Ziplining in Monteverde: 13 cables through cloud forest

Thirteen cables, a Tarzan Swing, and two thousand butterflies

Zip through the cloud forest canopy on 13 cables spanning 3.22 kilometers at Selvatura Park in Monteverde, with a guide, hotel pickup and a butterfly garden visit included. The zipline is built entirely within the forest. Between cable sections you walk platforms and have the option to swing on a rope from a high platform. After landing, you spend time in a climate-controlled butterfly pavilion with over 20 species and a hummingbird garden. Children from age 7 are welcome. The whole experience runs about four hours.

The experience

The day starts at Selvatura Park's main building, where a guide fits you with safety gear and walks you through the equipment on a training platform before you head to the first cable. The zipline tour crosses the canopy in three main sections: thirteen cables total, each one strung between platforms built into the forest itself. Between sections you walk short stretches on the platforms, and at one point you reach the Tarzan Swing: a rope attached to a high platform that lets you jump and swing through the trees if you want to. Most people take it. The whole canopy section takes roughly two and a half hours.

What sets this zipline apart is that it stays inside the cloud forest the whole time: no transport between sites, no driving on the rocky Monteverde roads to reach a second attraction. Once you're back on solid ground, the butterfly garden is right there at the same park. You walk through a climate-controlled pavilion over 29,000 square feet where more than 20 butterfly species live. A guide explains their life cycles and behaviors as you move through. The hummingbird garden sits nearby with fourteen species, relaxing waterfalls and natural flowers: good for photos if you brought a camera.

You'll need closed shoes, long pants and a rain jacket. The cloud forest is wet most days. Hotel pickup from Monteverde is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The tour runs with a minimum of two people, and children from seven years old can join. Gratuities are not included.

What’s included

• Guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup from Monteverde.
• access to all 13 cables and 19 platforms.
• the Tarzan Swing.
• entry to the butterfly garden with over 20 species.
• access to the hummingbird garden.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 50 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The canopy tour demands a high level of physical fitness and involves walking between platforms and zipping through the forest for two and a half hours, so it suits travelers comfortable with sustained activity and heights. The whole experience stays at Selvatura Park, which means no time lost to transport between sites. You move straight from the zipline to the butterfly garden without leaving the grounds.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many ziplines will I actually ride on?

The canopy tour has 13 cables strung between 19 platforms. You zip across them in three main sections, with short walks on the platforms between each section.

What is the Tarzan Swing and do I have to do it?

The Tarzan Swing is a rope attached to a high platform where you jump and swing through the forest on a safety line. It's included in the tour, but it's optional. You can skip it and walk across instead.

Is there really a butterfly garden at the same place?

Yes. After the zipline, you walk through a climate-controlled pavilion with over 20 butterfly species and learn about their life cycles from your guide. A hummingbird garden with fourteen species is also on the grounds.

How long does the whole thing take?

The canopy zipline takes about two and a half hours, and the butterfly garden adds another hour or so, for roughly four hours total from start to finish.

Do I need to be in great shape to do this?

The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness and notes that the tour is not suitable for people with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Children from age 7 can participate.

Will the hotel pick me up?

Yes. Hotel pickup from Monteverde is included. Contact the operator through the booking platform to confirm your pickup time the day before.