Zip-lining is Costa Rica's signature adventure, and this is the tour most people in Manuel Antonio choose. The tour covers a canopy circuit with fourteen tree platforms, three natural walks and six hanging bridges, with a long main run billed as the longest twin zip line in Central America at close to a mile. Riders go side by side on twin lines, which makes it a good tour for couples, friends and parents with older children, and the guides, who reviewers praise again and again for their safety focus and patience, strap you in, check your gear and coach you through the first line. Between runs you walk through the forest on suspension bridges and short trails, where reviewers report sloths, toucans and spider monkeys. The price includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, snacks, water and fresh fruit, all equipment with helmets that take a camera mount, fees and taxes, and gratuities. With a 5.0 rating from more than sixteen hundred reviews and a 99 percent recommendation rate, it is the best-reviewed excursion in the area.
Who it suits
There is no minimum age on the page, and reviewers mention children as young as five and riders in their seventies. The maximum weight is 275 pounds. Pregnant travellers cannot take part, and the tour is not advised for people with back problems, heart conditions, recent injuries or serious medical issues. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, since you will walk between platforms and cross bridges. If anyone in your party is nervous, tell the guides at the start, because they are used to working with first-timers.
What to bring
Closed shoes with grip, light long trousers or shorts you can sit in a harness in, sunscreen, repellent, and a small bag for a phone, which you should secure in a pocket or leave with the guides. Photography is an extra, so decide whether you want to buy the photo package or use your own camera on the helmet mount. Reviewers suggest bug spray and grip-soled shoes, and note that the lunch is a highlight.
Planning it
The tour is a half-day, so you can combine it with a morning or an afternoon on the beach, but not with a big excursion on the same day. The total length is not fixed, so check the pickup and return times when you book. Cancel up to twenty-four hours ahead for a full refund.
In the green season, from May to November, showers can come in the afternoon, but zip-lining usually continues in light rain, and a morning slot avoids most of it. If you want a bigger adventure day, pair this with rafting on another day rather than cramming both in.
What to expect
The experience
A guided canopy circuit with twin zip lines, tree platforms, hanging bridges and nature walks, with transfers, a traditional lunch and equipment included.
Best time
A morning start, which avoids most afternoon showers in the green season.
How long
A half day including transfers. Confirm pickup and return times when you book.
Tips
Wear closed grip shoes, secure your phone, bring repellent and sunscreen, and tell the guides if anyone is nervous.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A first zip-line for travellers who want a safe, well-run adventure.
- Families
- No minimum age is stated, and reviewers mention children from about five. The weight limit is 275 pounds.
- Couples
- Twin lines let you ride side by side, with lunch afterwards.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon, a sunset catamaran on another day or a Tuesday adventure while the park is closed.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is the zip-line tour safe?+
Reviewers consistently praise the guides' safety focus, with gear checks and clear coaching. Tell the guides if you are nervous, and follow their instructions on every line.
Is there an age or weight limit?+
No minimum age is stated, though children as young as five are mentioned in reviews, and the maximum weight is 275 pounds. Pregnant travellers cannot take part.
What is included?+
Hotel pickup and return, a traditional lunch, snacks, water and fruit, equipment with helmets that take a camera mount, fees and taxes, and gratuities. Photos cost extra.
Will I see wildlife?+
Often, since the route crosses forest with bridges and walks. Reviewers mention sloths, toucans and spider monkeys, but sightings are not guaranteed.
What if it rains?+
Light rain rarely stops the tour. Book a morning departure to avoid the usual afternoon showers, and free cancellation applies up to twenty-four hours before the start.
