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A Guide to Zip Line Experiences in Costa Rica

Zip-lining, known as an ‘aerial slide’ in the UK and a ‘canopy tour’ in Costa Rica, is an exhilarating way to experience the lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems of this beautiful country.


A zip line consists of a wire cable stretched between trees or other vertical supports, allowing you to travel from platform to platform high above the ground. Suspended in a harness that glides over the wire, you are propelled by gravity, offering a unique and thrilling perspective of the treetops. Despite being high up, the harness and pulley system used by guides ensure that your journey is both safe and enjoyable.

The Basics of Zip Lining

Zip-lining is an activity that requires minimal physical fitness. The harness supports your weight, so you don't need to rely on your core muscles to maintain the correct position. The most challenging part might be the initial hike to reach the starting point of the zip line. For example, the zip line tour included in our Costa Rica Family Eco Adventure requires a 20-minute hike through the jungle from Pacuare Lodge. Alternatively, the zip-lining experience in Monteverde’s cloud forest, part of our Wildlife, Volcanoes, and Coastlines of Costa Rica tour, is accessible via a cable car.

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Top Zip Line Locations in Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is one of the most popular destinations for zip-lining in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The cloud forest offers a mystical and enchanting backdrop for your adventure. Here, you can zip between the trees, experiencing the mist and lush greenery that make Monteverde so unique. The Selvatura Park and Sky Adventures Park are two of the best places to enjoy a canopy tour in Monteverde. Both parks offer well-maintained courses, safety briefings, and knowledgeable guides to ensure a memorable experience.

Arenal Volcano

Another iconic zip-lining location in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano area. Imagine soaring through the air with the majestic Arenal Volcano in the background. Arenal Ecoglide Park and Sky Adventures Arenal Park are the top choices for zip-lining in this region. These parks feature a variety of zip lines, some of which are among the longest and highest in the country. The views of the volcano, lush rainforest, and Arenal Lake are simply breathtaking.

Manuel Antonio

For those who want to combine zip-lining with stunning coastal views, Manuel Antonio is the place to be. This region is renowned for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. The El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour is a popular option, offering a series of zip lines that take you through both rainforest and secondary forest, with occasional glimpses of the ocean. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birdlife as you zip through the trees.

Montezuma

The Nicoya Peninsula's Montezuma area offers a more off-the-beaten-path zip-lining experience. The Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour is a highlight, featuring a series of zip lines that culminate in a refreshing dip in the Montezuma Waterfall. This tour combines the thrill of zip-lining with the beauty of one of Costa Rica's most picturesque waterfalls, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Osa Peninsula

For those seeking a truly wild and remote zip-lining adventure, the Osa Peninsula is the perfect destination. This region, described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, offers canopy tours that allow you to immerse yourself in pristine rainforest. The Osa Canopy Tour provides an opportunity to zip through primary forest, offering unparalleled views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

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Arenal Volcano

When the skies are clear and lava is in full flow, the magnificent Arenal Volcano provides one of Central America’s most exhilarating natural sights and wonders – a combination of blinding light and logic-defying rumbling that erupts in a spectacular show for onlookers. Since 2010, Arenal, the world’s most active volcano for the last 43 years, has been in a resting period; however it still remains a stunning sight. Beyond Arenal’s lava fields, the surrounding rainforest national park is a lush, prime spot for walking and hiking. Set within the 29,960-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, the volcano itself is 1633 metres above sea level and was formed some 7,000 years ago by the adjacent and now extinct Chato Volcano. The town of La Fortuna is the gateway to the national park and is situated just 4 kilometres from the volcano itself. Soak and relax in volcanic hot springs, listen out for gas eruptions and, as darkness descends, watch Arenal come to life from the comfort of your lodge.

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Tortuguero National Park

Lying in the northeast of Costa Rica along the Caribbean coastline, the Tortuguero National Park is a stunningly located park that protects a 22-mile stretch of beach, providing one of the largest and most important nesting grounds for the endangered green turtle. During the nesting season, between July and October, entrants to the park will have the privilege of coinciding their visit with these gentle creatures who make their way up the beach at night to lay their eggs, and with our guided nocturnal trips it is possible to see them at incredibly close range, making it in many wildlife enthusiasts eyes a must as part of their Costa Rica itinerary. This is one of the best places to see turtle hatchlings, and you can also see wildlife such as sloths, monkeys and toucans.

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Monteverde Reserve Excursion

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Forming part of the central highlands, an expanse of undulating countryside that spreads as far east as Volcan Arenal to the lowlands of Guanacaste in the west, the luscious and fertile hill country of this region makes it one of Costa Rica’s most enticing for walking, hiking and exploring its natural world highlights. The corridor of settlements that comprises Monteverde and Santa Elena is surrounded by a swathe of famous cloud forests, which generally sit at an altitude of around 1500 metres above sea level and protect a variety of flora and fauna within the spectacular two reserves of the region.

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Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological reserve set on a peninsula atop an enchanting expanse of tropical rainforest, with spectacular views out to far-reaching white-sand beaches of the Central Pacific Coast.

Just a three-hour journey from the capital, San Jose, and one of only two spots in the country where you can see all four monkey species, it is also a great place for sloth-spotting. The smallest of Costa Rica’s nature reserves but by no means the least rewarding, Manuel Antonio offers visitors a tantalising and unusual mix of incredible beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, varied wildlife, and one of the best spots for relaxation in natural splendour.

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Osa Peninsula

Described by National Geographic Magazine as ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth,’ the Osa Peninsula is a unique and remote area in the southwest of Costa Rica. Home to the Corcovado National Park, this region is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience away from more popular tourist areas. The Osa Peninsula boasts vast biodiversity and is a natural wonderland with much of its parkland protected since 1975. It is even possible, though elusive, to sight pumas and jaguars.

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Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula

Bordering Nicaragua in the northwest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is a province whose name stems from the indigenous word ‘quahnacaztlan,’ meaning Guanacaste Tree, also the national tree of Costa Rica. The region is marked by spectacular beaches, a host of national parks, a string of volcanoes, wild rivers, and diverse forests, including the last remaining bands of protected tropical dry forests that used to stretch to Mexico.

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Pacuare Ziplining

Safety and Preparation

Safety and Preparation

Zip-lining in Costa Rica is generally very safe, thanks to the stringent safety standards and experienced guides. Before embarking on your canopy tour, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be equipped with a harness, helmet, and gloves. Guides will demonstrate how to use the equipment and what to expect during your zip-lining experience. Always follow their instructions and ask any questions you might have to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.nd Preparation

What to Bring

When preparing for a zip-lining adventure in Costa Rica, consider the following:

  • Comfortable Clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing that allows for easy movement. Long trousers are recommended to protect your legs from harness straps.
  • Closed-Toe Shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
  • Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, especially in the rainforest.
  • Sunscreen: Even in the forest, you can be exposed to the sun, so apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, particularly if you’re hiking to the zip-lining site.
  • Camera: Many tours offer secure ways to carry a camera so you can capture breathtaking views.

Zip-lining in Costa Rica offers a thrilling and unforgettable way to explore the country’s incredible natural beauty. Whether you’re gliding through the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, zipping past the imposing Arenal Volcano, or enjoying coastal views in Manuel Antonio, there’s a zip-lining experience for everyone.

With top-notch safety standards and knowledgeable guides, you can enjoy this adventure with peace of mind. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to soar through the treetops of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Activity Zip Lining

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Are you ready to experience the thrill of zip-lining in Costa Rica? Contact us today to plan your adventure and discover the best canopy tours this vibrant country has to offer.