Ziplining in La Fortuna: 8 cables through rainforest canopy

Glide across eight cables and walk suspended bridges 60 meters above the forest floor.

Zipline and hanging bridges adventure in La Fortuna combines two activities on protected rainforest land: a 3 km walk across 16 suspension bridges ranging from 5 to 100 meters long, then 8 ziplines on cables up to 90 meters high and 600 meters in length that reach speeds of 35 mph. A naturalist guide in English or Spanish points out birds, reptiles and mammals along the way; full safety harness, helmet and transport are included. The activity takes 6 hours and requires at least moderate fitness; children from age 6 are welcome.

The Experience

How high do the cables go, and what does the forest actually look like from up there? The zipline park sits inside a 240-hectare reserve of primary rainforest, and the cables range from 20 meters to 90 meters above the ground — high enough that you're flying above canyons, mountains and farmland as well as the canopy itself. The longest single cable stretches 600 meters, and the descent is steep enough to reach speeds of 35 mph. Each of the 8 cables has its own height and scenery, so the experience changes from one run to the next.

The day starts with the hanging bridges section. You walk a 3 km circuit across 16 suspension bridges, some as short as 5 meters and others spanning 100 meters, with the highest ones 60 meters above the forest floor. A naturalist guide walks with you and helps you spot the birds, reptiles, mammals and insects living in the dense vegetation — howler monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs and hundreds of bird species live here. The bridges let you move through the canopy at your own pace without the speed of the ziplines, so you can stop and look.

After a safety briefing at the zipline park, you climb to the first platform at 25 meters and begin the cable section. The 13 platforms are anchored to trees using a specialized system that lets the trees keep growing unharmed, and four of the platforms are built directly into enormous trees. You're harnessed and helmeted throughout, and the guide manages the rigging at each station. Bottled water and fresh fruit are provided during the day, and an air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and brings you back.

What’s included

• Full safety harness, helmet and zipline equipment.
• bottled water and fresh fruit.
• naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return from your hotel.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours

Is this one for you?Book the shared Congo Combo if you're comfortable meeting other travelers and want the standard price; choose the private option if your group wants to move at its own pace without coordinating with others. Neither option includes lunch, so eat before or plan a meal after the 6-hour activity.

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Top questions

How do I book — is this a shared group or can I go private?

Two options are available at checkout: the Congo Combo runs as a shared group, or the Congo Combo Private is for your party alone. Both include the same activities, guide, safety gear and transport; the private option means you set the pace and timing without waiting for other groups.

What's the difference between the hanging bridges and the ziplines?

The hanging bridges are a 3 km walk where you cross 16 suspension bridges at your own speed, stopping to look for wildlife with the guide. The ziplines come second and are faster — you're clipped in and moving across 8 cables that can reach 35 mph, with the guide managing your safety at each platform.

Do I need to be in really good shape to do this?

The operator asks for at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The 6-hour day includes walking, climbing stairs to platforms and managing the zipline equipment, but the guide controls the pace and you rest between cables. Children from age 6 can participate if they meet the fitness level.

What happens if I'm afraid of heights?

The hanging bridges let you move slowly and stop whenever you need to, so you can manage your comfort level. The ziplines are faster and higher, but you're fully harnessed and the guide is with you at every platform — many people who are nervous find the equipment and the guide's presence reassuring enough to try it.

Is lunch included, and how much time do I have to eat?

Lunch is not included in the activity, though fresh fruit and bottled water are provided during the day. The 6-hour duration covers the bridges, ziplines, safety briefing and transport, so plan a meal before or after the activity.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and bring sunscreen and a camera if you want photos. The operator provides the safety harness, helmet and all zipline equipment; the air-conditioned vehicle has space for a small bag.