Zipline
Discover Costa Rica’s Best-Kept Zipline and Canopy Secrets
When most people think of ziplining in Costa Rica, Monteverde or Arenal spring to mind. But adventurous travelers know there’s a deeper canopy — tucked in volcanic canyons, coastal rainforests, and remote eco-lodges — where zipline courses feel wild, intimate, and utterly unforgettable. Here are some of the lesser-known canopy gems worth that dorky helmet time.
Pacuare Lodge Canopy – Jungle by River
Accessible only by raft, Pacuare Lodge’s canopy course immerses you in an untouched rainforest. Guests zip between platforms high above the forest floor, listening to distant river rapids and tropical bird calls. Guides often pause mid-zip to point out wildlife and teach about the forest.
Wildlife bonus: You’re likely to see toucans, howler monkeys, and tree frogs. The remoteness means fewer tour buses, more peaceful wildlife moments, and a deep sense of immersion.
Osa Peninsula Canopy
In the heart of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse region, this Osa Peninsula zipline operator offer a canopy experience unlike any other. Glide above primary rainforest, scanning for macaws, spider monkeys, or even sleeping sloths in the canopy. This is a private reserve which consists of 323 hectares (about 800 acres) of primary rainforest. Just 30 minutes from Puerto Jiménez and 15 minutes from Matapalo—this canopy tour gives you a true bird’s-eye view of the Osa Peninsula. Once you reach the starting point, you will be about 600 meters (2000 ft) above the Terraba River where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. The route spans five platforms perched between 10 and 35 meters (33 to 115 feet) above the forest floor, connected by 1.3 km of ziplines that can reach speeds up to 50 km/h (31mph).
Why it feels special: The Osa peninsula is remote which means no day-trip traffic. That means more time, fewer lines, and true wild forest ambiance. This should absolutely be combined with a trip to Corcovado National Park.
Río Celeste Hideaway Zipline
Near the famed blue waters of Río Celeste lies a boutique canopy course that delivers volcanic forest views and tranquil panoramas. Floating above the rainforest, you’ll glimpse the mineral-rich river below, framed by dense foliage and cloud-shrouded hills. This resort was also named one of the top 10 places to stay in Central America by Travel and Leisure in 2024, and offers so many other activities to keep the adventure going.
Best time to go: Early morning helps you catch golden light on the foliage and peaceful forest vibes — plus, wildlife tends to be more active before the heat builds.
Canyon Flight at Rio Perdido
Far from the crowd, the canyon zipline at Rio Perdido carves through volcanic cliffs and rugged rock faces. This isn’t your typical treetop tour — it's an adrenaline-fueled canyon adventure, complete with ladders, rappels, and sweeping canyon zips. The dramatic geology and sparse crowds make it a rider’s favorite for solitude and scenery.
On the ground: The dry forest here hums with life — watch for iguanas and canyon-dwelling birds. The experience often pairs with a thermal-river soak, so plan for a full-day escape.
Hacienda Pozo Azul — Sarapiquí’s River-Crossing Zipline
This nine-cable canopy is carved into the Sarapiquí river corridor, giving you a mix of watery glides, limestone cliffs, and lush jungle backdrops. It’s a shorter course than high-altitude zips, but perfect for a half-day or family-friendly adventure. The tour ends with a stunning 900 ft cable crossing the beautiful Sarapiquí River canyon. While easily accessible from San Jose, they also offer glamping on site to immerse yourself further into the jungle.
Wildlife: Expect to spot river birds, dragonflies, and occasionally capuchins and howler monkeys hanging out nearby.
For those looking to escape the tour buses, these smaller, more rustic options offer profound jungle immersion and a deeper connection to local eco-tourism.
Hacienda Barú – “Flight of the Toucan”
Set in a private wildlife refuge near the Dominical coast, Barú’s canopy tour is built for both thrill and discovery. Zip high above the forest while listening to the dawn chorus of toucans, motmots, and monkeys, then return after dark and try the night walk for owls and other nocturnal creatures. The Vuelo del Tucán canopy tour offers a scenic, family-friendly ziplining experience modeled after the toucan’s natural flight path through the rainforest. The route includes seven ziplines and 14 platforms—13 on the ground and one elevated in a tree with coastal panoramas—carrying guests over valleys, streams, and dense jungle.
Your adventure starts with a 45-minute guided rainforest walk, an ideal chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and toucans while learning about the local ecosystem. Combining nature education with smooth, scenic flights, this canopy tour is one of the region’s best options for travelers of all ages
Vibe: Eco-lodge meets birding platform — casual, authentic, and beautifully integrated with the land.
Private and Boutique Canopies (Lodge-Exclusive)
Certain ecolodges and treehouse hotels near Monteverde offer private or semi-private canopy experiences only for guests. These are smaller courses, often led by local guides, and designed for maximum intimacy and ecological interpretation.
Wildlife perk: Because the groups are small, guides can tailor stops, offer quieter zip segments, and even pause for bird calls or canopy ecology talks. Dependent on elevation—endemic cloud forest bird species in Monteverde; nectar feeders and quetzal in higher zones.
Tips for Choosing Your Hidden Zipline
Stay on-site when possible: Many of the more exclusive courses are only available to lodge guests — staying overnight helps you access them and aligns with conservation ethics.
Go early or late: Wildlife is most active early morning or during twilight, making ziplining during these hours more rewarding.
Wear the right gear: Closed-toed shoes, long pants, and light, breathable layers will keep you safe and comfortable.
Book thoughtfully: These secret canopy spots often have limited slots. Make sure you reserve ahead, especially in high season.
Ask about guides: Local guides aren’t just safety experts; they’re naturalists who can identify birds, frogs, and even tell you the story behind the forest.