Ride through rainforest trails to a 180-foot waterfall, rappel the face of El Encanto, then fly out on 2,000+ feet of canopy zipline — all in one guided, half-day adventure near Jaco. Expect horse trails, slick rock descents, and rainforest wildlife.
Ride through rainforest trails to a 180-foot waterfall, rappel the face of El Encanto, then fly out on 2,000+ feet of canopy zipline — all in one guided, half-day adventure near Jaco. Expect horse trails, slick rock descents, and rainforest wildlife.
You ride out from the rancho as the valley opens — a tractor rumbles you past fences, the forest tightens, and the smell of wet earth builds a steady rhythm. Within 30–45 minutes the trees give way to a river valley where El Encanto drops in tiers: guides fit your harness, horses pick their way through root-strewn trails, and the jungle hums with toucans and howler monkeys.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Park at Ocean Ranch · Jaco, Puntarenas
You ride out from the rancho as the valley opens — a tractor rumbles you past fences, the forest tightens, and the smell of wet earth builds a steady rhythm. Within 30–45 minutes the trees give way to a river valley where El Encanto drops in tiers: guides fit your harness, horses pick their way through root-strewn trails, and the jungle hums with toucans and howler monkeys.
This private 850-acre river valley sits on the western edge of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplift and coastal erosion. The dry tropical foothills here meet wetter ravines, creating waterfalls fed by upland springs that have cut smooth rock bowls and plunge pools over millennia. Local ranching and more recent adventure tourism have transformed working land into guided access for visitors; nearby Carara National Park protects contiguous habitat and birdlife.
Expect a 1.5-hour horseback ride through shaded paths to the waterfall, a guided rappel of roughly 180 feet with intermediate pools, then a canopy run across 2,000+ feet of zipline cables. Guides provide instruction and all technical gear; snacks and light refreshments wait at the rancho.
Practical notes: wear quick-dry clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes for the ride; bring swimwear for the pools, a waterproof phone case, and sunscreen that won’t wash into waterways. The route is suitable for most active travelers but includes steep, wet rock and short climbs; handlers coach first-timers through basic rappel technique. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon showers during the wet season and confirm pickup details in advance.
moderate.
5 hours.
Moderately fit: comfortable walking on uneven trails, mounting/dismounting horses, and managing short climbs; guides handle technical rappel and zipline tasks.
No — professional guides provide instruction and all necessary equipment; they manage rope systems and coach first-timers through each step.
Children may join but must be accompanied by an adult; age and weight limits can apply so check with the operator when booking.
Yes, but handlers often ask guests to leave phones secured during active rappels and ziplines; guides may offer photo services or stop at safe viewpoints.
Pickup is available within the Los Suenos/Jaco/Herradura/Playa Hermosa corridor for a minimum of two people; single-person or distant pickups may incur additional fees.
The Central Pacific coast developed from agricultural ranching and logging into a tourism corridor; nearby Carara National Park preserves remnants of the coastal dry forest and migratory bird corridors.
Stick to marked trails, avoid sunscreen and soaps in freshwater pools, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance to nesting birds.
The Park at Ocean Ranch operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You ride out from the rancho as the valley opens — a tractor rumbles you past fences, the forest tightens, and the smell of wet earth builds a steady rhythm. Within 30–45 minutes the trees give way to a river valley where El Encanto drops in tiers: guides fit your harness, horses pick their way through root-strewn trails, and the jungle hums with toucans and howler monkeys.
You ride out from the rancho as the valley opens — a tractor rumbles you past fences, the forest tightens, and the smell of wet earth builds a steady rhythm. Within 30–45 minutes the trees give way to a river valley where El Encanto drops in tiers: guides fit your harness, horses pick their way through root-strewn trails, and the jungle hums with toucans and howler monkeys.
This private 850-acre river valley sits on the western edge of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplift and coastal erosion. The dry tropical foothills here meet wetter ravines, creating waterfalls fed by upland springs that have cut smooth rock bowls and plunge pools over millennia. Local ranching and more recent adventure tourism have transformed working land into guided access for visitors; nearby Carara National Park protects contiguous habitat and birdlife.
Expect a 1.5-hour horseback ride through shaded paths to the waterfall, a guided rappel of roughly 180 feet with intermediate pools, then a canopy run across 2,000+ feet of zipline cables. Guides provide instruction and all technical gear; snacks and light refreshments wait at the rancho.
Practical notes: wear quick-dry clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes for the ride; bring swimwear for the pools, a waterproof phone case, and sunscreen that won’t wash into waterways. The route is suitable for most active travelers but includes steep, wet rock and short climbs; handlers coach first-timers through basic rappel technique. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon showers during the wet season and confirm pickup details in advance.