Costa Rica is home to some of the world's best cable runs, many in the famed Cloud Forest of Monteverde. The region initiated zip lining as we know it today and has four main companies, all offering slightly different experiences. We've detailed these operators below, providing the pros and cons of the top zip lining adventures in Monteverde and what you need to know to choose the best option for you.
Sky Adventure Park
Known as one of the best and safest ziplines in Costa Rica—particularly for families and young kids (thanks to its safety-first automatic braking system)—Sky Adventures Monteverde takes you above the region’s famed Cloud Forest. A zip line excursion at Sky Adventures includes a complimentary ride on the park’s scenic Sky Tram, scaling the dense hills to reach the top of the forest, where you’ll find the first zip line platform. From there, you’ll ride down a series of cables that zigzag for a total of 2,600 feet (792 m) back to the visitor’s center.
Although relatively short compared to some other ziplines in Monteverde, Sky Adventures offers a unique experience zipping above the forest canopy rather than through the middle of the rainforest. This gives you a bird’s-eye-view of the jungle below, complete with an outstretched sky, hence the company’s name.
We’re big fans of Sky Adventures, due to its high safety standards. It’s the only zip lining tour in Monteverde that uses a handlebar braking system, which is different than the traditional method of pressing a hand brake while wearing a thick leather glove. By gently moving the handlebars, you can gradually slow your speed, and you don’t have to touch the cable—a safety perk we love! The handlebar braking comes in handy, too, as Sky Adventures is the fastest zipline in Costa Rica, reaching 40 mph (75 kph). But don’t worry—the automated braking system will kick in as you reach the end of each line, so this is the best option for young kids, as you don’t need to worry about braking on your own.
You’ll start your adventure with a practice cable, acquainting you with the equipment and activity itself. This is your chance to make sure you want to go zip lining, and it’s totally OK if you or any of your kiddos change your mind. From here, you’ll take the Tram to the top of the mountain, and the only way down is by zip line! You’ll proceed from platform to platform using seven cables stretching above the treetops. You won’t need to walk at all (though some stairs are required), which is unique to zip lining. Instead, you’ll simply land on a platform and start the next leg of your journey from there. Another big plus for families!
Although there is no option to ride “superman style” (head first on your stomach), you do have complimentary access to the park’s thrilling free-fall activity, the Vertigo Drop (minimum age is 15 for this experience).
How to visit: You can simply book a standalone zip lining excursion or combine your visit with the Sky Walk hanging bridges.
How to get there: From Santa Elena, head north on Route 606 for a little less than 3 miles (4.5 km).
Quick Facts:
- Price: $84 - $150
- Advance reservation required
- Family-owned company
- Seven cables totaling 2,600 feet
- Cable lengths vary from 330 to 2,500 feet (100 to 750 m)
- Automatic safety braking system
- Modern facilities with a lobby and gift shop on site
- Complimentary lockers
- One-way Sky Tram ride and Vertigo Drop activity included
- Roundtrip Sky Tram ride, Sky Walk across hanging bridges, tree climbing park, reptilian and amphibian exhibit (additional fee)
- Go-pro cameras (additional rental fee)
- On-site restaurant serving lunch (reservations required)
- Minimum age: five years (kids aged 5-10 ride tandem)
- Minimum height: 48 inches (1.2 m)
- Maximum weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Tarzan swing and Vertigo Drop minimum age is 15
- 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am morning start times, and 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm afternoon start times
Let kimkim help you organize your zip lining, Sky Tram, and Sky Walk experience in Monteverde.
100% Aventura Adventure Park
Best for families with older kids, 100% Aventura Adventure Park is one of the most affordable and thrilling zip line experiences in Monteverde. The park has 11 different cables zipping through the region’s Cloud Forest, two of which offer the super-man style ride, where you lay flat on your stomach and zip headfirst through the trees.
Children as young as eight can enjoy 100% Adventura, but keep in mind that the park requires a fair amount of walking. Plus, much like the other experiences on this list (besides Sky Adventures), these zip lines involve using a handbrake, which you must control yourself and may be better suited for older visitors.
Although it’s still located in the Cloud Forest, 100% Aventura's canopy zip line cuts through a portion of secondary forest that isn’t quite as scenic as the others on this list. However, the course features the longest single cable run in Costa Rica at 1 mile (1.6 km) long. Visitors can also enjoy a Tarzan swing, a rappelling experience, and even a hanging bridge experience.
How to visit: Zip line tours last three hours and can begin at 8:00 am, 11:00 am, or 2:00 pm and include transportation to and from Monteverde hotels. The starting point is less than 3 miles (4.4 km) from downtown Santa Elena.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $55 - $75
- 11 cables with two superman-style runs
- Cables run from 65 to 5,200 feet (20 to 1,590 m)
- Complimentary rappelling and Tarzan swing
- Manual handbrake system
- On-site restaurant
- Horseback riding, ATV tour, hanging bridges walk (additional fee)
- Minimum age: eight years
- Minimum weight: 240 lbs (108 kg)
- 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm start times
Let kimkim help you organize your zip lining experience at 100% Aventura Adventure Park in Monteverde.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Selvatura Park
If you’re a zip-lining beginner, Selvatura Park might be the option for you. It’s one of the most extensive courses in Costa Rica and the most commercialized, so it’s user-friendly. For these reasons—and because it’s considered one of the most beautiful adventure parks in Costa Rica—it draws plenty of tourists. But many travelers prefer Selvatura, as the course highlights the local nature and wildlife with a unique route that nearly completes a loop rather than a zigzag in a line. Along the way, you’ll enjoy numerous panoramic views overlooking the Cloud Forest and nearby biological reserves with the chance to see local wildlife.
You’ll start with a short, practice cable to get acquainted with the equipment and activity. Then, from there, the routes gradually get longer. The final line is the longest, stretching over a one-half mile (1 km). Selvatura Park uses Deltex wired carbon fiber technology, which quiets the cables, creating a more serene experience. The technology also makes the lines stronger and is environmentally friendly. The park uses traditional hand brakes that you must engage on your own.
Although you won’t zip above the trees, Selvatura Park still sits quite high in elevation (2,500 feet [1,600 m] above sea level). As a result, it gets a bit chillier here, so it’s best to bring a warmer jacket in addition to a raincoat. Also, keep in mind that this park doesn’t include the popular superman style zip line in the entrance fee. Rather, you can add it to your ticket for an additional cost. Finally, the course requires a bit of uphill hiking between each platform, which isn’t the best for younger children.
How to visit: There are several options for visiting Selvatura. You can book standard tickets for just canopy zip lining, but there are other packages that mix and match experiences, so you can combine zip lining with the hanging bridges, the butterfly garden, and a meal, for example.
How to get there: From Santa Elena, head northeast on Route 606 for a little over 4 miles (6.7 km).
Quick Facts:
- Price: $60 - $180
- 13 cables that connect 15 platforms
- Total of 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of cables
- One Tarzan swing
- Option to zip line in pairs or side-by-side
- Manual handbrake system
- Lobby and gift shop
- Complimentary lockers
- Hummingbird garden included
- Superman zip lines, butterfly garden, reptile and amphibian habitat, hanging bridges walkway (additional fee)
- On-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch
- Superman's minimum weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
- Tarzan swing minimum weight: 209 lbs (95 kg)
- Minimum age: four years
- 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm start times
Extremo Park
Another adventurous zip lining experience in Monteverde can be had at Extremo Park. It has 16 cables that connect to 21 platforms and extend 2.5 miles (4 km) in total. The longest stretch is 3,400 feet (1000 m) long and 600 feet (182 m) above the ground.
At Extremo Park, enjoy a complimentary Tarzan swing, superman-style zip lines (one aerial and one underground), and a rappelling experience. For even more adventure (for additional fees), you can tack on bungee jumping or a ride on the Extremo Swing, which sails 295 feet (89 m) across a canyon at 470 feet (143 m) above ground.
Extremo Park utilizes the traditional hand brake system like most of the experiences on this list, which you must engage manually. With that system in place and considering the extreme nature of the ziplines, this park is recommended for adults and older children, particularly teens. Beginners and families with younger kids might prefer a different zip lining park.
Like 100% Aventura Adventure Canopy Park, Extremo is also set in a secondary forest, so the views aren’t as scenic as Selvatura or Sky Adventure. The course also requires quite a bit of walking, but you’ll find the prices generally more affordable.
How to visit: Enjoy a standard canopy zip lining experience or opt to combine the thrill with a nighttime jungle walk.
How to get there: From Santa Elena, head north on Routes 606 and 619, transitioning west on Los Tornos Road. The journey covers 4.7 miles (7.6 km) and takes about 20 minutes.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $52 - $85
- 16 cables and 21 platforms
- 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Manual handbrake system
- Tarzan swing, superman zip line, and rappelling experience included
- Bungee jumping, Extremo Tarzan swing, horseback riding (additional fee)
- On-site restaurant
- Minimum age: eight years
- 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 2:00 pm start times
Additional Considerations
When to Go. Although all the adventure parks on this list offer multiple entrance times throughout the day, consider arriving early to avoid the crowds. Zip lining is one of Monteverde’s most popular activities, so you certainly won’t be alone in the parks. Booking in advance is always recommended.
How long should you stay? Some ticket prices limit the amount of time you can stay in the park, but all allow you to enjoy the entire zip line course. All routes on this list are guided and follow a specific course, taking about two hours or so to complete. One ticket gives you one experience on the course, so there’s no option to skip cable runs or repeat a section. Of course, if you want to enjoy the experience more than once, you can buy another ticket or visit multiple adventure parks.
Sky Adventures offers the shortest zip line route, but because they cater to families of younger children, safety is a priority, and the course will take longer as the staff checks each harness before each run.
Zip lining with kids. Safety measures are in place at all our listed parks in Monteverde, so you can zip line with your kids with peace of mind. However, some properties restrict ages more than others, and although kids are more than welcome to enjoy the parks, they may need to ride tandem in many cases (to meet weight requirements). Age restrictions for the parks are as follows:
- Selvatura: 4 years
- Sky Adventures: 5 years
- 100% Aventura: 8 years
- Extremo Park: 8 years
We highly recommend Sky Adventures for families with younger children and those focused on safety. This park has the highest safety rating, as it uses a handlebar brake, features an automatic braking system, and completes harness checks before each cable run. However, kids aged five and six must ride tandem with another adult, and kids seven to 10 years old must ride tandem with one another. Selvatura and 100% Aventura also offer tandem options.
Although kids are allowed to enjoy these parks, keep these safety precautions and age restrictions in mind when choosing the best option for your family.
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