Ziplining in Costa Rica: An Adventure for the Whole Family
When it comes to adventure in Costa Rica, ziplining tops the list for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. There’s something uniquely exhilarating about soaring through the air, suspended by a cable, while lush green jungle stretches beneath you. My husband and I had taken on quite a few zipline courses before our kids were born, each one giving us that adrenaline rush we craved. One of our most memorable ziplines included a one-hour horseback ride up a mountain followed by a zipline over rivers and waterfalls. For us, adventure was always about getting out into nature, and ziplining offered the perfect combination of thrills and an intimate connection with the environment.
One particularly memorable experience occurred during the green season when we had the unexpected pleasure (and challenge!) of wet ziplining. Picture this: rain-soaked forests, damp clothes, and cables slick with water. We were soaked through and through, but the rush of zipping through the misty air as we crossed waterfalls made it one of the most fun adventures we’ve ever had. There’s a certain charm to experiencing ziplining in the rain—though I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone!
Ziplining in Costa Rica is more than just an adventure. It’s a way to immerse yourself in the jungle, catch glimpses of wildlife, and feel like you’re leaving behind the hustle of the resort. From the moment you leave the road, you’re on an adventure, surrounded by nature in a way that feels both safe and wildly exciting.
At What Age Can Kids Zipline?
As parents, we’ve always made an effort to share our love for adventure with our children, though naturally, we scale things back a bit. When our kids reached an age where they were more excited than nervous about the idea of flying through the air on a cable, we knew it was time. It was time for them to experience the thrill of the zipline.
But were they ready? The question many parents face when considering ziplining with kids is about age. What’s the right age for ziplining? We found that the best way to gauge readiness was our children’s own enthusiasm. They needed to be more excited than worried about what they were about to do. But even with their excitement, we weren’t sure whether they were too young.
We contacted our go-to zipline tour operator, conveniently located just 15 minutes from Peninsula Papagayo. They reassured us that kids as young as 3 could zipline, as long as they—and their parents—were comfortable with the idea. I’ll admit, the thought of sending my 3-year-old flying through the air gave me pause, but the reassurance from experienced guides helped ease our nerves.
If your child is fearful, ziplining may not be the right adventure just yet. Sometimes, kids (or their parents!) aren’t quite ready, and that’s okay. We learned early on that being ready to pivot is essential when adventuring with little ones. If the day doesn’t go as planned, there’s always the option to sit back and enjoy a cold beverage while the rest of the family takes on the treetops.
The Zipline Experience
Our first family zipline adventure started with the essentials—safety gear. The kids were thrilled to don their helmets (Dora and Mickey-themed, naturally!), and the guides provided us with a thorough safety briefing. They explained how to brake, where to place our hands on the carabiners, and reminded us to take in the views—advice I took to heart.
The setup was perfect for families. We opted for a private tour, which, at just $10 more per person, was a bargain for the extra peace of mind and flexibility. I wanted our kids to feel excited and supported, without the pressure of strangers watching or rushing us along. We were free to go at our own pace, crossing suspended bridges slowly or pausing to scan the canopy for wildlife. The guides were fantastic, offering bottled water to keep us hydrated on a hot day and tailoring the experience to fit our family’s needs.
The kids, being a bit lighter than the adults, rode tandem with the guides. This was both a safety measure and a practical one, as the added weight ensured they made it all the way to the next platform. Having two guides—one to lead and one to follow—also helped us feel at ease. With the parents in between, we felt like a team tackling this adventure together.
I’ll never forget the moment my 5-year-old flew off the platform with her guide. My heart raced as I watched her glide through the treetops, a huge grin on her face when she landed at the next platform. Then it was my 4-year-old’s turn—another moment of parental nerves quickly replaced by pride and relief when he landed safely with all smiles.
As we zipped through a series of cables, each one felt more exhilarating than the last. We navigated platforms, climbed vertical ladders, crossed a suspended bridge (yes, it was as nerve-wracking as it sounds!), and continued to the next set of platforms. The kids were fearless, clipped in safely at all times, and loving every second of it.
One highlight of the course was a section that included 24 platforms, 11 cables (ranging from 100 to 450 meters in length), 3 suspension bridges, and 3 climbing trees with pulley systems—the tallest standing at 10 meters. Each element added a new level of excitement, and by the time we finished, the kids were asking to go again!
The Verdict?
Ziplining was a huge success. The guides were professional, patient, and focused on both safety and fun. As a rock climber, I was particularly impressed with their attention to detail when it came to harnesses, carabiners, and knots. It’s easy to feel nervous when sending your child flying through the air, but their expertise put me at ease.
Our kids had such a fantastic time that they’ve been trying to create “inventions” at home to help them fly! While we know each child is different, and not every child may be ready for ziplining at a young age, it was an adventure we were glad we tried. You know your child best, and even if they meet the age requirement, there’s no rush—ziplining will still be there when they’re older.
We’re already looking forward to doing it again in the green season, when the trees are fully lush and the natural pools and waterfalls below us are more visible. Next time, we’ll be bringing the grandparents along to join the fun!
Exciting New Zipline Options for Families
Since our first family ziplining adventure, even more child-inclusive options have become available. Costa Rica continues to evolve as a destination for family-friendly thrill-seekers, with several new zipline courses offering exciting variations.
For starters, there’s a nearby zipline that allows you to zip in the Superman pose—perfect for kids and adults alike who want to feel like they’re truly flying. It’s a unique experience that offers a new perspective on ziplining, with a face-forward view of the jungle rushing past you.
For families looking for a full day of adventure, there’s a zipline option that’s incorporated into a multi-adventure tour. After ziplining through the treetops, you can saddle up for a horseback ride and finish the day by making homemade corn tortillas at an outdoor oven. It’s a wonderful blend of thrills and Costa Rican culture, and our kids loved the hands-on experience.
And now, for the ultimate convenience, there’s a zipline adventure right onsite within the gates of Peninsula Papagayo! No need to leave the resort—this new addition is perfect for families who want the ease of a quick, close-to-home adventure while staying at Peninsula Papagayo’s luxury villas.
Palmares Aerial Adventure
One of the newest and most exciting developments for ziplining enthusiasts is located deep within Peninsula Papagayo’s exclusive Palmares Preserve. The Outpost is the launch point for a variety of eco-adventures, including ziplining, aerial trekking, off-roading, mountain biking, hiking, and birdwatching.
The Palmares Aerial Adventure is a standout, offering 30 aerial trails designed by renowned adventure park creator Victor Gallo. This two-hour guided journey takes you through 250 acres of protected wildlands, across seven thrilling ziplines, and into a world of high-rope obstacles. These 21 challenges include rope bridges, swinging logs, and cargo nets, all set in one of the last remaining old-growth tropical dry forests in the Americas.
The Palmares Preserve spans three distinct ecosystems, offering families a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife while engaging in heart-pounding adventure. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and challenge your skills—all within the comfort of Peninsula Papagayo’s luxury surroundings.
Ready for Your Zipline Adventure?
Whether you’re zipping in the Superman pose, making tortillas after a treetop adventure, or exploring the epic aerial trails of Palmares Preserve, there’s something for every family at Peninsula Papagayo. Costa Rica’s ziplining adventures are more than just thrills—they’re a chance to create unforgettable memories together as a family.
Related Adventures:
- Blog: Top 3 Multi-Generational Adventure Tours at Papagayo
- Blog: Our Perfect Day at Sea
- Blog: Top 5 Free Activities for Children Under 5
- List of adventures by land and sea that can be organized by your personal concierge
Ready to book your zipline adventure? Call us at 305-600-0766 or contact us through the contact page to find the perfect villa for your family. Once your stay is confirmed, your personal Papagayo Luxury concierge will help plan your zipline adventure, or any of the other incredible activities Peninsula Papagayo has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
And if you’ve already zipped through the Costa Rican jungle, share your experience and tips with future guests!
