and Rainforest Adventures Jaco should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$64
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$192
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Jaco
You choose the pickup spot. Royal Butterflies
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 hours - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
SundayClosed
Main attractions
- A butterfly garden and breeding centre near Jacó housing dozens of Costa Rican butterfly species in free-flight enclosures — Blue Morpho, Owl Butterfly, Malachite and Postman species are among those commonly encountered at close range in the garden
- The breeding laboratory displays the full life cycle from egg through caterpillar and chrysalis to emergence — the chrysalis display alone, with its extraordinary variety of gold-studded cases hanging in rows, is worth the visit independently of the adult butterfly garden
Take note
- Butterflies are most active in the morning when temperatures are warm but not yet at peak — timing the visit before midday gives the best encounter rates; wear bright colours to attract the butterflies; photography is excellent in the enclosed garden where subjects are approachable and well-lit
Rainforest Adventures Jaco
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 3 h 20 min - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Main attractions
- An aerial tram system running through primary Pacific rainforest canopy — open gondolas ascend through the forest layers from floor to emergent canopy, giving unobstructed views of bromeliads, orchids, sloths and the full vertical range of tropical forest life without the physical demands of a trail
- Zip-line circuits through the same forest system offer a more active canopy experience — multiple lines of varying length and height traverse the forest from platform to platform above the understorey
Things to do
- Combine the tram and zip-line for the full range of canopy perspectives — the tram gives slow, observational access ideal for wildlife and photography; the zip-line gives speed, height and the sensation of moving through the forest as its own residents do
Take note
- Book both tram and zip-line tickets in advance, particularly in high season; the tram operates on a schedule — confirm departure times when booking; bring insect repellent and a light waterproof layer as the forest generates its own rain regardless of coastal conditions
Back to Jaco
We’ll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Royal Butterflies and Rainforest Adventures, Jaco, are both located near Jaco, generally within 12 miles (20 km) of town, with each drive taking roughly 20 to 30 minutes. The total day trip lasts about 6 hours and 15 minutes, which includes 2 hours at the butterfly garden and 3 hours and 20 minutes at Rainforest Adventures, plus all transfers between Jaco and the two sites.
Yes, the zip-line at Rainforest Adventures Jaco is operated by certified guides who provide safety equipment, harnesses, and a thorough briefing before the activity. The lines are designed to accommodate first-time zip-liners as well as experienced adventurers. The park follows strict safety standards, and equipment is regularly inspected. The aerial tram is a great alternative for those who prefer a slower-paced experience without the adrenaline.
Absolutely. Royal Butterflies is gentle, educational, and engaging for kids of all ages who love nature and wildlife. Rainforest Adventures Jaco offers the aerial tram, which is suitable for young children and grandparents alike, providing a calm canopy experience without physical exertion. Older children can usually try the zip-lines, though minimum age and weight requirements apply. Always check restrictions when booking activities directly with the park.
Royal Butterflies is a butterfly garden and breeding center home to dozens of native Costa Rican species, including the brilliant Blue Morpho, Owl Butterfly, Malachite, and Postman butterflies. Visitors walk through free-flight enclosures where butterflies fly close enough to land on you. A breeding lab showcases the full life cycle from egg to chrysalis to emergence, offering a fascinating educational experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Rainforest Adventures Jaco is an eco-park set within primary Pacific rainforest, offering an aerial tram and zip-line circuits through the canopy. The tram is a relaxed, observational ride ideal for spotting sloths, birds, and orchids in the upper forest layers. The zip-lines provide a more energetic experience across multiple platforms above the forest floor. Combining both activities offers a complete view of the rainforest from a unique perspective.
Beyond butterflies, the rainforest around Jaco is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Watch for sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, iguanas, and colorful tree frogs. Many species are spotted from the aerial tram, where the open gondolas allow excellent views of the canopy. Birdwatchers can often spot trogons, motmots, and tanagers, while morning visitors may catch the rainforest at its most active.
Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing in bright colors, which can attract butterflies. Closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for the tram and zip-line. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light waterproof layer since rainforests can produce sudden showers. A camera or smartphone with a good zoom is great for wildlife photography. Don't forget cash for entrance tickets, lockers, and any souvenirs.
Mornings are the best time to visit Royal Butterflies, as butterflies are most active when temperatures are warm but not yet at their peak. The breeding center opens early and closes by early afternoon. Rainforest Adventures Jaco is enjoyable throughout the day, though earlier visits often coincide with cooler conditions and better wildlife sightings. Costa Rica's dry season (December through April) is generally the most reliable for outdoor activities.
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