Arenal 12 Zipline Cables: Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall

You cross directly above La Fortuna Waterfall on a zipline. The only tour that does.

Zip across 12 canopy cables strung through rainforest canyons near La Fortuna, with views of the waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato from the treetops. A professional guide leads the half-day experience. Helmet, harness and hotel pickup from La Fortuna are included. Children from age 7 can join if accompanied by an adult, and the course suits anyone with moderate fitness.

The experience

The walk to the first platform is short, just 450 meters through the rainforest, so you're rigged up and ready to launch within the opening minutes. From there, you traverse 12 cables strung across canyons, each one offering a different angle on the landscape below: the cascading La Fortuna Waterfall directly beneath you on several runs, the silhouette of Arenal Volcano, the cone of Cerro Chato rising in the distance, and the dense canopy of flora and fauna that fills the gaps between. The adrenaline builds with each cable, but the guide stays with you throughout, managing the pace and the technical side so you focus on the view.

The whole experience runs about two and a half hours from start to finish. Hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna means you don't arrange your own transport. The guide handles the rigging, the safety checks and the descent on each cable. You'll want comfortable walking shoes, long pants, sunscreen and insect repellent. The rainforest is humid and the sun finds you even under the canopy. A minimum of two people per booking keeps the groups small and the cables moving at a steady rhythm.

Weight and harness fit matter here: the maximum weight limit is 240 pounds, and the harness has specific width limits around the hips (110 cm) and legs (65 cm). Children from age 7 can zip if an adult is with them. The course isn't recommended for travelers with cardiovascular issues, spinal injuries, recent surgeries or pregnancy, so check those boxes before booking if they apply to you.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• helmet and harness.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna.
• access to all 12 canopy cables and platforms.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arenal Mundo Aventura

Is this one for you?You're zipping the cables yourself, not watching a demonstration, so this suits anyone who wants the adrenaline and the control of their own descent. The guide handles the rigging and safety, which means you can focus on the moment instead of the mechanics, and the fixed schedule with hotel pickup removes the logistics of getting there and back.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do the 12 ziplines if I've never done this before?

Yes. The Arenal 12 Zipline course is designed for first-timers with moderate fitness. The guide manages the technical setup and pacing on each cable, so you focus on the ride and the view. Children from age 7 can join if an adult accompanies them.

What will I actually see from the cables?

La Fortuna Waterfall passes directly below you on several runs, and from the platforms you see Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, and the rainforest canopy stretching across the canyons. The cables cross the landscape at different heights and angles, so each one frames a different part of the view.

How long does the whole thing take?

The experience runs about two and a half hours total, including the short walk to the first platform, the 12 cable runs, and the descent. Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna add travel time on either end.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and bring sunscreen and non-aerosol insect repellent. The helmet and harness are provided. The guide supplies all the rigging and safety gear.

Is there a weight or size limit?

The maximum weight limit is 240 pounds. The harness has specific width limits: 110 cm around the hips and 65 cm around the legs. If you're near either limit, confirm your fit with the operator before booking.

What if I'm not in great shape? Can I still do this?

The course suits anyone with moderate physical fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, recent surgeries or pregnancy. The walk to the first platform is short and the guide controls the pace on the cables.