It starts with a helmet, a harness, and a little flutter in your chest. You step onto a wooden platform high above the forest floor, clip in, take a deep breath—and then, suddenly, you're flying. The wind rushes past your face, the jungle blurs below, and for a moment, you're not just in nature. You're part of it.
Zip lining in Costa Rica was one of those experiences that lives up to the hype—and then some. It’s thrilling, yes, but what surprised us most was how peaceful it felt, gliding above the treetops, completely surrounded by green. It’s like walking into a nature documentary... only you're the drone camera.
We did our zip lining near the Arenal Volcano region—one of the best places in the country to try it. The cables stretch between platforms nestled in massive trees, crossing deep canyons, rushing rivers, and stretches of untouched rainforest. Everywhere you look, the forest pulses with life: howler monkeys in the distance, flashes of tropical birds, the scent of damp earth and wild orchids hanging in the air.
And then there’s that volcano backdrop—majestic, slightly moody, and always watching. Zip lining here doesn’t just give you a thrill. It gives you a front-row seat to Costa Rica’s raw, natural beauty.
We were a bit nervous about whether the kids would go for it—and our younger one did eventually back out. However, most zip line tours in Costa Rica are family-friendly, and many offer tandem rides for smaller children, plus expert guides who handle all the safety gear and coach you through every step. So if you have an adventurous young kid: the zip line is waiting for you.
I personally don't need an adrenaline rush - in stark contrast to my oldest. To my surprise, it turns out that canopy tours are more than just zipping. It's truly a unique and different way to experience the jungle - to soar above and walk the canopy. So even if you are siding with me in the argument over just how much adrenaline we need on our vacations, this is another great way to immerse yourself in nature.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes, shorts or leggings, and a shirt that won’t ride up under your harness.
Age & height limits: Most tours allow kids ages 5+ with tandem options for younger ones. Always check with the operator first.
Fear of heights? This might not be the tour for you. But if you are ready to face those fears: you're not alone! But the platforms feel safe and the staff are encouraging without being pushy.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, bug spray—and your courage (you won’t regret it).
Zip lining in Costa Rica is more than just a bucket-list item. It’s a way to see the rainforest from a completely new perspective—soaring above it, between it, and through it. It’s the kind of experience that makes you laugh out loud, makes your heart race, and somehow calms your soul all at once.
Whether you're here for adventure, family bonding, or just to feel something unforgettable—this one checks every box.
Congo Canopy's zip line course is located close to Coco Beach on the Pacific Coast. The standard course includes 10 cables that span up to 500 meters in length plus some upgrades that gets you extra cables (YES, do it) and a superman-style zipline. It's a great course, but nature does get dry and brown in this part of Costa Rica towards the local fall months (Feb - May).
PRO TIP: if you have a rental car, book with the operator directly. It's an easy drive that will save you plenty of money without sacrificing the experience.
This zip line course is located close to volcano Arenal near La Fortuna. It has only 8 cables, but a few of them are nice and long with the longest one stretching 600 meters through the jungle. My older boy loved the free-fall Tarzan swing, but it's not for the faint hearted. This is another great course that cuts right through the green, lush jungle.
PRO TIP: come early or in the later part of the afternoon. You don't only avoid the heat, but hear more jungle noises like birds chirping around you.
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