Monteverde: Original Canopy Tour Zipline, Rappel & Tarzan Swing

Summary

Cloud forest ziplining in Monteverde with tree climbs and Tarzan swing

You’ll fly over Monteverde’s cloud forest on ziplines with a local guide, drop 150 feet by rappel, climb up inside an ancient hollow tree, and finish with a wild Tarzan swing. Expect muddy boots, nervous laughter, and moments where you forget everything except how alive you feel.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember that first jolt — one minute we were bumping along the road out of Monteverde town, the next we were standing under this thick green canopy, clouds snagging on the treetops. Our guide, Diego, grinned at us like he knew a secret. He handed me my harness and said something about “becoming part of the forest,” which sounded poetic but I was mostly thinking about not dropping my phone. The air smelled like wet moss and earth, kind of sharp but clean. I didn’t expect it to feel so quiet up there except for birds — you could hear them calling from somewhere deep in the leaves.

The first zipline was faster than I thought — wind smacked my face and everything below blurred into this wild patchwork of green. There was this moment halfway through where I just let go (not literally) and it felt… freeing? Hard to explain. Diego pointed out a motmot bird when we landed; I pretended I could spot it too but honestly, I was still buzzing from the ride. Then came the rappel — 150 feet straight down. My hands shook but somehow it was easier than expected, maybe because Diego kept making jokes about monkeys watching us.

Climbing back up inside that hollow tree was weirdly magical — damp wood under your palms, light leaking through little holes above. It smelled faintly sweet inside, almost like old leaves or tea. Someone behind me started singing quietly in Spanish (no idea what song), which made everyone laugh when they got stuck on a word. And then you’re back up top again, heart pounding, ready for that last Tarzan swing. Honestly? I screamed louder than anyone else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canopy tour and forest adventure

• Begin tour in old growth forest
• Move to secondary forest area
• Observe birds in private preserve
• Rappel 150 ft to forest floor
• Climb hollow tree ladder back up

Top questions

How long does the Original Canopy Tour in Monteverde take?

The tour duration isn’t specified exactly but typically lasts around 2-3 hours including all activities.

Is hotel pickup included for the Monteverde canopy tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Monteverde is included before the tour starts.

What activities are part of the Original Canopy Tour?

The tour includes ziplining through the forest canopy, rappelling 150 feet down to the forest floor, climbing inside a hollow tree using a ladder system, and finishing with a Tarzan swing.

Are there age or weight limits for this canopy tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old and there is a weight limit of 250 pounds for participants.

Is this tour suitable for people with health concerns?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

How far is the canopy location from Monteverde downtown?

The canopy location is just 8 minutes away from downtown Monteverde by car.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Monteverde and drop-off after your adventure ends; all necessary canopy equipment; guidance throughout from a local expert; plus plenty of time flying above (and sometimes through) the cloud forest trees before heading back to town.