Nestled within the rolling hills of Costa Rica's Northern Highlands, postcard-perfect La Fortuna beckons travelers from around the globe. This small town is home to a wealth of natural attractions, including the Arenal Volcano National Park, hot springs and waterfalls.

But one of the most popular draws is La Fortuna's zip lining tours. These canopy adventures offer travelers a thrilling way to experience the area's lush rainforests, getting up close and personal with the area's diverse flora and fauna.

Here's all you need to know about zip lining, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in La Fortuna.

What are the best zip lining tours in La Fortuna?

Mega zipline adventure in Tajo Alto

Dishing up views of the Nicoya Gulf and the surrounding mountains and rainforest, this adrenaline-inducing tour consists of 25 different zipline cables, including the longest in Costa Rica as well as one of the world's oldest zipline.

After a briefing from the safety-trained guide, you'll jump in the Jeep for an off-road adventure to your starting point. From there, you embark on your zipline journey over no fewer than 11 waterfalls.

Once you complete the course, you're treated to a hearty lunch at a local restaurant and given time to relax in the spring water pool, if you so choose.

Superman zipline course in Tajo Alto

One of the most popular zip lining tours in the La Fortuna region is the superman style course in Tajo Alto, which offers travelers a head-first, lay-flat zipline experience on its course.

After a couple hours of driving and then a short walk through the rainforest, you'll reach the first of your zipline platforms where you'll be harnessed in for your journey ahead.

As you're suspended face-down, you'll have unobstructed views of the rainforest, the Nicoya Gulf and the verdant valley below. Following the adventure, you're usually given lunch or a fresh fruit platter before being escorted back to your La Fortuna hotel.

Zipline over the La Fortuna waterfall

Taking place at the Arenal Mundo Aventura Park in La Fortuna, this zipline course is one of the closest to the hotels and resorts in the area. After a safety briefing, you'll be kitted out with your harness and helmet before making your way to the first platform — an 18-meter-high tower.

From there, you'll zip over the La Fortuna River, above the 120-meter-deep canyon and through the rainforest canopy on seven different cables, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.

This La Fortuna zipline tour is a great Costa Rica adventure activity for active travelers. Not only do you get to zip over the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, but you also have the option to add a non-guided three-hour hike to your adventure

Private zipline tour

Best suited to couples or small groups, this private La Fortuna zipline tour is a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the rainforest at your own pace.

Due to the private nature, you have the ability to customize the tour to some extent, adding in extra activities such as a soak in the Baldi Hot Springs or a guided cultural tour through La Fortuna village to complement the seven ziplines.

Typically, a delicious buffet lunch comes as part of the package. Private zipline tours can be organized from San José too.

Zipline tour featuring hanging bridges sections

Starting in La Fortuna proper, this zipline tour features not only traditional zip lining sections but also hanging bridges, giving you a well-rounded rainforest adventure experience.

The tour kicks off with a safety briefing before kitting you out in your harness and helmet. On the ziplines, you'll fly above lush jungle foliage, rivers and canyons, with views of the Arenal Volcano in the distance.

In between ziplines are sections where you'll walk across hanging bridges — some as high as 60 meters (200 feet) off the ground. This area is known for wildlife, which your guides will happily point out.

Multi-day zipline package

Multi-day ziplining tours soar above the rainforest canopy — usually reached by taking an off-road truck adventure.

On 2-day tours from La Fortuna, you'll get to walk across hanging bridges and take in views of the Arenal Volcano. In case you opt for a 3-day tour, you will enjoy a more comprehensive experience that includes not only zip lining but also canyoning and hiking.

Since the activity is spread out over a longer time period, you have free time to relax by the pool area, tackle the hiking trails and try your hand at rappelling.

How much do zip lining tours in La Fortuna cost?

The cost of zip lining tours in La Fortuna ranges between US$55 and US$250, varying depending on the length and type of tour.

A private zipline tour with pickup might cost around $250, while a small group tour with fellow travelers would be closer to US$50 to US$100 per person.

Most tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Specific price brackets follow:

Mega zipline adventure in Tajo Alto: around US$190 per person
Superman zipline course in Tajo Alto: around US$110 per person
Zipline tour over the La Fortuna waterfall: around US$70 per person
Private zipline tour: around US$245 per person
Zipline tour featuring hanging bridges sections: between US$70 and US$120
Multi-day zipline package: around US$140 for a 2-day tour and US$240 for a 3-day experience.

What is included?

All of the aforementioned La Fortuna zip lining tours include safety equipment, a professional guide and access to the zipline course.

Round-trip transportation from hotels in La Fortuna, Jaco, San Jose and other nearby towns is usually included too — just double-check with your specific tour when booking.

Most tours also include a buffet lunch, with vegetarian options often available upon advanced request.

Some zipline companies also offer other activities such as high ropes courses, hiking, swimming in hot springs and more.

Where does it start?

The majority of La Fortuna zipline tours start conveniently with hotel pickup. You'll be picked up from your accommodation in La Fortuna, Jaco, Arenal, Puntarenas, Guanacaste or San Jose (among other places) and driven to the zipline course.

Depending on which zipline trip you choose, the activity starting point will – in most cases – be either the Arenal Mundo Aventura Park in La Fortuna or the Adventure Park & Hotel Vista Golfo in Tajo Alto.

How long does it last?

The length of La Fortuna zipline tours can vary, with some lasting as little as two hours and others going on for up to three days. Most zipline experiences in Costa Rica are half-day affairs, taking transportation time into account.

When is the best time for a zip lining tour in La Fortuna?

May through November is the rainy season in La Fortuna and Costa Rica, which means that the zipline experience is more likely to be affected by the weather. Therefore, it's recommended to do it between December and April when conditions are drier.

As for time of day, mornings and early afternoons are usually the best for zip lining in La Fortuna.

Are there any combos available with zip lining tours in La Fortuna?

Yes, there is a large number of combo tours that include zip lining in La Fortuna.

Zipline and class II-III white water rafting: these action-packed tours include zip lining near the Arenal Volcano as well as a white water rafting trip down the Balsa River.
Zipline and ATV adventure: known as the 'rush pack', this combination tour features zip lining near the La Fortuna Waterfall as well as an ATV tour of Costa Rica's rainforest and along private farm tracks.
Zipline, Tarzan swing and rafting tour: this tour is similar to the zipline and white water rafting combo, but with the addition of a thrilling Tarzan swing.
Zipline, canyoning, bridges plus horseback ride: adding one more option to the mix, this combo tour also features a canyoning experience as well as a horseback ride or wagon ride through the cloud forest.

Is it safe to take a zip lining tour in the city?

Yes, zip lining tours in La Fortuna are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment. These excursions are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns.

If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in La Fortuna?

Travel tips

Bring a passport or ID card to check in for your tour.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. You may want to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat too.
Double-check the age, weight and height requirements of the tour when booking, since each operator will have slightly different requirements.
Make sure to book your tours in advance as they often sell out.

Zip Lining in La Fortuna