There are a number of different ziplines in the country. We work mostly with a company that is called SkyTrek. They started their zipping days in the Monteverde area then opened another operation in the Arenal area. It is here that to this day, we consider it the best zipline in the country. Not only is it one of the highest and fastest but it has some of the best views. You can actually see and hear the boulders pouring down the side of the Arenal Volcano while zipping across the canyon.

Some people come to the zipline with the impression that they are afraid of heights and that they will not do it. Our advice to this tourist is to at least take a look at it. The good part is that it is not like walking off the side of a waterfall where you can see straight down and just how high it is. It is a gradual way of looking at it. You actually start at about five feet then you zip out to 10 feet then 20, 30, and then you get to the deepest part and then it closes back in. So you are actually zipping across a canyon but you are only at the highest part for just a few seconds and by that time you are zipping away you really don’t have anytime to think about it. We have seen quite a few people who are afraid of heights do the zipline so we surely think it is worth taking a look at.

There are eight different cables and they measure almost 1km long at the longest and up to 700ft high at the highest. Many people ask how they made this place in the middle of the jungle going from mountain top to mountain top. Well the answer is helicopters. Not only were German engineers contracted to build this structure but helicopters came in from Panama to put all the pieces together as the terrain was too rough to move equipment through.

The scenery in and around the cables is primary rainforest. You have a chance to see monkeys, sloths, and a number of different species of birds. Do not come thinking you are on an animal site seeing tour because the idea behind this adventure is to be surrounded by nature and pure adrenaline. There is a moment to do some site seeing on the gondola ride which is what takes you to the top to get you ready to go on the cables. The gondola ride is an amazing experience in itself as you will be at the canopy of the rainforest and see some of the largest trees around. You also get an up-close look at the different epiphytes that live in the rainforest.

The guides are excellent and we have only heard positive things about the operations at SkyTrek. It is a very well-known company in and around Costa Rica and we suggest this company to anyone in the Monteverde or Arenal area.