San Jose: La Carpintera Zip Line, Rappel & Rainforest Hike

Summary

Zip line through La Carpintera forest canopy with rappels and hiking near San Jose

You’ll glide between rainforest trees on zip lines near San José, hike short forest trails with local guides, and try two rappels with valley views. Expect laughter, maybe a sloth sighting, and that weird mix of nerves and awe when you step off each platform — it sticks with you after.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of San José when our driver started chatting about sloths — he swore there’s one that likes to nap right above the second platform. I didn’t really believe him until our guide, Mariela, pointed up at a lazy brown lump in the branches. The air smelled like wet leaves, and someone behind me laughed nervously as we clipped into the first cable. My hands were already a bit sweaty (not sure if from excitement or just the humidity), but honestly, you don’t really think about it once you’re flying.

The zip lines here at La Carpintera are longer than I expected — one was nearly 500 meters. It’s not silent; you hear the metal whirring and sometimes your own shout echoing through the trees. Between cables we’d walk short trails, picking our way over roots while Mariela pointed out bright birds I couldn’t name. She taught us to say “tucán” properly (I failed). There’s this moment after the last big rappel — 40 meters down — where you just stand there grinning at strangers because you all did it together.

I didn’t expect to see so much from up there: the Central Valley spread out below us, clouds rolling over Poás Volcano in the distance. Sometimes you catch a whiff of earth after rain or hear nothing but your own breathing before stepping off a platform. It’s not polished or fancy — my helmet was a little crooked — but that’s part of why I liked it so much. If you’re looking for a day trip from San José with some actual adrenaline (and sloth sightings if you’re lucky), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canopy tour and rappelling adventure

• Travel to Carpintera Hills
• Hike 15 minutes in forest
• Zip line across 19 platforms
• Glide on 13 cables
• Enjoy panoramic valley views
• Rappel down 40 meter cliff
• Rappel down 10 meter cliff

Top questions

How far is La Carpintera from San Jose?

It’s about 20 minutes by car from downtown San José.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

What activities are included in the La Carpintera tour?

The tour includes zip lining (13 cables), hiking (15 minutes), and two rappels (40m & 10m).

Are there any health restrictions for this canopy tour?

Yes, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, recent surgeries, osteoporosis, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

Can children join the La Carpintera zip line tour?

Specialized infant seats are available; check directly for age requirements.

Will we see wildlife during the tour?

You might spot sloths and birds in the forest reserve during your hike and canopy activities.

What’s included

Your day covers all canopy equipment, entry fees to La Carpintera reserve, taxes, and guidance throughout every activity — so you just show up ready to hike, zip line between platforms high above San José’s hillsides, and try rappelling with everything set up for you.