10 Useful tips for zip lining in Monteverde
Zip lining in Monteverde, Costa Rica is a must-try activity! Monteverde is located in the high mountains of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province and is well known for its rainforest and wildlife.
Zip lining in Monteverde was high on my Costa Rica bucket list and I was so excited to try it for the first time. Looking back on the experience, it was great and I gained many useful facts/tips. I’m happy to share them with you in this post:
1. Go ziplining as early as possible
Make sure to choose the earliest time available, usually this is around 08 AM. The clouds roll into mid to late morning and will block some of the views, so it’s best to get there early.
2. Wear the right clothing and shoes
It’s important to dress comfortably and warm. Wear clothing that’s not tight and not too loose. It’s important that you can easily move your arms and legs. Some ziplines are quite fast, so it is best to wear a t-shirt and a vest against the cold. Or a thermal shirt, for example. You will wear a harness, so if you’re planning on wearing shorts, make sure they are long enough. I recommend wearing long pants with zippered pockets (or place nothing in your pockets). Also make sure to wear closed toed shoes, such as running shoes or hiking boots.
3. Check your pockets
Check your pockets before you leave and make sure they are empty. You literally don’t need anything while ziplining! Most zipline companies take professional photos while ziplining, so you don’t even need to bring your phone or camera. Most companies have lockers to stow your possessions before you go.
4. Secure everything!
If you do bring a camera or a go pro, make sure it is secure, for example strap it to your wrist, so it doesn’t fall off. If you wear glasses, make sure they are on tight or take them off. You don’t want them to fall off and lose them. Many things have been lost already in the rainforest!
And do you have long hair? Secure this too haha. You don’t want your hair getting in your face and ruining your view. Or worse, having your hair get in the way with braking. So tie up your hair!
5. Always listen to the guides
This one should actually be on number one. Always listen to the guides! They are well trained and their main job is to keep you safe. Listen carefully to the instructions and always follow their directions. Safety is the first priority while ziplining!
6. Respect the nature
And this one should actually be number two on this list because I think nature and wildlife are very important! You are a guest in the rainforest, so behave like it. Try not to touch the trees when you are on a platform and if you have to hike between ziplining, always stay on the path and don’t pick any greenery. If you encounter wildlife, leave them alone and watch them from a distance.
7. Don’t run or jump from platforms
Talking about platforms… If you’re nervous or new to ziplining in Monteverde, the hardest part is usually gathering up the courage to step off the platform for the first time. It is important to keep in mind that you don’t need to run or jump from the platform. Just step off the platform and sit in your harness. Gravity and the zipline will do the rest of the work for you.
8. Use bug spray before you depart
You are in the rainforest and you will sometimes have to wait on platforms before you can leave. Use some mosquito spray before you start, so you don’t get stung while waiting.
9. Research the different zipline locations in Monteverde
There are some fabulous ziplines in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Decide what type of experience you want, whether it’s flying through the canopy over the rainforest or riding high above the water. I loved trying the Superman where you wear your harness reversed and move forward with your head first instead of feet first. Not all companies offer this option, so I did some research first. I booked my zip lining experience with 100% Adventura Park (not sponsored!) and enjoyed 10 zip lines (including the longest one in Costa Rica), a hammock bridge, the Superman and the Tarzan Swing. You can always visit the tourist information centre in Santa Elena for some helpful tips on different locations.
10. Don’t forget to smile
As I mentioned earlier, some companies take professional photos while ziplining. They often announce it when a photo is being taken. Overcome your fears and try to smile for the photo opportunity! That way you will have a great memory for later. And if your nerves can handle it, smile the entire time and enjoy the wonderful experience. The point of ziplining is to have fun!
Have you been zip lining in Monteverde, Costa Rica or tried it elsewhere? I’d love to hear all about your experience.
Author: Daphne
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