Why You Need to Go Ziplining in Costa Rica
Ziplining and Costa Rica go together like peanut butter and jelly. There really is no better feeling than soaring through and above the rainforest. The rush you feel from the speed of the cable, paired with stunning views, really can’t be beaten! Ziplining is something that you have to experience while visiting Costa Rica.
What You Need for Ziplining in Costa Rica
- Plan ahead! Since you’re reading this, you’re already doing this! Knowing you want to go Ziplining in Costa Rica is the first step! Researching companies can always be helpful, but if you’re staying at a hotel, they often partner with different tour companies that will provide you with transportation!
- Make a Reservation – whether months or days before, we always recommend making a reservation at least one day prior!
- Pack smart – bring only what you need! We recommend comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, closed-toe footwear and a camera (with a strap) – leave your other valuables at the hotel! We go into a lot more detail in our post on what to wear ziplining in Costa Rica.
Cost of Ziplining in Costa Rica
The cost of ziplining in Costa Rica varies depending on the course, location and inclusions. In some cases, if you want to just do the ziplines, you can do that for only $35 USD. Otherwise, you’re likely looking somewhere between $100-200. In our opinion, it’s worth every penny and should be on the top of your Costa Rica bucket list.
Are Ziplines Safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, ziplining in Costa Rica is safe, but as with most things, we recommend setting aside some time to research the company you are ziplining with. Costa Rica has very few regulations, insurance requirements, and safety standards that companies must meet (when it comes to ziplining). That being said, the tourism industry is one of Costa Rica’s most important industries, and for that reason, zipline companies take safety very seriously.
Many of the Costa Rican zipline companies are certified by the American Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). If you are ever in doubt – ask someone who works there; we found everyone to be very knowledgeable and helpful!
Still wondering if ziplines are safe in Costa Rica? We answer all the safety questions you may have in our post Are Ziplines Safe in Costa Rica?
FYI – we did three tours and the safety instructions varied from a quick instruction and overview to a detailed 30-minute safety instruction and demonstration.
Safety Features to Look For (or Ask if They Have Before You Go)
- Certification – Are they certified by a reputable safety standards company such as the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)?
- Safety Demonstration – Is there a safety demonstration? This demonstration should include a hands-on explanation of how you will connect, disconnect and transfer to the physical zipline cables. It should also include what to do if you go too slow and get stuck on the line (yes, this can happen).
- Check Your Equipment – This doesn’t need to be anything rigorous, but your harness and cables shouldn’t have any cuts, splices or look excessively worn out. Your trolley should have two wheels (known as a double trolley) that spin well and with no rust, bent metal, or cracks.
- Ask Questions – How often do they check the integrity of the wires? An in-depth check should be done every six months, along with visual checks performed daily.
Is There a Weight Limit?
On average, you will not be able to ride if you weigh more than 270-275 pounds. The reason for the weight restriction is not because the cable cannot hold the weight, but to ensure that the rider can get across the cable (you need enough speed to get across). Don’t worry if you do get stuck – they are trained and able to help, but this is the reason for the weight restriction!
Age Restrictions for Ziplining in Costa Rica
There are technically no minimum age restrictions in Costa Rica, but most companies set their own minimum age restrictions. Those age restrictions vary by company, but the average minimum age is 5-7 years old. This is where weight also comes in – if a child is too light, they may need to go with one of the guides. Often times they have different courses for beginners or children. We recommend checking the company’s website or sending them an email to confirm before going.
Health Restrictions for Ziplining in Costa Rica
Technically there aren’t any health restrictions, but you should be in “okay” physical shape. There is going to be a hike in order to get to the starting point of the zipline – the length and steepness of the hike varies by company. The distance between each zipline is relatively short, but you will be carrying all your ziplining gear, which weighs approximately 10 pounds.
Riding the Zipline
This is what you signed up for! We thought it was important to highlight what gear you’ll use, how you actually get started on the zipline and most importantly, how you stop on the zipline itself. Other than that, the only expectation for riding the zipline is to have fun and keep your mouth closed – so no bugs fly in!
Gear You Will Use
- The Harness – In most cases, this will be a simple harness that goes around your waist and thighs. In the case of the Superman zipline and Tarzan swing that we rode at Congo Trail, we had a bit more gear.
- Helmet – It goes without saying that this is a mandatory item you’ll wear.
- Trolley – Connects your harness to the zipline wire itself.
- Carabiners – These connect your harness to the trolley with heavy-duty straps.
- Gloves – These vary depending on the braking system used on the zipline.
We go into more detail on these items and what to wear ziplining in Costa Rica.
Do I Have to Climb a Tree to Start?
No, not like you’d think! This entirely depends on the zipline course; however, in most cases, you will likely just need to take a few steps to get to the starting platform. With most zipline courses, you typically hike (or get a ride) to a higher elevation, which is where the course will start. Then, you work your way down in elevation as you ride from tree to tree!
Stopping on the Zipline
You never want to stop during the ride. If you do get stuck, the guides are prepared to help. In most cases, there’s enough decline, that you’re able to get to the end. That being said, you are normally flying in at a pretty high speed. There are two ways that you stop when you come to the end of the zipline – some courses do this differently:
- The most common is pulling on the cable. The rider will wear a leather glove with extra padding and pull down on the zipline wire in order to slow down and stop.
- The second, which is also very common in Costa Rica, is the capture block. This is where a block is pushed out on the zipline wire (by the guide), attached by a rope and pulley system. When the rider’s trolley hits the block, the pulley system will automatically slow the rider down.
Getting To Your Zipline Tour
Depending on how close the zipline tour is to your hotel/resort, the tour company may offer a free pickup and drop-off. We did this and had no problems at all! Another option would be to order a taxi from where you’re staying (they are relatively cheap depending on how far you’re going) and ask the driver to pick you up from the zipline tour, at a specific time. The final option, which we did as well, is renting a car and driving to the zipline tour.
Driving to the Zipline Tours
We rented a car and had no problem navigating through Costa Rica. We did have to ask the locals once for help finding a zipline course, but they knew exactly where it was! There was free parking at every location as well. We definitely felt safe driving in Costa Rica!
Where to go Ziplining in Costa Rica?!
We had the EXACT same question when we booked our trip! When we travelled to Costa Rica, we knew that we wanted to go ziplining as much as possible. We decided to try three different zipline tours (also known as canopy tours), and all three were drastically different. Many of the zipline tours and packages in Costa Rica are similar to these, so we have broken down our experiences below.
Arenal Mundo Aventura – The Longest Zipline in Costa Rica
Inclusions: 9+ cables with the best views of Costa Rica, entertaining guides & a visit to the Maleku Cultural Rescue Center
Time: 3.5 hours
Cost: $75 USD per adult, $57 USD ($75 CAD) per child*
*Children must be seven years old, at least 3’10” and 51lbs.
Arenal Mundo Adventura’s Website
Our Experience at Arenal Mundo Aventura
If we returned to Costa Rica and could only go on one canopy tour – this would be the one! We did the Big AMA Course and would highly recommend it!
They have a 980-meter cable (over half a mile) that crosses over the La Fortuna Waterfall with the Arenal Volcano in the background. They also have the longest zipline in Costa Rica, which spans 3 km (2 mi). We rented a car and drove to the park ourselves, but they do offer transportation if staying close by.
We booked the package online the day before and had no issues! When we arrived, we were given a thorough safety demonstration with other people, but they were going on a different tour, so we ended up being the only people on our tour; along with the two guides – Brian & Hector – they were AWESOME!
Buena Vista Eco Adventure Park – The Costa Rican Experience
Inclusions: 10 cable canopy tour, horseback riding, hot springs, lunch, and jungle waterslide
Time: Full Day
Cost: Varies depending on how you book – but expect at least $100 USD
Buena Vista Eco Adventure Park’s Website
Our Experience at Buena Vista Eco Adventure Park
We booked this excursion through our hotel once we arrived in Costa Rica. This package was perfect because it really encompassed everything that we were thinking of doing on our trip! Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the Buena Vista team and given a safety overview for the canopy tour. The canopy tour consisted of 10 cables soaring through the tropical forest.
After the canopy tour, we got to ride on the 425-meter jungle waterslide – it is built into the natural forest landscape. We can’t say this was the most comfortable experience, but definitely a lot of fun – and ladies, wear a one-piece swimsuit!
After all the adrenaline, we got to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch. If that wasn’t enough, after lunch, we rode 45 minutes horseback to the hot springs! We will say that the journey on horseback was a bit nerve-racking as there were some steep edges that the horses liked to get close to. However, these horses have ridden this path so many times, they know what they are doing! Plus, you have guides there to help!
At the hot springs, you’ll enjoy five thermal pools and volcanic mud! Yes, that’s right, they had volcanic mud that you can use (if you want) before bathing. We won’t go into detail on this, but apparently, volcanic mud has several health benefits! After relaxing at the hot springs, you get a tractor ride back to the entrance.
The great thing about Buena Vista is that you can actually stay there, and they also offer all kinds of eco, adventure, wellness and cultural tours.
Congo Trail Canopy Tour – ATVs & Monkeys
Inclusions: Superman zipline, Tarzan swing, ATV ride & monkey sanctuary!
Time: Half Day
Cost: packages start at $30 USD
Congo Canopy’s Website
Our Experience at Congo Canopy
The main reason we decided to take this tour was that we wanted to go ATV-ing during our trip to Costa Rica. We did the ATV & Canopy Tour – but they offer several other options! Our day started with an awesome ATV ride, just the two of us and our guide. After ripping around on our ATVs and checking out some amazing lookout points, we were asked if we wanted to do the original zipline tour or extreme. Without much hesitation, we decided on the Extreme Canopy Zipline Tour. Because we had already done the more traditional rides, we thought we would try something different.
The Extreme Canopy Zipline Tour allowed us to zipline together, on our stomachs like Superman. This was obviously Liam’s favorite part. Then we got to ride the Tarzan swing, with the option of riding it upside down, like a bungee jump. Of course, Madison chose to go upside down, thinking Liam would follow suit, but that didn’t happen! Regardless, we had a lot of fun. These ziplines were definitely a bit more extreme but allowed us to have a different experience.
The best part? Playing with a bunch of monkeys afterward! As you can see, this was one of the highlights of Madison’s trip!
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
There are so many unique places to stay in Costa Rica. We opted to book an all-inclusive package through Air Canada Vacations and stayed at Villas Sol Hotel & Resort in Guanacaste.
We also rented a car for a night and stayed at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel (which we highly recommend – read about our experience here)!
Costa Rica is one of our favourite countries that we’ve ever visited – from the breathtaking biodiversity to the thrilling ziplines – we can’t wait to go back!
