When it comes to ziplining in Costa Rica, Monteverde is usually the destination that comes to mind as that is where the original canopy tour in the country started. Ziplining was invented by the workers who actually used the cables to deliver lunch! Nowadays, it’s an exciting activity for adventurers to flying through the forest or over the beach and is one of the essential experiences to have in Costa Rica.
Though there are many ziplining companies in Costa Rica, there is one in particular that is known for having one of the highest and longest, Treetopia Monteverde. They offer various activities in their park: ziplining, aerial tram, hanging bridges, zipline bike and a treetop obstacle course.
Read on to see what our experience at Treetopia Monteverde (formerly Sky Adventures Monteverde) was like. We did their ziplining, aerial tram and hanging bridges.
Treetopia Monteverde
Treetopia Monteverde is about a 15-20 minute drive from Santa Elena Downtown. If you have a car, a high clearance in the dry season and 4×4 in rainy season is recommended. They offer free parking.
If you do not have a car, you can arrange transportation with them from your hotel in Monteverde.
Prices and Times
The park is open 7 days a week.
Aerial Tram
To get to the start of the canopy tour, you need to take their aerial tram to the top. This aerial tram is awesome. You climb steadily to the top of the cloud forest and on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean as you’re on the Continental Divide.
Unfortunately, both times we have gone on the tram in March and November were super cloudy, but you get a great view of the cloud forests.
The tram goes up 2600 feet (800 meters) and at the top, the first cable is waiting for you!
Treetopia Zipline Course
This canopy tour has 8 cables and goes through the cloud forest. The longest cable is 2460 feet (750 meters), the highest cable is 328 feet (100 meters) and the tour lasts around 2 hours.
This zipline gives you stunning views of the cloud forest as you fly above the trees. Even though it was raining when we went, it was still super fun. I can imagine on a nice sunny day, it’s even more incredible!
You end up back at the tour entrance when the zipline is over so we got out of our ziplining gear and got ready to hike the hanging bridges.
Treetopia Monteverde Hanging Bridges
Treetopia Monteverde has 6 bridges spanning a length of 1.5 miles. It’s a fairly flat trail and is partially accessible by wheel chair. We had a bilingual guide who pointed out various flora and fauna since it’s common to see birds, monkeys, sloths and snakes.
Depending on what time of year you are visiting, you have the chance to see some rare birds. Monteverde is home to many birds who only live up the cloud forests such as the Resplendant Quetzal and Emerald Toucanet.
We went without a guide but if you are interested in a guide, you can book a hanging bridges guided walk with a naturalist guide.
Tips for Visiting Treetopia Monteverde
- For more tips, check our Monteverde guide.
- Wear a jacket and long pants, even in the dry season months. Monteverde’s average temperature up in the cloud forests is 65 F so it’s chilly! In rainy season, you must wear a rain jacket or else you’ll get soaked.
- For the walk, bring binoculars or a long lens if you like taking pictures. It’s a great place for birders.
- You don’t have to do the activities in this order, they have different times for the canopy tour. We just did the zipline first when there was a break in the rain.
- You don’t need hiking boots but closed toed shoes are a must. I actually wore my KEEN sandals since I didn’t have closed toed shoes and though my feet were a bit cold, my shoes dried quickly and I didn’t have to worry about wet socks.
- You can use a GoPro during the ziplining. Ask the guides for the helmets with the GoPro camera mount.
- They have lockers for backpacks and a small cafe and souvenir store.
We visited the Treetopia Monteverde park during the Costa Rica Monkey Tours, Essentials and Coast to Coast.
Want to see wildlife and hike in Monteverde? Check these posts out!
Abigail says
How much does it cost if you would like to do the Aerial Tram? Also, how long is the ride?
Sammi says
Hi Abigail, you can book passes and get more information on their direct website.
Felix says
I wanted to know what you think about Canopy La Carpinteria? We want to stay close to San Jose. I understand it’s about a half hour from San Jose.
Sammi says
We haven’t been to this one, I recommend to check reviews on TripAdvisor, google, Etc. to see what paste guests have said
Kirsten Gaucher says
We will be in both Arenal area and Monteverde over the holidays (also on both coasts Puerto Viejo and Playa Junquillal). Which one would you suggest if we are only ziplining in one of these 2 locations? So far we will hike and do hanging bridges in Arenal area also have a coffee tour planned in Monteverde(before we head to the beach!) Thank you for all of your excellent articles – just wish we had more time!!!!
Sammi says
Hi Kirsten, you can check our post Arenal vs Monteverde to read more about the activities and ziplining in both places.