Arenal: Canopy Zipline & Horseback Adventure with Pickup

Zipline thrills and horseback riding near Arenal Volcano with local guides

You’ll fly across rainforest canopies on eight ziplines near Arenal Volcano, then ride horseback through lush farmland with a local guide who matches your pace. Pause for fresh fruit and water along the way, take in those volcano views at Silencio Point—and leave with a story that’ll stick long after you’re back home.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Arenal, all activities like ziplining and horseback riding with a professional bilingual guide by your side throughout, plus fresh fruits and bottled water served along the way before heading back to your hotel.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canopy zipline and horseback riding

• Receive safety instructions
• Begin zipline adventure on 8 cables
• Observe rainforest from 12 platforms
• Start one-hour horseback ride
• Ride through farmlands and forest
• View Arenal Volcano at Silencio Point

The Experience

“Hold on tight—don’t look down!” That’s what our guide Marco grinned as we climbed the first tower. I could smell the rain from earlier still clinging to the wooden steps, kind of earthy and sharp. The whole group was a mix of nerves and excitement, but honestly, once you step off that 13-meter platform in Arenal, there’s no going back. The zipline cables cut through the rainforest like silver ribbons—some stretches felt endless (one was over 700 meters!) and I swear my heart was pounding louder than the howler monkeys somewhere below. Wind in my face, green everywhere—I didn’t expect to feel so small up there.

After all that adrenaline, switching to horseback felt almost funny—like suddenly slowing down time. They matched me with a horse called Canela (which means cinnamon), who had this lazy blink I sort of envied. Marco showed us how to hold the reins properly; he even made a joke about my “city hands.” The trail wound up through farmland and these wild patches of ferns and bromeliads—I kept brushing against leaves wet from last night’s rain. We passed a couple of locals tending sugar cane fields who waved without stopping their work. There was this moment at Silencio Observation Point where everyone went quiet at once—the volcano just sat there in the distance, half-shrouded in cloud, lava trails etched into its side. I still think about that view sometimes.

Oh—and don’t skip the fruit break. Pineapple never tastes as good as it does after you’ve been zipping around treetops for an hour. They handed out bottled water too (needed it). If you’re worried about not being an expert rider or zipliner, don’t be; they really do pair you up based on your level and make sure you’re comfortable before anything starts. My Spanish is terrible but Marco laughed when I tried to say “gracias por todo” at the end—probably butchered it but he seemed to appreciate it anyway.

Top questions

How long is the Arenal canopy zipline?

The canopy zipline adventure covers about 3 km across eight cables ranging from 80 to 750 meters each.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Yes, both beginners and experienced riders are welcome; horses are matched to your skill level.

What is included during the tour?

The tour includes all activities, professional bilingual guide, fruits, bottled water, and transportation.

Are there age or health restrictions?

The minimum age is 5 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Will I see Arenal Volcano on this trip?

Yes, you’ll have views of Arenal Volcano from Silencio Observation Point during the horseback ride.