Arenal: 7 Zipline Cables Over La Fortuna Waterfall & Pickup

Summary

Ziplining above waterfalls and canyons in Arenal Costa Rica

You’ll feel your heart race as you soar above La Fortuna Waterfall on seven zipline cables near Arenal Volcano. Cross a suspension bridge high above the canyon with a small group and local guide, then catch glimpses of waterfalls and rainforest below before heading back to town with new friends—and maybe muddy shoes.

What’s the experience like?

Gripping the harness a little tighter than I’d admit, I watched our guide—Carlos, who had this easy grin—clip us in and give a thumbs up. The first tower felt way higher than I expected, honestly. You could hear the waterfall below before you even saw it, that heavy rush of water echoing up through the canyon. Someone behind me said it sounded like thunder, which made me laugh because my heart was already pounding loud enough. The air smelled sharp and green, if that makes sense—like wet leaves and something sweet from the forest.

Carlos pointed out the Arenal Volcano in the distance while we waited our turn. He told us stories about growing up nearby (his uncle used to fish at Pino Blanco Waterfall), and somehow that made the whole thing feel less like a tourist ride and more like being let in on a local secret. The longest cable goes right over La Fortuna Waterfall—almost a kilometer long—and for those seconds you’re just flying, nothing but treetops and spray below. My shoes were still damp from the bridge crossing (it rained earlier), but I barely noticed once we started moving.

By the third or fourth zipline I stopped worrying about my grip so much. There’s this moment when you’re halfway across, wind in your face, where everything else drops away except for the sound of your own shout (I definitely yelled). At one point Carlos tried to teach us how to say “zipline” in Spanish—tirolesa—but Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin instead. Probably butchered it. Anyway, after all seven cables my arms felt jelly-like but good, you know? We rode back to town together swapping photos and stories with mud still on our shoes. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zipline adventure above La Fortuna Waterfall

• Ascend 18-meter high tower
• View Pino Blanco Waterfall and volcano
• Cross suspension bridge over canyon
• Zipline 980 meters above waterfall
• Soothe through treetops at 70 km/hr

Top questions

How many ziplines are included in this Arenal tour?

The tour includes 7 zipline cables over canyons and waterfalls near La Fortuna.

Is hotel pickup included for this zipline experience?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in La Fortuna.

What is the minimum age for the Arenal zipline tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old for this activity.

Are there weight or size limits for participants?

The maximum weight is 240 pounds; harness limits are 65 cm leg width and 110 cm hip width.

How fast do you go on these ziplines?

You can reach speeds up to 70 km/hr (43 MPH) on some lines.

What should I wear for this day trip to La Fortuna zipline?

Wear comfortable clothing, long pants, tennis or walking shoes; tie back long hair.

Is this zipline tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

Does this include entry fees or equipment?

Certified equipment is provided as part of your booking; no extra entry fee needed.

What’s included

Your half-day includes certified safety equipment, guidance from a local expert throughout all seven ziplines above La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal’s forests, plus hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna so you don’t have to worry about transport either way.