Arenal: Canopy Zipline Adventure & Tarzan Swing with Pickup

Summary

Zip through Arenal rainforest canopies with expert local guides

You’ll feel your pulse quicken as you zip across 2 km of rainforest canopy near Arenal with expert guides by your side. From soaring above lush valleys to laughing nervously on tree-top platforms, every moment feels raw and real. Includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna, all safety gear, bottled water and fruit to help you come back down to earth.

What’s the experience like?

I’m not sure what I expected from a “canopy adventure” near Arenal, but my hands were already sweating before we even left La Fortuna. The van ride was only half an hour, but I kept glancing at the clouds hanging over the volcano and thinking about heights. Our guide—Diego—had this way of making everyone laugh during the safety briefing, which helped. He double-checked our harnesses and cracked a joke about how nobody ever looks cool in a helmet (he’s right). I could smell wet earth and something sweet, maybe guava? The forest felt alive.

The first platform was higher than it looked from below—25 meters up—and standing there made my knees wobble a bit. Diego clipped me in himself, gave me this nod like “you got this,” and then suddenly I was flying over green that just kept going. The wind was loud in my ears, but I remember catching flashes of yellow flowers below and cows grazing way out on the farmland. Each cable had its own mood: some fast, some longer where you could actually look around if you dared open your eyes for more than a second.

There were 13 platforms total, four built right into these massive trees (they told us they use special anchors so the trees keep growing—Costa Ricans really care about that stuff). At one point we all tried to say “ceibo” like Diego did; Li laughed when I butchered it in Spanish. The Tarzan swing at the end… well, let’s just say my scream echoed back at me through the forest. Afterward they handed out fresh fruit—I swear pineapple never tasted that good—and we all sat catching our breath together. Still think about that view sometimes when things get too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal Canopy Zipline Adventure

• Drive 30 minutes from La Fortuna
• Meet expert zipline guides
• Receive safety briefing and gear up
• Ascend to first platform (25 meters)
• Zipline across 8 cables through rainforest
• Fly above canyons, mountains, and farmlands

Top questions

How long is the Arenal canopy zipline circuit?

The circuit covers about 2 km (1.2 miles) across 8 cables and 13 platforms.

Is hotel pickup included for the Arenal canopy adventure?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna are included.

What’s the minimum age for this zipline tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old.

How high are the platforms on this canopy tour?

The platforms range from 20 meters (65 feet) to 90 meters (300 feet) high.

Are there professional guides during the activity?

Yes, two expert guides assist at every cable for safety and support.

Is food provided during the tour?

You’ll get bottled water and fresh fruit after the adventure.

How fast can you go on these ziplines?

You can reach speeds up to 56 kph (35 mph) on some cables.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna, all necessary zip line gear fitted by professional guides who stay with you throughout each cable, bottled water to keep you hydrated between flights through the trees, plus fresh fruit at the end while everyone catches their breath together before heading back.