January 8, 2026

Ziplining in Costa Rica: Best Places + Tours Worth Booking

gizellchik

Soar above Costa Rica’s jungle. Compare the best zipline spots (Monteverde, Arenal/La Fortuna, Jaco, Guanacaste) + booking links.

There’s a moment on a Costa Rica zipline when your brain stops multitasking.

You step off the platform, the cable tightens, and suddenly it’s just you, the wind, and a wall of green stretching into the distance. No notifications. No noise. Only that clean, electric feeling of flying through rainforest air.

This guide is built for one thing: helping you pick the right zipline experience (not just “a zipline”), and making it ridiculously easy to book the best-rated options on Trip.com.

La Fortuna Arenal zipline adventure Costa Rica

Quick booking shortcuts

If you’re ready to lock in a tour now, start here:

Why Costa Rica is one of the best zipline countries on Earth

Costa Rica doesn’t do “a little nature.” It does full immersion– cloud forests, volcano views, and humid jungle that feels alive.

Ziplining here isn’t just an activity. It’s a shortcut to that “I’m really here” feeling. And depending on where you go, it can feel completely different:

Monteverde: misty cloud forest, dramatic treetop vibes
Arenal / La Fortuna: volcano region energy, jungle + waterfalls
Jaco: beach town base + big adrenaline combos
Guanacaste: dry forest canopy near sunny coastlines

If you’re still planning your route, Trip.com’s Costa Rica destination hub is a good starting map for ideas.

The 4 best places to go ziplining in Costa Rica (and who each is perfect for)

1) Monteverde: the “classic” Costa Rica zipline experience

If you want the zipline version of a movie scene – mist in the trees, green everywhere, that high-canopy feeling—Monteverde is the place.

Option A: The reliable classic (high reviews + straightforward booking)
The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde is a strong “first zipline in Costa Rica” pick: it’s listed with pick-up service, English/Spanish, and about 150 minutes duration.

Option B: Go bigger (“extreme” feel)
If you want something that feels more intense, Trip.com lists “3 hours of the Longest and Highest Extreme Zip line Experience in Monteverde” with English/Spanish and a 3-hour duration.

the Longest and Highest Extreme Zip line Experience in Monteverde

Where to stay in Monteverde (best base for ziplines)
Staying in Monteverde makes it easier to start early, avoid rushed transfers, and catch the best weather windows for canopy tours.
See Monteverde hotels and prices

2) Arenal / La Fortuna: zipline + waterfall energy

This is the region people pick when they want that iconic Costa Rica mix: adventure + scenery + “I can’t believe this is real.”

A very bookable option on Trip.com is “Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall”

Where to stay: La Fortuna (best base)

La Fortuna is the easiest base for planning and tours in the Arenal area.
Compare hotels in La Fortuna
La Fortuna travel guide (ideas + planning)

3) Jaco: beach town base + adrenaline combos

Jaco is perfect when someone wants a zipline day without building their whole trip around a mountain region.

Trip.com has a clean, obvious pick: “Jaco Beach: Zip Line and ATV Adventure Combo Tour”.

Want extra options from the same area?

More zipline options in Jaco
Jaco travel guide

4) Guanacaste: canopy tour near the sunny coast

If you’re already staying near the beaches (or want a coast-first itinerary), Guanacaste is a smooth, low-friction way to add a zipline day.

Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste

How to choose the right zipline tour (so you don’t regret it)

Use this simple filter:

Choose Monteverde if you want:

cloud forest mood, cooler air, treetops + mist
a “first time but epic” zipline story

Choose Arenal / La Fortuna if you want:

zipline + waterfalls + volcano region atmosphere
stacking other paid activities (hot springs, waterfall visits, etc.)

Choose Jaco if you want:

one adrenaline day from a beach base
combo tours (more value per day)

Choose Guanacaste if you want:

easy access from coastal resorts / beach itinerary
a half-day adventure that doesn’t move your whole plan

What to wear (the short checklist that prevents a bad day)

Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly, Ziplining in Costa Rica

Keep it simple:

closed-toe shoes with grip (non-negotiable)
light layers (some areas are cooler, some are humid and warm)
hair tied back + no loose jewelry
keep your phone secured (or leave it behind)

Rules vary by operator (age/weight/health). Always check the exact requirements on the booking page before you pay.

What to eat in Costa Rica (easy wins after a zipline day)

After a zipline tour, you’ll be hungry in a very specific way: “give me something warm, filling, and not complicated.” Costa Rica is perfect for that. Here are the local go-tos that are easy to find around Monteverde, La Fortuna (Arenal), and most tourist bases – plus a couple of quick ordering tips so you don’t accidentally miss the best stuff.

Casado (the reliable “I want a real meal” plate)

This is the classic: rice + beans + salad + plantains + a protein (chicken, fish, beef, or sometimes pork). It’s affordable, filling, and exactly what you want after an active morning. If you’re unsure what to order, ask for a casado con pollo (with chicken) and you’ll be safe.

Gallo pinto (breakfast that actually fuels you)

Rice and beans done the Costa Rican way, usually served with eggs, tortillas, and salsa Lizano. It’s the best “zipline morning” breakfast because it keeps you full without feeling heavy. If your tour starts early, this is your friend.

Ceviche (hot day = this is the move)

If you’re near the coast (or just want something fresh), ceviche is an easy win – bright, citrusy, and light. It’s perfect if the weather is humid and you don’t want a heavy meal.

Chifrijo (snack-meal for hungry humans)

This one hits hard: rice, beans, crispy pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips. It’s basically “I did adrenaline activities and now I need calories.” Great with a cold drink in the evening.

Patacones (the crunchy side that steals the show)

Fried green plantain rounds, often served with dips or topped like a mini meal. If you see patacones on the menu, order them. They’re the kind of thing everyone ends up loving.

Ordering tips (small things that improve your meal)

Ask for “casado” when you want value + a full plate.
“Agua” in tourist areas can mean bottled water – if you want tap, clarify; if you want safe/easy, just go bottled.
Carry small cash for sodas (local family-run spots). Card is common, but not universal.

A “book it now” mini-itinerary

If you have 2 – 4 days, this is a clean structure:

Day 1: Arrive + settle

Day 2: Zipline day (pick one region)

Day 3: Weather buffer (the day people always wish they had)
Keep it flexible: swap days if the forecast changes, add another tour, or just breathe.

Optional (for independent travelers):

Car rental at SJO

FAQ: Ziplining in Costa Rica (what people actually worry about)

Is ziplining in Costa Rica safe?

Yes – when you book a reputable operator. You’ll be in a harness the whole time, guides do safety checks, and the system is designed for tourists (including first-timers). The smartest move is choosing a well-reviewed tour and listening to the briefing – even if you think you already know what to do.

What’s the best place to go ziplining in Costa Rica?

If you want the most iconic rainforest feeling, Monteverde is the classic. If you want a zipline day that pairs perfectly with hot springs and volcano views, choose La Fortuna (Arenal). Beach-based travelers often pick Jaco or Guanacaste for convenience.

How long does a zipline tour take (door to door)?

Most experiences feel like a half-day once you include transport, check-in, briefing, and the actual course. If you’re staying far from the meeting point, add extra time. My rule: don’t stack a tight “must-do reservation” right after a zipline tour – give yourself breathing room.

Do I need to book in advance?

During high season and weekends, yes. The best time slots (morning or early afternoon) can fill up -especially in Monteverde and La Fortuna. Booking ahead also removes decision fatigue once you’re already on the ground and tired from travel.

What should I wear for ziplining?

Closed-toe shoes are the big one. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, bring a light rain layer (weather changes fast), and tie back long hair. If you’re in the forest, expect humidity – quick-dry fabrics feel better than heavy cotton.

Can I bring my phone or GoPro?

It depends on the operator’s rules, but assume you’ll need secure storage. If you bring a phone, use a strong lanyard or chest mount – the jungle doesn’t give lost items back. Many tours offer photos/video packages, which can be worth it if you want memories without risk.

Are there weight or age limits?

Most operators have limits for safety (they vary by course and equipment). If you’re traveling with kids or you’re unsure about restrictions, check the tour details before booking. This avoids awkward surprises at check-in.

Is ziplining scary if I’m afraid of heights?

It can be, but it’s usually manageable because you’re clipped in and guided the entire time. The fear often peaks at the first platform – then your brain realizes you’re secure and it becomes pure fun. If you’re nervous, tell your guide; they’re used to first-timers and will walk you through it calmly.

Is the rainy season still worth it?

Yes. Rain can actually make the forest feel more alive (more mist, more dramatic views). The key is timing: mornings are often clearer. Pack a light rain jacket and keep one flexible slot in your schedule in case weather shifts.

What’s the easiest “zipline + other highlights” combo?

The smoothest combo is La Fortuna: zipline in the morning, then hot springs or a relaxed evening. For pure cloud-forest vibes, do Monteverde ziplining and add a night walk or hanging bridges the next day.