Zip lining at Rios Tropicales, Costa Rica

Whizz through the treetops on a zip line

See the Costa Rican rainforest from a completely new perspective.

Zip lining at Rios Tropicales, Costa Rica

Explore the rainforest canopy by zip line

Think Costa Rican rainforest, think zip-lining. The two almost go hand-in-hand, and it's hard to resist having a go. Zip lines have developed into one of Costa Rica's most widespread and popular activities.

Why go zip-lining? First and foremost, it gives you a completely different perspective of the rainforest. The steel cables and platforms strung at various heights between trees allow the opportunity to reach areas previously unobtainable Secondly, it will undoubtedly get your blood pumping, and thirdly, it will give you an insight into ecology, botany, wildlife and also the sustainability of the country.

Feel the wind fly past as you whizz from platform to platform
A safe yet exhilarating way to experience the rainforest
Appreciate the ecology of the rainforest
Experience nature from a different perspective
It's fun. An adrenalin rush is guaranteed

Canopy zipline at Rios Tropicales, Pacuare, Costa Rica

Enjoy a bird's eye view of the rainforest. Sights, sounds and smells are all accentuated, your senses heightened as adrenalin pumps through your body.

What's it like?

Zip line tours vary in duration depending on where you choose to do it. It can take an hour and some can take two to three hours to complete and may be combined with hiking, Tarzan swings or hanging bridges. One thing is for sure, once you've finished, you'll want to go back to the start!

Where to go

You will find zip lines throughout the country. The most popular ones and some of the best can be found in Monteverde, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Rios Tropicales Lodge on the Pacuare River is another great place for ziplining. They vary from reasonably sedate experiences to hair-raising zooms through the forests! SkyTrek at Arenal has one of the fastest and longest ziplines in the world, but there is a good ‘taster’ zipline next to Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero. Ask us for more advice.

When to go

The time of year doesn’t really matter, although it will be more enjoyable if it is not raining heavily. Take a look at our guide to when to go to Costa Rica.

How to do it

Tribes can easily incorporate a zip-line tour into your itinerary for you, everything can be arranged beforehand. If you prefer to be flexible then these can be booked whilst you are in Costa Rica, often via your accommodation but may require 24-hour advance booking.