Choosing Between Arenal Zip Line Canopy Tours in Costa Rica

An Arenal zipline tour a must for thrill-seeking families vacationing in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has unbelievable adventure family travel infrastructure and the challenge is choosing between all of the options. Arenal, 90 km northwest of San Jose, is an ideal stop for families with loads of kid-friendly things to do within a relatively small area. Arenal has several zip line canopy tour companies offering different experiences. We chose Sky Tram & Sky Trek for our excursion; the tour was phenomenal with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and beyond.

I asked our ground operator to round up the different options in the area since we only had time to try a tour with one company.

Arenal Zipline Canopy Tours

Sky Tram & Sky Trek

This canopy tour has the biggest name appeal among various companies throughout La Fortuna. They boast the longest  and highest cables; in addition, Sky Trek have the best view of the Arenal Volcano in the area. The Sky Tram is used to get to the first platform. This experience lasts a bit longer than the other tours and they have additional activity options including a hanging bridges walking tour.

Ecoglide

This canopy tour is great  if you are short on time. The duration is usually only about 1.5 to 2 hours maximum and it has a double cable system for extra security (meaning they can accommodate younger children), plus a bonus Tarzan swing that adds an extra adrenaline rush!

Arenal Mundo Aventura

This canopy tour is a great option for families as they allow children 4 and older. Arenal Mundo Aventura usually sends the younger kids tandem with a guide. This tour goes over the stunning Arenal La Fortuna waterfall with breathtaking views. There is an added bonus of a visit to a cultural center to the Maleku Indigenous tribe after zip lining. The average tour time is 3.5 hours, making it one of the longest experiences.

Montaña Tours

This is a great value tour as the price is  lower than the other canopy tours and they have an added bonus of adding in a short horseback ride and an included optional rappel into the Arenal river canyon. The treetop and river views are wonderful.

Do you have more time to enjoy the area surrounding the Arenal Volcano National Park? Consider kayaking Lake Arenal, where it’s easy to spot exotic birds and other wildlife. Or go hiking and more closely examine the Costa Rican flora and fauna of the forest canopy that rushed by you too quickly while zipping along. Regardless, plan to spend the evening dipping in and out of the natural hot springs this region is famous for. You’ve earned it!

Relevant Links:

See all family-friendly ideas and accommodations for Costa Rica on Ciao Bambino

25 essential Costa Rica travel tips for families

Best itinerary for a Costa Rica family vacation

Secret Costa Rica: Where to get off the beaten path

Costa Rica with kids: Our favorite family-friendly adventures

Editor’s note: Ciao Bambino was provided media rates for our Costa Rica Tour, including the Sky Tram & Sky Trek zip line. As always, our opinions are our own. Photo by Amie O’Shaughnessy.