The canopy tours are among the top adventure activities in Costa Rica and the Zip Lining in Monteverde has a unique offering. The rides are over the cloud forests and if weather concurs, through the clouds.
The hanging bridges of Monteverde bring the actions near the canopies at your eye level, while the zip lines takes it further, soaring over the canopy.
There are quite a few choices of tours in the area. Here is our guide to pick a zip-lining tour in Monteverde based on your interests and convenience.
Zip lining in Monteverde – Quick Overview
| Adventure Parks | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Selvatura Park | Moderate to high adventure with scenic views of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, great for an overall experience. |
| Original Canopy Tour | Family-friendly zip-lining close to Santa Elena town, good for first-timers. |
| Treetopia Park | Convenient zip-lining with automatic braking system and includes Sky Tram cable car ride. |
| Extremo Park | For extreme adventure seekers, with largest cable distance including Superman Cables. |
| 100% Aventura | Longest Superman cable in Costa Rica for high-adrenaline adventure seekers. |
Canopy Tour: Zip Lining at Selvatura Park
Location
The Selvatura Park is a 15-20 minutes drive from the Santa Elena town center. It is located just a few hundred meters before the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
The zip lines, being close to the lush green cloud forest reserve make it more thrilling.
➡️ Book your Canopy Tour at Selvatura Park here
Experience
We had a great experience zip lining at the Selvatura Park. The entire process was smooth starting from the online booking confirmation to the last cable.
It was not our first time but still the first cable always gives you a bit of nervousness.
However, we were at ease soon after and concentrated on the sights. In couple of cables, we had the aerial view of the hanging bridges as well.
They have lots of other activities which can be added as a combo tour or can be purchased separately.
These include hanging bridges, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, sloth sanctuary, reptiles and amphibians exhibition. We did some of the other activities as well.
✅ We recommend Selvatura Park for moderate to high zip lining adventure experience and for the overall experience along with the hanging bridges, hummingbird gardens and more.
No. of cables: 13
Total Cable Length: 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
Range of Length of the Cables: 70 meters to 1 km
Additionals:
- Convert the last 1 km cable into a Superman for an extra fee.
- There is an optional Tarzan Swing for no extra cost.
- You can buy your zip lining photos for extra fees, at the time of booking. You will also have the option to decide and purchase the photos after the tour.
Cost
- Foreign Adults: 80 USD
- Foreign Children (4 years -11 years): 56 USD
- Students under 18: 72 USD
- CR Nationals and Residents: 72 USD
Additional Cost: All rates incur an additional 13% tax extra. Superman Cable costs an extra fee between 12 USD to 14 USD + tax.
Time
Selvatura Park offers 4 slots daily for their Canopy Tour: 8.30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2.30pm.
Book your Canopy Tour at Selvatura Park here →
Original Canopy Tour: Zip Lining near Santa Elena
Location
The Original Canopy Tour is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Santa Elena town center, making it one of the most accessible zip-lining tours in Monteverde.
The tour site is nestled within lush cloud forests, providing an immersive and eco-friendly experience.
➡️ Book your Original Canopy Tour here
Experience
The Original Canopy Tour stands out as the pioneer of zip-lining in Costa Rica, making it a historical and adventurous experience.
It strikes a good balance between adrenaline-filled zip lines and nature-focused activities.
The tour includes zip lines, a rappel, a hammock bridge, and a unique Tarzan swing experience.
✅ We recommend Original Canopy Tour for families looking for a zip lining adventure, which is fun but not extreme, close to the Santa Elena town.
No. of cables: 10
Range of Length of the Cables: 60 meters to 800 meters
Included Additionals:
- Transport from the Hotel in Monteverde included.
- Tarzan Swing included in the cost.
- Rappeling experience included in the tour.
- Explore a Hammock Bridge.
- Climbing a Ficus tree.
Cost
- Foreign Adults: 79.10 USD
- Foreign Children (5 – 11 Years): 56.50 USD
- Foreign Students: 67.80 USD
- Costa Rica Nationals & Residents: 45.20 USD
Time
Extremo Park offers 3 time slots daily for the canopy tour, at 7:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm.
Book your Original Canopy Tour Here →Sky Trek: Zip Lining at Treetopia Park (formerly Sky Adventures)
Location
The Treetopia Park in Monteverde is located 4 km / 2.5 miles from the town center on the same road that leads to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
➡️ Book the Sky Trek experience at Treetopia Park here
Experience
Treetopia Park zip lining tour, also known as Sky Trek, stands out for their braking system. They offer an automatic braking system which does not require you to hold or press the cable for braking.
Instead you just need to hold on to a pulley unlike the other zip line tours, where you hold the cable in a certain way described by the guides.
So if you are looking for an automatic system, Sky Trek is a great option. Honestly, this was not a deal breaker for us, we just wanted to have fun!
Sky has a short cable ride which works like a trial or practice ride before the longer cables start. This helps you to get comfortable with the gears and systems.
There is a Sky Tram ride after the first short cable which takes you to the platform from where the other cable rides begin. This ride is included in the cost. Also, there is a free fall activity included in the tour, which they have named – Vertigo Drop.
There are other interesting activities offered by Sky Adventures. They are hanging bridges called Sky Walk, a cable car ride called Sky Tram and a Herpetarium.
✅ We recommend Treetopia Park for moderate to high zip lining adventure experience, family-friendly and easy-to-use experience along with the cable car ride – Sky Tram.
No. of cables: 7
Total Cable Length: 3 km / 1.9 miles
Range of Length of the Cables: 140 meters to 750 meters
Additionals:
- Sky Tram Ride is included in the cost of Zip lining
- Vertigo Drop is added in the cost.
- You can buy your zip lining photos for extra fees, at the time of booking. You will also have the option to decide and purchase the photos after the tour.
Cost (Sky Tram experience is included with Sky Trek)
- Foreign Adults: 100.57 USD
- Foreign Children (5 -12 Years): 80.23 USD
- CR Nationals and Residents: 80.23 USD
Time
Treetopia Park Monteverde, the Sky Trek tour daily at 9 different time slots, at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10 am, 11.00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm.
Book your Sky Trek at Treetopia Park Here →
Canopy: Zip Line Tour at Extremo Park
Location
The Extremo Park in Monteverde is located 7 km / 4.3 miles from the town center.
➡️ Book your Extremo Park Canopy Tour here
Experience
This canopy tour is among the longest in terms of distance covered in cables. They have 2 Superman cables (one of them inside a tunnel!) and a Tarzan Swing added in the cost.
As the name suggests, they have other extreme activities apart from the zip lining tour, such as extreme bungee jumping and extreme Tarzan Swing.
Also, you can opt exclusively for their 2 Superman cables if you are just interested in flying like a bird on their 1+ km cable and the other with length 175 meters that passes through an underground tunnel.
✅ We recommend Monteverde Extremo Park for adventure seekers looking for an extreme tour with 4 km cables, Superman Cables and 50 meters high Tarzan swing.
➡️ Apart from the Canopy Tour, you can also book their Extreme Bungee jumping for more fun.
No. of cables: 11
Total Cable Length: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Range of Length of the Cables: Up to 1 km
Additionals:
- 2 Superman Cables added in the cost, one of them through a tunnel.
- Tarzan Swing added in the cost.
Cost (including 2 Superman Cables)
- Foreign Adults: 67.80 USD
- CR Nationals and Residents: 45.20 USD
Cost (just 2 Superman Cables)
For anyone: 45.20 USD
Time
Extremo Park offers 3 time slots daily for the canopy tour, at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Book your Canopy Tour at Extremo Park Here →Monteverde Zip Line Canopy Tour at 100% Aventura Adveture Park
Location
The 100% Aventura Adventure Park in Monteverde is located 4 km / 2.5 miles from the town center, roughly 10 minutes ride.
Experience
100% Aventura boasts of the longest zip lining cable in Monteverde. One of their 2 Superman cables is 1.59 km / 1 mile long! They also include a rappeling, hammock bridge and a Tarzan swing.
Also, they have other activities in the park like hanging bridges and ATV tours.
✅ We recommend 100% Aventura for high zip lining adventure experience, for the adventure seekers looking for high adrenaline rush along with the ultimate Tarzan swing and rappeling experiences.
No. of cables: 10
Total Cable Length: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Range of Length of the Cables: Up to 1.59 km / 1 mile – longest zip lining cable in Monteverde and Costa Rica!
Additionals:
- 2 Superman Cables added in the cost.
- 1 Rappeling.
- 1 Hammock Bridge.
- Tarzan Swing added in the cost.
Cost
- Foreign Adults: 67.80 USD
- Foreign Children: 56.50 USD
- CR Nationals and Residents: 45.20 USD
Time
There are 3 options of slots that are available daily at 8:00 am, 11:00 noon, 2:00 pm.
Which Zipline Monteverde Tour to choose in Monteverde?
As we described above, each of the 5 parks has something to offer. It goes down to personal interests and decision-making tick marks.
Here are some of our key pointers which we feel can be important in the decision making process.
Our Top Picks
✅ Go for Selvatura Park for the views due to the proximity to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and the loads of other activities and Costa Rican wildlife experience you can combine with the tour.
✅ The Original Canopy Tour is close to the Santa Elena town and the scenic Zip Lining adventure is great for Families and Kids.
✅ The Treetopia Park have the automatic braking system unlike others. Also, they are the only park to have a Sky Tram, a ride that is included in the cost.
Extreme Adventure Picks
✅ The Extremo Park covers the most in terms of cable distance and the only one to offer a Superman cable through a tunnel included in the cost. Also, as the name suggests, they have other extreme activities that can be combined at additional costs, a good deal for extreme adventure seekers.
✅ The 100% Aventura is value for money package having the longest cable in the area.
The canopy tours fly you over the forests while you have a bird’s eye view, an entirely new perspective. There are several tour companies in Monteverde that offer zip lining tours with options of other activities in their respective adventure parks.
The zip line tours, whichever you choose, have the following common steps to keep in mind.
What to expect from the Zip line Tours in Monteverde?
The canopy tours fly you over the forests while you have a bird’s eye view, an entirely new perspective.
The zip line tours, whichever you choose, have the following common steps to keep in mind.
Gearing Up
As you reach the tour office at the stipulated time, the person at the counter will confirm the booking and provide the necessary details about the tour.
You can purchase the package of your zip line tour photos or additional activities as well from the counter.
After the initial formalities, you will be directed to the equipment room. The guides help you gear up for the tour. With the harnesses, heavy metallic hooks, gloves and helmets, it feels as if we are ready for a war!
Instructions
➡️ The tours happen in batches. The tour guide assembles all the participants and demonstrates the routine.
It will include how to position your body while zip lining, safety instructions and braking methods (this may be different for different companies).
The last one is important, so clarify the instructions with the guide, in case you have a problem understanding.
🌳 Do not get overwhelmed with the instructions. The important part of the tour is to enjoy the views from a unique perspective.
The Flights
Here we go. Time for the real deal.
➡️ Each time you will be on a platform, where a guide will help you tie the hook on your harness to the zip line cable.
Get in the posture as instructed in the previous step and the platform guide will help you get on the cable and cruise to the next platform.
This drill to flying from one platform to another will continue till the end of the tour. Easy, huh?
You will get a hang of it after 1 or 2 flights, if you are a first-timer.
☁️ Do not forget to check out the surrounding mountains and canopies below. If the weather is cloudy, chances are that you will fly through the clouds.
Bonus Activities
Superman Cables: Most tour companies offer zip line cables suited for the Superman experience. Here you will ride, suspended from the cable, in a lying down posture.
➡️ The Superman cables, if available, are either added for an extra free or included in the cost of the zip line tour.
✅ Extremo Park includes 2 interesting Superman Cables, including one through an underground tunnel, in their price.
Tarzan Swing: It is exactly what the name is, a Tarzan swing. You will jump from a high platform holding a rope, of course with additional ropes hooked to your waist for safety.
The first part feels like a free fall then rising high in the air oscillating like a pendulum. The guides will help reduce the speed of oscillation but let you swing a few rounds.
My Feeling of First Time on the Superman Line
There is fun in the fear of trying new things. I knew that there is a hook attached to my waist.
Still, when I looked down from the platform, I could feel a bit of chill rushing through my spine.
I was suspended from the cable with the head down but with the chin up, ready to take off. The last cable of the zip lining tour over the cloud forests of Monteverde was a Superman line, a canopy tour in an upside down lying position.
Just like Superman! But when I took the plunge from the platform, a captivating delight triumphed over my feeling of fear. I watched the canopies pass below and the world seemed to move slower. I thanked myself for taking the ride.
Final Thoughts
Are the options making it difficult to choose? Now, whether you found your pick easily or debate on the deal-breakers, relax and enjoy the rides over one of the most bio-diverse areas of the world.
Monteverde is a land of activities and rich flora and fauna. Zip lining over the cloud forest canopy here makes it full by adding the aerial perspective to the other ones through hikes and hanging bridges.
Plan your Monteverde trip:
- Hanging Bridges of Monteverde
- Zip-lining in Monteverde
- Our most exciting Waterfall Hike in Monteverde – El Tigre Waterfalls Guide
- Hiking the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
- Our Experience in Children’s Eternal Rainforest, Monteverde
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Note: All the photos in this post are clicked by the photographers of Selvatura Park or Sky Adventures Monteverde. We had purchased the photo packs at both the parks.
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Elaborate description of Zip Lining leaves no space for the reader to be in dark about the thrilling adventure, so nicely described.
Photographs virtually complement the canopy. The entire vividly described trip must be lucrative to the off beat travel aspirants.
I stupendously enjoyed the complete episode myself.