Manuel Antonio: Longest Twin Zip Line & Canopy Tour Lunch

Summary

Soaring above manuel antonio’s jungle canopy then sharing a meal with new friends

You’ll fly above Manuel Antonio’s rainforest on Central America’s longest twin zip line with local guides leading the way. Cross hanging bridges, spot wildlife midair, and pause for fresh fruit before sitting down to a Costa Rican lunch with your group. Expect laughter, some nerves—and views you’ll carry home long after you land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—somewhere between birdsong and the zip line cable humming overhead. We were standing on a wooden platform, helmets slightly askew, watching mist curl up from the trees below. Our guide, Diego, grinned and checked our harnesses (he called me “amiga” every time), and then it was my turn. The twin zip line at El Santuario is over 4,300 feet—longer than I could picture until I was dangling above the rainforest, legs flailing a little more than I’d like to admit. My hands shook but the touchless braking meant I could just look out: green everywhere, with flashes of blue from the Pacific in the distance. There’s this moment halfway across where you can hear nothing but wind and your own heart.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. There were six hanging bridges—one bounced more than I liked—and eleven zip lines in total. Diego pointed out a sloth curled into itself on a branch (I nearly missed it; they really do blend in). At one point we stopped for water and fruit, sticky mango juice on my fingers while someone tried to remember how to say “thank you” in Spanish. The nature walk between platforms wasn’t too tough—just enough to catch my breath and notice how everything smells sharper after rain. It’s humid here, but not heavy. More like being hugged by warm air.

Lunch was served under a simple shelter back at base—a plate of rice, beans, chicken, plantains. Nothing fancy but somehow exactly what you want after flying through trees for hours. People talked about their favorite line or who screamed loudest (not naming names). I caught myself thinking about that view mid-zip: Manuel Antonio below us, river winding off toward Quepos, ocean somewhere past all that green. Still makes me smile when I remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manuel Antonio Canopy Zip Line Tour

• Hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
• Travel to private 500-acre reserve
• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Zip line on longest twin line
• Cross 6 hanging bridges
• Walk nature trails and platforms
• Perform double belay rappel
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican lunch
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Manuel Antonio twin zip line?

The main twin zip line at El Santuario is over 4,300 feet long—more than 8/10 of a mile.

Is hotel pickup included for this canopy tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels or villas in Manuel Antonio or Quepos is included.

How many zip lines are there on this tour?

The tour features 11 zip lines totaling over 3.6 kilometers in length.

What kind of lunch is served after the tour?

A typical Costa Rican meal is provided at the end of the tour.

Are guides bilingual on this Manuel Antonio canopy tour?

Yes, professional guides speak both English and Spanish.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

The maximum weight limit for this canopy tour is 275 pounds (125 kg).

How long does the full activity take including transport?

The entire experience lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours including transportation and lunch.

Can travelers with health conditions join this zip line tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio or Quepos areas, all equipment (with GoPro-ready helmets if you want), professional bilingual guides throughout every stage of the canopy adventure, snacks like fruit and water along the way plus two water stops when you need them most—and finally a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back out into that bright jungle air.