El Santuario Canopy Adventure: Ziplining in Costa rica
Costa Rica is filled with a plethora of activities to indulge your adventurous side. Trying to decide what to do and where can be overwhelming. There are many places to zip-line, but El Santuario Canopy Adventure makes itself an easy pick! Having the longest zip-line in Central America makes it even more appealing!
My friends and I knew that if we were going to go to Costa Rica then zip-lining was a must! El Santuario Canopy Adventure looked like the perfect place. They are located near Manuel Antonio National Park. If you happen to be staying in the area, they have a van that will pick you up. My friends and I were actually staying 30-40 minutes away so we drove to a meeting location, Quepos Airport.
Quepos Airport is super small and only has 8 parking spaces. We sat in the car in one of the spaces and ate breakfast sandwiches we purchased a few minutes away. It was great watching a small plane take off and land. 10 minutes after the scheduled pick up time a van arrived and we followed them to the location. We turned onto one of Costa Rica’s infamous unpaved roads and drove for about 20 minutes. The road had views of beautiful palm trees.
Once we got to the entrance, we parked and hopped out to join our group. The grounds were gorgeous. After signing our life away with waivers we were offered coffee and fruit. I happily took some watermelon before putting on a harness and helmet. I didn’t want to take my camera and lose it although I ended up seeing people tied it to their helmets. Instead my friend put my go pro on his helmet. The helmet had safety clips to make sure the straps stayed down on the helmet which I thought was awesome!
We piled into a van and headed up to the starting point where we were briefed on how to do things and safety rules. A couple of photos were taken before we were on our way to the first zipline. There are 10 in all. We were told the longest one was number 7. We had ample time to work up to that one.
By the time we finished the first three we were all sweating. The weather was no joke! 95 degrees and 100% humidity. I have never sweat so much before! Everyone was drenched. Places I wasn’t aware I could sweat, like my shins, had beads of sweat. Luckily there was a pit stop to get some water. We refilled our cups before moving on.
The 3rd and 4th zip-line allowed you to go upside down or spin. Some people took the opportunity, I didn’t. It took a lot of ab work to hold my legs up and crossed. The harness on certain lines felt tight and hurt a bit. Plus I loved watching the views as I zipped across and got the amazing and much wanted and needed breeze to ease the heat.
Right before we got to the 7th zipline we stopped to sit down and rest. We were able to snack on some delicious pineapples that were provided by the staff. Afterwards we headed up to the longest zipline in Central America. It is over 3/4 of a mile. I was excited. The other cool part about this particular line was that 2 people could go at once. I was on the left side and my friend was on right. The last zipline was the fastest.
The entire experience was an exciting and tiring one. Walking up countless stairs and going over suspension bridges in that weather would wear anyone out. Especially when I had been up since 2:20am. (That story is for another time.) It wasn’t over though. In order to get down from the platform we had to repel down. I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of falling.
It took a moment, but I repelled down and they dropped me quick being funny. I held it together and got it done. After that we walked back and gave back our harnesses and helmets. Everyone ran to the bathroom, sinks, and to get water. The lovely staff had juice, water, and lunch waiting for us. We sat down and had rice, beans, chicken, plantains, and a salad. It was absolutely delicious and just what was needed after starting the day so early!
The staff at El Santuario were amazing. They were light-hearted, fun, and extremely entertaining. They made the day so much fun and really set the tone for the entire experience. The zip-lines were fun, but the staff took it to another level. They are a great bunch of people!!
When visiting Costa Rica this is the place to come for zip-lining. Besides you have to do the longest zip-line in Central America! I loved my experience with El Santuario Canopy Adventure. I got the ab work out of a lifetime as well, I think I came back with some amazing core strength haha. I didn’t see anything but bugs. I wish I had spotted a monkey, sloth, or toucan. El Santuario was certainly the highlight of my time in Costa Rica.
Disclaimer: Thank you to El Santuario Canopy Adventure for having us. While receiving complimentary admission all opinions and views are my own.
See all that we did while visiting Costa Rica!
Tia
This experience looks so awesome. I’ve been considering a trip to Costa Rica this year and this would be a great addition to the itinerary. Ive been ziplining before but this looks like its another level with 7 lines one of which is a 3/4 mile ride. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Tia
Holly Dayz
It was such an awesome experience! Certainly a highlight of the trip! You would not regret adding this to your itinerary. It is so much fun. There are 10 lines, the 7th is the longest one.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow)
I don’t have a “wish list” per se, but I’d like to go zip lining in 2016.
Hopefully, I won’t do it in such heat like you did. Glad you had fun!
Holly Dayz
I would certainly recommend this. It is an amazing experience you won’t forget.
BonBon
Weeeeh…. my kind of adventure:) I cant wait for the kids to grow up so we can enjoy these kids of activities with them:) Great post. Keep coming… xoxo
Holly Dayz
Amazing adventure. Thank you!
Olivia
Zip lining has been something I have wanted to try for years!! It looks like you had so much fun. Did I read correctly that the airport only has 8 parking spaces?!?! That’s crazy!
Holly Dayz
Oh you have to go for it. It is a lot of fun. Yea, 8 spaces. Quepos airport is pretty small.
Antoinette Cain
What an awesome adventure. I’ve always wanted to try zip lining. It looks like so much fun.
Holly Dayz
You should try it out. You would love it.
Noel Morata (@emorata)
what a great way to visit and see the forest canopy, it looks like a really fun adventure with spectacular views from what I can see.
Holly Dayz
The views were out of a movie. I was in awe by many of them.
wyldfamilytravel
The zipline looks fantastic what a way to spend a day in the forest. The food looks amazing, Being Australian you dont hear of many of my countrymen who go to costa rica. Seems to be pretty popular with americans
Holly Dayz
The food was delicious and much needed after all the excitement. You should visit one day if you can. Great place with much to do.
globalmunchkins82
We visited Costa Rica in 2013 and LOVED it. We zipped to but it was pouring rain. Still fun but VERY wet experience. Looks like you guys had quite the awesome time
Holly Dayz
I can see why you loved it, it is a beautiful place. Wow the pouring rain, at least you still had a blast. We had a great time!
Love and Road (@LoveandRoad)
Zipline in the middle of tropical forest!! Yes, please!!!
Believe or not, I´m not a big fan of heights, and every time I go to a zip line I think twice before let myself fly free among the trees… But when I´m on the middle of the zipline, it feels so good!! It’s totally worthy to overcome the fear and enjoy the ride! I can imagine how tired and hot was your experience… Congrats for doing it!
Nat
Holly Dayz
Thank you. it does feel good and so worth it. It was an unforgettable experience.
Sabrina Barbante
Since the day I learned abt Costarica and the way this country is active in Human rights, peace keeping and environment protection I decided this is a MUST PLACE TO GO As many times as possible in life. Now you make me love this Country more and more! Thank you!
Holly Dayz
I loved visiting and am looking forward to going back to see and explore more. Your very welcome.
Natalie
Oh, i would love to go to Costa Rica and so something like that! The nature, the food, and adventure all sound so exciting. I guess I will just have to get my body in shape before. It seems a bit tiring!
Holly Dayz
It is a great experience that you would enjoy. It is tiring, but completely worth it!
staciesayzso
Ooh girl, you are so daring! Go head and live your life girlfriend!
Holly Dayz
lol thank you
Mags
Looks like an adventure. I hear you about the humidity though. I just got back from Panama and it was a special kind of hot and sticky. I’m from Florida and thought I could handle heat and humidity, but I spent the whole time drenched in sweat, even from just walking around. I can’t imagine what I would have looked like doing something active like this.
Holly Dayz
It is a special kind. One lady told us that you are just always wet and hot in Costa Rica.I was happy to feel the breeze as I zipped across.
Alice Teacake
Longest zipline in Central America! Yes please! Love bucket list items like this and it sounds like a real adventure hiking across many different areas and going across so many different lines. Sounds like it was totally worth it. Well done for braving it 🙂
Holly Dayz
It was and it was so beautiful. The views were so beautiful. It was worth every drop of sweat lol. You must go.
thesophislife
What a cool adventure! I honestly want to go to Costa Rica just to zip line oh and to see the volcano! I can not imagine doing it in that heat thou or upside down! I’m glad you had such a great experience with this tour group!
Holly Dayz
That is an excellent reason to go. I think several visits are in order to really see all the beauty held there. Yes, the tour group was so much fun I highly recommend them!
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
I love to zip line it is such a thrill. I’ve not done it in such beautiful places as you have. I need to step my game up.
Holly Dayz
It is a lot of fun flying over the tree tops. You must go.
LanaLou // TheTruthAboutBlondes
This always looks so fun. I need to get there to do it.
Holly Dayz
Yes you do! You won’t regret it
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
I’ve been zipling twice, once in Costa Rica with a different company in the Manuel Antonio area. It’s such a blast to fly through the jungle and take in the views! I also did the Superman cable, which lets you fly a la superman on a super long cable. That was pretty awesome, too! The area in and around Manuel Antonio is so pretty. I love when rain forests push right up against the shore.
Holly Dayz
If you ever go back you must get on the longest zip line in Central America! That sounds fun.
Brianna
I did my first zipline in Costa Rica near Arenal and I can’t imagine any better place to glide through the trees.
Holly Dayz
Gorgeous country! I am sure you had a blast.
karolinakornell
This looks amazing and like so much fun! I never been to Costa rica and will definitely do this when I go! Great post!
Holly Dayz
It was the icing on the cake of the trip. Great highlight. You won’t regret doing this when you visit.
Jonna Scott-Blakes
This looks like so much fun. There are a few places in my area that do zip lining, but I’m sure it doesn’t compare at all to this!
Holly Dayz
It was. If you ever get to Costa Rica, this is the place to go.
Karla (Karla Around The World)
Wow, the view and the activities that await are really worth the trip. I also am very interested with the food. They look so yummy.
Holly Dayz
The food was delicious and much needed. They really took care of everyone. Even with pineapples during the ziplining.
Jenna
That’s too bad you didn’t see a monkey, sloth, or toucan–would have been cool to see. Sounds like an awesome adventure though! We just went zip lining in Puerto Rico–such a fun thing to do!
Holly Dayz
I know I was sad. The only place I saw them was on the Costa Rican currency.
patricemfoster
Wow, looks like a lot of fun. Never been to Costa Rica interesting and beautiful place…the food, people atmosphere seem happy place. zip line maybe someday!
Holly Dayz
Oh you must visit. You will love it!
Mar Pages
Zip lining upside down…mmmm..I don;t think so, not for me, but man it looks fun!
Holly Dayz
I didn’t go upside down either. I wasn’t ready to be about that life lol
the-worldwide
Wow! You had a great experience. This place is awesome.
Holly Dayz
I really did! It was such a great experience. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Carolann
Looks like tons of fun! I hear it’s absolutely amazing to zipline in Costa Rica. Would definitely want to do so with a company that had a fun staff – although dropping me down quickly while rappelling would not put me in a good mood! 🙂
Holly Dayz
It is a great experience. The staff were great and they did it all in good fun.
Kiwi
I have yet to Zipline I think I will save it for my Panama trip in April. You look like you had a blast but nope to ziplining upside down I am too scary!
Holly Dayz
I didn’t go upside down either! I had such a good time.
Janna on a Jaunt (@jannaonajaunt)
Looks so fun! But idk if I could ever do that. I’d be so scared to try it!
Holly Dayz
Gotta try it at least once. Face your fears, you would have fun.
GinaB @ Mirror Watching
This sounds so exciting. Zip lining in the jungle. Definitely on my bucket list.
Holly Dayz
You must go, you would have such a great time.
heyitskaysways
LOL I am afraid of falling too but ziplining is definitely something I must experience. Sounds like a great adventure!
Holly Dayz
You would enjoy zipping. It was such a great experience.
heathergdavis
We zip lined through the Red Wood forest and it was so much fun!
Holly Dayz
That sounds great!
Alyssa | Adjust Your Focus
Visiting Costa Rica and zip lining there are high on my bucket list. Loved reading about your adventure! What an amazing experience.
Holly Dayz
Oh you gotta do it. I really feel you would enjoy it! I am glad you enjoyed reading about my experience. I appreciate that.
Lauren Gay (The Outdoorsy Diva)
I wil certainly keep this location in mind when I’m planning my Costa Rica adventure. It looks like you had a blast! You know i love a good zip line course.
Holly Dayz
I know you would enjoy it! It was a good time.
Tyra
I remember ziplining in Costa Rica in Arenal Volcano area. It was soooo much fun! And girl, yes, those unpaved roads are horrendous!
Holly Dayz
I am sure that was a fun experience. The unpaved roads are no joke.
Saad Waqar
Great post 🙂
Holly Dayz
Thanks