Quick answer: For zip-lining in Costa Rica, wear closed-toe athletic shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), comfortable shorts or athletic pants, a fitted t-shirt or athletic top, and bring sunscreen, a small water bottle, and a bandana. Avoid loose jewelry, scarves, long hair worn loose, and anything in pockets. Most parks supply helmets, harnesses, and gloves. Plan for jungle heat (75–88°F / 24–31°C) and intermittent shade. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at every Costa Rica zip-line operator — no exceptions.
The complete Costa Rica zip-line packing list
Required clothing
- Closed-toe athletic shoes — sneakers, trail runners, or hiking shoes. No sandals, no flip-flops, no Crocs. Required for boarding the platforms.
- Shorts or athletic pants — anything you can move in. Avoid super-baggy pants that could catch on harness.
- Fitted t-shirt or athletic top — moisture-wicking is great. Avoid loose flowing tops, scarves, or anything dangling.
- Sports bra — recommended for women due to harness and movement.
Bring with you
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — apply before tour; reapply after
- Bug repellent — DEET-based for jungle areas
- Bandana or buff — keeps hair contained and absorbs sweat
- Reusable water bottle — most parks provide refill stations
- Cash for tips — guides typically tipped 10–15%
- GoPro or phone — only if it’s secured (chest mount or wrist strap)
What NOT to wear or bring
- ❌ Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, slip-ons
- ❌ Loose scarves, ponchos, hoodies with dangling drawstrings
- ❌ Dangly earrings, necklaces, bracelets — they can catch in the harness
- ❌ Long loose hair (tie back or use bandana)
- ❌ Loose phones in pockets — they fly out at speed
- ❌ Skirts or dresses
- ❌ Glass items (water bottles, etc.)
What the park supplies
At reputable Costa Rica operators (look for ICT & CST Elite certifications) you receive:
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Full-body or chest harness with double safety
- Leather gloves (you provide hand braking on cables)
- Bilingual safety briefing (English/Spanish)
- Certified guides on every platform
Weather considerations
Costa Rica has two seasons:
- Dry season (Dec–Apr): sunny mornings 75–88°F. Sunscreen heavy. Most platforms in shade but transitions are exposed.
- Green season (May–Nov): rain mostly afternoons. Mornings usually clear. Bring a packable rain jacket for the back of your daypack — even brief downpours soak you through.
Tours generally operate in light to moderate rain. Lightning storms = tour pauses or reschedules (free with most operators).
Special considerations
For kids age 4–10
Closed-toe shoes that lace tightly (Velcro is fine). Bring a long-sleeve athletic top for sun protection. Vista Los Sueños accepts kids age 4+ with special children’s harnesses — one of the few zip-lines in Costa Rica with this option.
For seniors and beginners
Lightweight athletic shoes with good grip. Avoid heavy hiking boots — too rigid for platform stairs. Light layers in case you cool off between platforms.
Wedding parties & bachelor/bachelorette groups
Yes you can wear matching t-shirts. No, you can’t wear a tutu, sash, or anything dangling. The harness must sit flush against your body.
For pregnant guests
Most operators do not allow pregnant women on zip-lines (insurance reasons). Confirm with your operator at booking.
Weight and height limits
Weight limits are typically 220–280 lbs (100–127 kg) depending on operator. Confirm at booking. Height: usually no minimum, but children must fit in the children’s harness.
Camera and GoPro setup
Want zip-line photos and video? Best practices:
- GoPro chest mount: safest, hands-free, captures POV — recommended
- Helmet mount: shows your zipping perspective; check operator allows (some don’t due to weight on helmet)
- Wrist or hand strap: phone/camera secured around wrist — easy to drop otherwise
- Selfie stick: 🚫 most operators ban for safety
Most parks (including Vista Los Sueños) have professional photographers on the course who capture each rider — photos available for purchase post-tour ($25–$45 for the full set).
Day-of checklist
- ✅ Closed-toe athletic shoes (laced)
- ✅ Shorts/athletic pants + fitted top
- ✅ Sports bra (women)
- ✅ Sunscreen applied
- ✅ Bug repellent
- ✅ Bandana for hair
- ✅ Water bottle
- ✅ Cash for tips ($5–$15)
- ✅ Camera secured (chest/wrist)
- ✅ Light rain jacket (green season)
- ✅ All jewelry removed
- ✅ Pockets empty (or zipped)
FAQ
Can I wear sandals on a Costa Rica zip-line?
No. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at every certified operator. You’ll be turned away or given loaner shoes (varies by park). Bring proper athletic shoes.
Should I wear long pants or shorts?
Either works. Pants offer slight protection from chafing under the harness on long courses; shorts are cooler. Choose what’s comfortable for you. Avoid super-baggy pants.
Is there a weight limit for zip-lining in Costa Rica?
Yes — most operators set a maximum of 220–280 lbs (100–127 kg) due to harness and cable engineering. Confirm with your specific operator at booking.
What if I’m afraid of heights?
Zip-lining counterintuitively works well for height-fearful guests. The harness, helmet, and double-safety give a strong sense of security. Most parks let you rappel down at any platform if you decide not to continue (rare).
Can I bring my phone on the zip-line?
Only secured to your body — wrist strap or zippered pocket. Many phones fly out and break (or land in jungle 100 ft below, never recovered). GoPro chest mount is the gold standard.
Will I get wet on a zip-line tour?
Not directly — you’re flying through air. But during green season (May–Nov), expect occasional rain showers. Tours run in light rain; pause for lightning.
Ready to zip-line?
Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park operates Costa Rica’s longest zip-line in Jacó (731m / 2,400 ft, 12 platforms, 10 cables) — Travelers’ Choice 2026 with 4.9★ from 4,620+ reviews. Children age 4+ accepted. Hotel pickup included.
Book online instantly, WhatsApp +506 8342-3683, or call +506 2637-6020.
