It’s hard to imagine a bigger thrill than Costa Rica hang gliding, paragliding, or ballooning. Combine the kick of soaring above the earth with Costa Rica’s unforgettable scenery below, its steep cliffs and volcanic mountains, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for adventure and fun.
Even better, Costa Rica hang gliding isn’t the only option available for thrill seekers. Bungee jumping is taking off in a big way in this Central American paradise, so both the young and the young-at-heart should have no problem mapping out an unforgettable vacation.
Tropical Bungee (www.tropicalbungee.co.cr) will let visitors jump off a 262-foot bridge over the Rio Colorado River for $60. The experience includes transportation from San Jose to the bridge and back, and a video of your jump to take home and show your friends. If you are up for a second bungee jump, that one will run you just $30 USD. The operators of the bungee site prefer for jumpers to have a reservation, but if you just show up they will usually fit you in.
Tropical Bungee also offers pilot training classes, so if you’ve started learning to fly back home, you can get in a few more hours while on vacation.
If Costa Rica hang gliding or paragliding is more your speed, Tropical Bungee can also set you up in the cliff area around Caldera, just south of Puntarenas. They offer a half hour fight in a tandem rig for just $60 USD.
Caldera is one of the hottest places for Costa Rica hang gliding and paragliding, and the sport gets bigger every year. If you’ve never given Costa Rica hang gliding a shot, summon all your bravery and try it. You’ll never forget the experience, and you just might get hooked.
Hot air ballooning Costa Rica gives adventure seekers a view of nature few others ever see, and though pricey, a one-day or multiple day tour can accommodate up to five people. Serendipity Adventures (www.serendipity-costarica.com) offers a variety of hot air balloon tours around Turrialba, Naranjo, and the Arenal Volcano for between $500 for two people to $900 for up to five people or 800 pounds, whichever comes first. If you can afford to splurge, Costa Rica hot air ballooning might be the treat you’ve been anticipating.
Finally, if Jaco is your favorite destination, you can still put Costa Rica hang gliding on your vacation agenda. Hang Glide Costa Rica (www.hangglidecostarica.com) offers a Jaco hang gliding experience that begins with a tow by an ultralight followed by approximately half an hour of gentle gliding. The cost for two people is just $125 USD.
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