The Aerial Tram in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, carries visitors over the rainforest canopy to a Sky Deck with panoramic Pacific Ocean views.
This guide was updated in July 2026. The current adult gate price is $69, higher than the $65 that a few independent resellers still quote, so it’s worth checking the official rate before booking. You can book in advance through Viator to secure your preferred time.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 5 minutes from downtown Jacó, 3.5km east of Maxi Pali, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica |
| Hours | 8:00am–4:00pm daily (last entry 2:00pm) |
| Adult ticket | $69 |
| Child ticket (up to 12) | $46 |
| Infant (0–2) | Free |
| Nearest transit | No direct public transport; shuttle transfers available from several pickup zones |
| Typical visit duration | 2 hours |
Why book Aerial Tram tickets?
- 🏛️ The only guided cable car on this coast: the operator describes it as the sole guided aerial tram tour on the central Pacific coast.
- 🎟️ Save 10% online: use code EARLY10 for a limited-time discount at checkout.
- 🌿 Three stops in one ticket: the tram ride, the Butterfly Garden, and the Medicinal Plants Garden.
- 📜 Free parking: no extra charge for visitors arriving by car.
- 💰 Lock in today’s rate: some resellers still quote outdated, lower prices, so booking direct confirms what you’ll actually pay.
Opening hours for the Aerial Tram
The park is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm every day of the week, with no separate weekend schedule. Last entry is 2:00pm, and you’ll be assigned a specific tour time when you book. Arrive 15 minutes before your confirmed slot.
Ticket prices for the Aerial Tram
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $69 |
| Child (up to 12 years) | $46 |
| Infant (0–2 years) | Free |
| Costa Rican resident, adult | $47 (reduced from $69) |
| Costa Rican resident, child (up to 12) | $27 |
Residents must show ID at the entrance to claim the local rate. The official site doesn’t state whether these prices include tax, so confirm this at checkout. Food, drinks, lockers, and photography all cost extra. Book through Viator to save the hassle of walk-up bookings.
How to get to the Aerial Tram
By car: the park is just 5 minutes from downtown Jacó, roughly 3.5km east of the Maxi Pali supermarket, with Rainforest Adventures signage marking the entrance.
By organised transfer: round-trip transportation runs from several pickup zones, with a minimum of four people per group. Pickup is around 1.5 hours before your tour, or 20 minutes before if departing from Jacó centre.
| Pickup zone | Price per person |
|---|---|
| San José | $45 |
| Villa Lapas | $26 |
| Punta Leona | $20 |
| Villa Caletas | $14 |
| Playa Hermosa | $10 |
| Herradura and Jacó | $9 |
Parking
Parking at the Aerial Tram is free. The official site doesn’t mention any restrictions on space or payment method.
How long to spend at the Aerial Tram
Budget around two hours for the full visit. Traveller accounts suggest the cable car ride alone can run past an hour, so this isn’t a quick stop.
Accessibility at the Aerial Tram
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for every activity. The tram gondola itself needs a small step up to board and can’t accommodate a wheelchair directly, though Rainforest Adventures keeps a wheelchair on site, and the trails and gardens are fully accessible on foot.
What to see at the Aerial Tram
The Aerial Tram treetop flight carries you up through the rainforest canopy, with the dense jungle giving way to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
The Sky Deck is a dedicated viewpoint at the top, popular for photos of the jungle and coastline below.
The Butterfly Garden houses colourful native species in an enclosed, controlled habitat.
The Medicinal Plants Garden explains the traditional uses of plants found throughout the rainforest, including cacao.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use the online promo code | Code EARLY10 cuts 10% off at checkout, though it’s time-limited. |
| Confirm the current price | A few independent resellers still list older, lower rates; the official gate price is $69 for adults. |
| Arrange transport for your zone | Transfers need a minimum of four people, and cost varies by pickup area. |
| Wear closed-toe shoes | Mandatory for every activity, including the gardens. |
| Bring cash for food | The restaurant, cafeteria, and lockers all cost extra. |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to book in advance? | It isn’t compulsory, but booking in advance guarantees your preferred tour time. |
| Is the Aerial Tram wheelchair accessible? | The gondola itself needs a small step up, but the trails and gardens are fully accessible, and a wheelchair is kept on site. |
| What’s included in the ticket? | The tram ride, the Butterfly Garden, the Medicinal Plants Garden, and the Sky Deck. |
| How does this differ from the Zipline + Aerial Tram combo? | The combo adds a 9-cable zip line, runs 2.5 hours, and costs more than the tram-only pass. |
| Is transportation included? | No, it costs extra, requires a minimum of four people, and the price depends on your pickup zone. |
Things to do nearby
The Zip Line Canopy Tour runs from the same reserve on 9 cables, for visitors who want a faster-paced follow-up to the gentle tram ride.
The High Ropes Course and Descent Wall are also on site, offering a climbing-based challenge as part of the longer combination packages.
The Tárcoles River Crocodile Safari, a short drive away, is famous for its resident population of large American crocodiles, best viewed from the road bridge or on a boat tour.
Jacó Beach itself is a short drive from the park, known for surfing, restaurants, and a lively evening scene.
Carara National Park, a little further along the coastal highway, protects a transitional forest known for scarlet macaws and other birdlife.
What to visit tomorrow
Costa Rica has only three aerial tram attractions in total, and this is one of them, which limits genuine alternatives within two hours.
Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo, on the Caribbean side near Guápiles, runs a similar open-gondola tram, though the drive there via San José takes closer to two and a half hours. Veragua Rainforest, near Limón, is the country’s third aerial tram, but it lies on the opposite side of Costa Rica and takes around four hours to reach from Jacó, well beyond a realistic day trip.
