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One day tours


Created to raise the world's consciousness as to the importance of the tropical forests, the New Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific allow visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Tropical Forest from a different perspective.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific is a new eco-tourism project of 222 acres (90 hectares of forest). It will allow visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Tropical Forest from a different perspective. The property offers not only one of the most interest and exuberant forest but also small waterfalls and scenic views of the Pacific Coast , which visitors could enjoy during the Tram ride.

Surrounding area
The Pacific Rain Forest Tram is about two hours from San Jose (108 km) and is located 2 miles from the main entrance to Jaco Beach . The approach to the Pacific Rain Forest Tram is through pastureland, where Brahman cattle graze serenely and egrets tag along behind them. During the wet season, the fields are lush and green and the dirt road leading off the main road to the Aerial Tram is muddy. In the dry season, the grasses are brown and the sky a relentless blue.

Ten minutes from the Tram, Jaco Beach is one of the country's most popular seaside destinations for Costa Rican families and foreign visitors alike. Palm trees shade the wide beaches, and tumbling waves make children squeal in delight. Most of the area's many restaurants specialize in seafood including succulent lobster, large shrimp, sea bass and fresh local tuna. More than 30 hotels in the area provide lodging options ranging from simple cabins to luxury resorts. Jaco also boasts a thriving nightlife where you can go salsa dancing, sing karaoke or enjoy a few cold beers at an open air seaside bar.

Plants
Most of the reserve is covered with primary forest on a steep slope, where massive trees are laden with vines and epiphytes. The regal giants, which reach 150 feet tall and may be 200 years old or more, spread their branches in a dense canopy that shades the forest floor. Ferns, palms and other underbrush thrive in the understory, where a rippling creek keeps the soil moist year round.

Wildlife
In addition to the exuberant plant life, the park is home to white faced monkeys, spectacled owls, toucans, agoutis (a neotropical rodent with long hind legs), and amphibians and reptiles including several species of frogs and fer-de-lance vipers. Spectacular scarlet macaws may soar over you as you ride the Tram--this area is one of only two spots in Costa Rica where you can see these beautiful red, blue and gold birds, who migrate daily from neighboring Carara National Park to roost in mangroves at the mouth of the Tarcoles river.

Waterfall
The gem of the Pacific Rain Forest Tram is a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall at the turn around point. The rushing water plunges just beside your gondola, creating a refreshing mist, and cascades into pools connected by a stream that meanders down the mountain. At the turn around point, you can look over the treetops and past the fields to the Pacific Ocean . Sparkling and dancing in the sunlight, the sea disappears into the horizon.

On the return trip to the boarding station, you will emerge from the primary forest and pass through secondary forest, which is characterized by shorter trees and more plants on the forest floor.

Climate
The tram receives about 3 meters (about 10 feet) of rain per year, and the average daytime temperature is about 84 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). This area of Costa Rica has two distinct seasons-wet (from May to November) and dry (December to April).

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