Zipline and Rafting in Costa Rica: 8 cables through rainforest

You reach high speeds on a single cable strung far above the forest floor.

Combine zipline and whitewater rafting in one day in Costa Rica: fly across 8 cables through 2 km of rainforest canopy, then paddle 11 km down Balsa River with over 30 rapids and waves. A professional guide leads both activities, with all gear, lunch at a local restaurant and hotel pickup included. The full day runs 7 hours.

The Experience

The zipline circuit starts at Arenal Canopy Adventure with a safety briefing before you climb to the first platform, 25 meters up. Eight cables carry you across 2 km of rainforest, each one a different height and length—the tallest reaches 90 meters, the longest stretches 600 meters—so the speed and angle shift with every run. You'll pass through 13 platforms built into the canopy, four of them anchored into enormous trees using a system that lets them keep growing. Between cables you spot birds, sloths and monkeys moving through the branches below.

After fresh fruit at the zipline park, the group drives about an hour through rural plantations and towns to reach Balsa River. The 11 km section you raft has more than 30 rapids and big waves, with obstacles that demand paddling together. The water is where you'll see aquatic birds, toucans, tropical frogs and more wildlife. Once you've descended the full stretch, you stop at La Finquita restaurant for a Costa Rican lunch before heading back.

A professional guide who speaks English or Spanish leads both the zipline and the rafting, and all gear—harnesses, helmets, life jackets, paddles—comes with the booking. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the starting point. The activity suits travelers with at least moderate fitness; the minimum age is 7.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• all zipline and rafting gear including harnesses, helmets and life jackets.
• bottled water and snacks.
• Costa Rican lunch at La Finquita restaurant.
• hotel pickup and return transport.

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 this if you want zipline and rafting in one day—the guide coordinates the logistics between activities, and the small-group format means you'll paddle and zip as a cohesive team rather than rotating through solo.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

45 verified traveler reviews

5 ★42

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Arenal Canopy Adventure zipline circuit like?

The Arenal Canopy Adventure zipline has 8 cables strung across 2 km of rainforest canopy, ranging from 20 to 90 meters high and 70 to 600 meters long. You'll clip into 13 platforms total, four of them built into live trees, and reach speeds up to 56 kph on the longest runs.

How many rapids does the Balsa River section have?

The 11 km stretch of Balsa River you raft has more than 30 rapids and big waves with challenging obstacles. You'll paddle as a group through the full section, watching for wildlife like sloths, monkeys, toucans and aquatic birds along the way.

What's included in the day and what do I need to bring?

The package includes a professional guide in English or Spanish, all zipline and rafting gear, bottled water, snacks, lunch at La Finquita restaurant, and hotel pickup. You don't need to arrange your own equipment or transport to the starting point.

How long does the whole activity take?

The full day runs 7 hours from start to finish, including the zipline circuit, the drive to the river, the rafting descent, lunch and the return to your hotel.

What's the minimum age and fitness level required?

Children can join from age 7 onward. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, or pregnant travelers.