If gliding through the lush green jungle alongside birds and sloths sounds like fun, you'll appreciate the Jungle Canopy Tour in Puerto Viejo de Limon, Costa Rica. Traveling on silent ziplines stretched for extended lengths over the tree tops is an unparalleled experience with spectacular views. This eco-adventure belongs on everyone's Costa Rican bucket list.
A heightened awareness. — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Gail Frankel and Nick Dominguez
After pick-up from your hotel or the Terraventuras office, it’s a 30-minute drive to base camp. From there, you’ll hike a gently steepening path through the forest.
Keep an eye out for red-eyed tree frogs, yellow eyelash vipers, green iguanas and tepezcuintle as you climb.
Terraventuras’ knowledgable, certificated guides speak multiple languages and are well-prepared to lead you on an adventure of a lifetime.
Jumping into the jungle. — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Gail Frankel and Nick Dominguez
The canopy tour consists of nearly 2800 meters of ziplines, interspersed with sturdy observation platforms built onto trees. These modern cables are made of carbon fiber, making them both incredibly strong and completely silent, so your tour won't disrupt the sounds of the forest.
The Terraventuras guides will help you get safely into your harness and equipment, and then train you on the basics of how to operate the pulley system. (It's pretty simple, mainly just leaning back and holding on as you lift off and start to glide.)
And finally, it's time to zip!
From platform to platform, you’ll glide across the tree tops, immersed in the primary forest. Feel the warm jungle breezes swirl as you blow past, rustling leaves and coming up-close-and-personal with treetop-dwelling creatures.
Take a quick rest on the sturdy platforms. They're strategically located throughout the terrain, each offering a unique observation point for the astonishing array of flora and fauna around. Your guides will also explain how the indigenous people use the cornucopia of flowers and plants flourishing here.
Pausing for photos post flight. — Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Gail Frankel and Nick Dominguez
Once your tour is complete, you have one final adventure: descending from the platform to the ground by a howl-inspiring Tarzan swing. (Gentler souls can opt for a calmer and more controlled last cable ride down.)
Back on the ground, hiking your way back to base camp will feel like a breeze to numb muscles. A snack of tropical fruits and water awaits to refresh you before the ride back to Puerto Viejo. This time, the minivan is swapped for a flatbed pick-up truck. You climb in, hold on, and get delivered back to your hotel.
Pick-up times are at 8:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. approximately, at hotels in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.
Difficulty: Moderate.
What's Included: Transportation, certificated guides, tropical fruits and water, as well as all the equipment and safety gear.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, natural mosquito repellent.
Rate: $55 per person. Children under 4 and up to 11 years pay half price.
FYI: If it rains, you still go. Not appropriate for pregnant women nor for kids under 3. Two person minimum. This adventure is approximately 4 hours from start to finish.
Bonus: For an additional $10, add "the Superman" for an extra twist of adrenaline. Get into flight position for a 300 meter cable.
