Arenal Volcano 12 Zipline Cables Experience
Experience the thrill of flying through Costa Rica’s lush rainforest canopy on 12 ziplines, including the spectacular highlight of soaring directly over La Fortuna Waterfall – something you won’t find on any other tour. As you glide from platform to platform, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato while expert guides share fascinating insights about the area’s incredible biodiversity. This family-friendly adventure welcomes all skill levels with comprehensive safety briefings and top-quality equipment.
Overview
Launch off platforms high in the canopy and zip straight over the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall, a line no other local tour offers.
Feel the rush as you fly across 12 cables strung through old rainforest, Arenal Volcano looming clear on one side and dormant Cerro Chato on the other.
Your guides clip you in tight, explain each launch, and point out toucans or howler monkeys flashing past between rides. A short 450-meter uphill walk gets you to the first platform. Everything else is pure flight and views.
The 2.5-hour adventure includes La Fortuna hotel pickup or meet at the park base, helmet provided, done. Real talk: harness fits up to 240 pounds and specific leg/hip measurements, check yours first.
Groups top at 20, but slots go quick.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the immediate La Fortuna area.
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guides.
- All zipline equipment including helmet and harness.
- 12-cable canopy course with waterfall flyover.
- Pickup/drop-off from hotels outside central La Fortuna.
- Food or drinks (available for purchase at base).
- Souvenir photos (available to buy).
- Gratuities for guides.
Itinerary
- Get picked up from your La Fortuna hotel or meet directly at Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura base.
- Arrive at the park, sign in, get fitted with harness and helmet, and receive full safety briefing from guides.
- Walk about 450 meters uphill on a maintained trail to reach the first platform.
- Clip in and ride the first cables through the canopy, gaining speed and height.
- Reach the signature line that flies directly over La Fortuna Waterfall for aerial views of the cascade.
- Continue across the remaining cables, stopping on platforms for volcano and Cerro Chato panoramas.
- Complete all 12 cables with guided assistance at each station.
- Walk back down to the base area.
- Optional photo review or snack purchase, then shuttle or pickup return to your hotel.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to make your zip go smoothly, based on common experiences with harness fit, weather, and views. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Closed tennis shoes and long pants aren't optional for safety. Several guests said straps need skin contact without loose fabric, and grippy soles help on the short uphill walk. One brought a small secure pouch for phone photos mid-ride.
- Harness and weight rules. Guides measure leg (max 65 cm) and hip (max 110 cm) circumference plus 240 lb limit strictly. A few borderline guests got creative with clothing layers to fit snug. Mention recent surgeries upfront—they'll assess.
- Platform waits. Short lines even in busier slots because groups move fast. Guests liked the platform breaks for catching breath and volcano shots. Guides control pacing well for mixed abilities.
- Waterfall line thrill. Flying over the falls hits different—mist rises up and roar echoes below. One family called it the standout moment, worth the whole course.
- Group setup. Max 20 split into smaller waves. Past riders said it kept launches quick, letting everyone chat with guides or enjoy quiet canopy moments.
Best time to visit. December to April offers clearer volcano views and drier cables. Guests early 2025 said January afternoons stayed comfortable with frequent peak sightings. May to November brings possible light rain but cooler air and greener forest.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Sharp volcano views, dry harnesses | Warmer sun on platforms | Morning for cooler air |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | Lush canopy, fewer people | Chance of showers, clouds may hide peaks | Mid-morning to finish before heavier rain |
Common issues. Skip if pregnant, recent surgery, back problems, or heart conditions. Guests found the short walk moderate and cables smooth with double-clip safety. Rain rarely cancels—guides provide ponchos if needed. Over-waterfall line runs regardless for that signature rush.
FAQ
Do I need zipline experience?
No experience required. Guides give thorough safety training and handle all clipping. Past first-timers felt secure after the first cable, saying the automatic braking and double safety lines made it easy.
What if I'm scared of heights?
Many nervous guests finish loving it. Guides talk you through each launch and go first to demonstrate. One visitor admitted platform jitters but said the views distracted instantly—start with shorter cables to build confidence.
Minimum age and kid rules?
Children 7+ welcome and must ride with an adult guide controlling brake if needed. No solo under age. Families said kids got huge thrills on the waterfall line, but measure harness fit early at base.
How strict are weight and size limits?
Very—240 lbs max, leg circumference 65 cm, hips 110 cm for safe harness fit. Guides measure everyone. Guests near limits passed by wearing tight layers; those over couldn't ride for safety—no exceptions.
Will I definitely see the volcano?
Visibility depends on clouds, but multiple open cables give good chances. Clear days deliver full Arenal and Cerro Chato frames. One group in dry season got perfect shots from three platforms—guides wait briefly if clouds tease.
Why this canopy tour over others?
The direct flyover of La Fortuna Waterfall sets it apart—no other local course has that line. Closer volcano angles and smaller wave sizes add up. Past riders said the combo of waterfall rush and panoramic stops felt more exciting than standard canopy routes.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.