The lush country of Costa Rica is known predominantly for three things; gourmet coffee, dense green jungles, and surf-worthy coastlines.
We made the most of all these highlights when working our way through the ultimate Costa Rica itinerary.
The experience was even better than expected, with a few activities standing out above the rest. One of these was exploring the canopies of the Costa Rican jungles.
This was such a memorable activity that ziplining fast-tracked its way to the number one item on my Costa Rica bucket list.
To help you have an equally unforgettable experience, here’s an overview of the best Costa Rica zipline tours.
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Zip-lining through the tree tops of Tortuguero National Park
Do you need travel insurance to go zip-lining in Costa Rica?
After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.
You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with Heymondo.
Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).
Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.
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Swimming in the second waterfall of the Blue Falls of Costa Rica
Canopy Tours and Ziplines in Costa Rica
Ziplining in Costa Rica is the perfect activity for nature lovers and adventure junkies. The experience offers a fun and exciting way to discover the rich flora of Costa Rica’s tropical jungles.
Soar across the treetops, or walk across a wooden bridge, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the boastful colours of the jungle. If the thought of dangling in the air makes you nervous, then not to worry.
All tours include a safety demonstration beforehand to put your mind at ease. Ziplining is one of the top tourist activities in the country.
Companies offering ziplines in Costa Rica are professional and thorough in preparing you. There are a variety of experiences to explore, from cruising over waterfalls and volcanoes to walking through the greenery.
Keep in mind that most tour companies have minimum and maximum weight put in place for your safety. Make sure that you ask about these restrictions before booking.
Crossing one of the hanging bridges of our canopy tour in Tortuguero National Park
Pick from the best ziplines in Costa Rica
There are lots of places in Costa Rica that offer canopy and zipline tours. So, how do you choose the best canopy trip Costa Rica has to offer?
I’ve listed below some of the top picks in Costa Rica. They will all offer a similar experience so you can choose the one that strikes your fancy more or that best fits your itinerary.
Tortuguero National Park
While adventuring through the tropical Central American country, we spent quite a bit of time in Tortuguero National Park. In fact, this is where we got harnessed up for a canopy tour.
Costa Rica has many options – but this is one of the best.
Located in the Limón Province of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is known as a turtle nesting site, but also offers memorable canopy tours.
There are 11 platforms, four suspension bridges, seven cables, one scaling wall and a Tarzan swing. Some of these lines extend as high as 80-meters for those in search of an additional adrenaline kick.
Click here to book your Tortuguero Canopy & Zipline tour!
A wire you had to balance on to go from one tree to the next during our zip-line and canopy tour in Tortuguero
Arenal Volcano Canopy Zipline Tour
Arenal zipline tours are some of the most popular in Costa Rica. Depending on the tour, the cables give travellers an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano as it sits nestled in the dense tropical rainforest.
The volcano itself looms large in and amongst the green trees. Reaching a height of 1,657 meters, it is quite a sight to behold.
Although the colossal structure is currently resting, it is known to be Costa Rica’s most active volcano in the past five decades.
There are nine different ziplines to choose from, offered by a variety of canopy tour groups. Included in the options is one of the longest cables in the country.
Enjoy a magnificent view of Costa Rica’s stunning natural resources from above. If you choose the correct line, you can rise up to 40-meters above the treeline!
Find out more about booking an Arenal Volcano canopy zipline tour here!
Hiking around the base of Arenal Volcano
Monteverde Costa Rica Zipline
The Monteverde zipline is at the top of a Google search, and for good reason. The most alluring appeal of the area is the cloud forest experience that it offers.
The area is home to approximately 2,500 species of plants, 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals. You stand a chance of seeing all species from the aerial tour.
The Aventura Canopy tour in Monteverde is known to be popular among those looking for fun and exciting ways to engage with nature. It also happens to be home to the longest zipline in Latin America at 1590 meters in length!
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also visit the Tarzan Swing. It yo-yos thrill-seekers through the air from a height of 45 meters.
Zip-lining amongst the famous cloud forest is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Monteverde.
Find out more about Monteverde Costa Rica Zipline!
And then on to some hanging bridges!
Diamante Superman Canopy Zipline
This aerial adventure can be enjoyed in the Diamante Eco Adventure Park. The park doesn’t only offer a fun zipline experience.
It also has hanging bridges, a native botanical garden, ocean activities and serves as home to the wildlife in the Guanacaste Province.
The Diamante Superman zipline is particularly amusing as you imagine yourself into the position of a superhero – while throwing yourself across the treetops.
Enjoy long ride times that boast breathtaking ocean views. There is also the option of guest lines so that you can enjoy the experience with your loved ones.
Find out more about the Diamante Superman Canopy Zipline here!
Zip-lining in Costa Rica
Jaco Canopy Zipline
While all areas in Costa Rica are beautiful, Jaco Beach is something special. It has long stretches of the blue ocean framed by vibrant green jungles. The Jaco Canopy tour offers a fantastic way to experience the area.
With 10 cables and elevated platforms, you can expect to see a beautiful waterfall, an array of wildlife and stunning views of the peninsula.
This particular adventure is not for the faint-hearted. The zipline is recommended for more experienced thrill-seekers.
Previous experience is not required. However, you need an iron will and a brave face if this canopy tour is your first.
Check out the latest prices and availability at Jaco Canopy Zipline!
Mistico Park Hanging Bridges
Mistico Park is a nature reserve bustling with biodiversity living in the forests and scenic lake. Visitors can experience beauty with a guided tour or solo mission across the hanging bridges.
The total length of the bridges is 3,2 kilometres, with a shorter version available at 1,9 kilometres.
This experience is perfect for those not as daring and who would prefer to have their feet flat on the ground rather than dangling through the air.
A guided tour will give you expert insight into the various layers of the rainforest. Guides give an explanation of the rich biodiversity that lives in each.
Alternatively, you can walk through the magnificent forest on your own and follow the winding canopy bridges.
Check out prices and availability at Mistico Park Hanging Bridges here!
Enjoying a canopy and zipline tour in Costa Rica
San Luis Canopy Tour
Located in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica is San Luis. It is home to a dense, cloud forest canopy. This area is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to zipline in Costa Rica.
There are 12 different lines scattered between 18 platforms. The various routes will transport visitors across the trees, waterfalls and tranquil river of the region.
The canopy tours in San Luis are located approximately an hour and a half from the capital city of San José. I recommend booking a tour based on where you are staying.
This will remove all of the fuss and allow you to kick back and relax before swinging off a platform.
Click here to book your San Luis Canopy Tour!
Rainy canoe tours in Tortuguero National Park
Additional tips for Costa Rica canopy tours
There are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing for your adventure. These small actions can turn your great experience into a fantastic one.
Wear comfortable shoes
Speeding across the treetops and loose flip flops are not a good combination. Wearing closed shoes will make sure that you finish with both shoes on your feet, and that you don’t get any foot spasms trying to keep your flip flops on.
Keep your belongings on solid ground
It’s equally as easy to lose the belongings out of your pockets as it is to lose your loose sandals from your feet.
Before getting strapped up in your harness, make sure that you empty your pockets and zip up the essentials. This includes glasses and hats.
Pay attention to the safety instructions
The safety demonstration before ziplining is important to keep you safe. During the demonstration, you’re taught how to brake, go faster and how to handle any awkward situations.
Bring a GoPro or camera with you!
If you have any video equipment, like a GoPro, then make sure that you bring it along. It’s great fun to relive the experience and show it to your friends and family afterwards.
Wandering along the main street of Tortuguero
Final thoughts on Costa Rica zip lines
As you can see, there are a variety of different jungle experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, something to do with the kids, or a group activity, you’ll find the perfect experience.
Costa Rica is a dream destination for outdoors lovers, and zipline is amongst the most fun experiences you can have. It was one of our favourite things to do in Costa Rica, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!
I hope you find this guide useful in planning your own canopy and zipline tour in Costa Rica. If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below.
Looking for more Costa Rica travel tips? Check out these guides:
- Learn to surf in Santa Teresa
- Swim in the Blue Falls of Costa Rica
- Is rafting in Costa Rica worth it?
- Ultimate guide to Catarata del Toro waterfall
- Day tour to Isla Tortuga
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