Feeling like Tarzan in the jungle – Zip lining in Costa Rica

After the spectacular hot-air balloon and horseback riding adventures, our long and challenging day was not over. The next highlight on our schedule was a canopying tour through the rain forests near the Arenal volcano. 

Because of lots of traffic and very interesting hotel inspections during midday we arrived a little bit delayed at the Canopy station. Fortunately, our guests were not upset and we quickly put on the security clothes. Those consisted of a helmet, one special braking glove, another usual glove, the harness, carabineers and two security ropes. After our preparation we were sent on a short trip on the load area of an off-road vehicle. This was fun, but we arrived very soon at the entry of the rainforest.

  

Just as the balloon flight and the horse ride, I had never done a zip-line tour in my life before. Honestly, Germany does not have the adequate rain forests for this purpose. My co-worker Alex named me as a “canopy-virgin” and he was right! However, my “virginity” was no problem because we had two great guides again. They explained the technique of Canopying, for example the right use of the braking glove, very simple and quick. 

 

The whole canopying track consisted of twelve different segments. The highlight was a really fast part, which was called “Speedy Gonzales”. At first, I had much respect towards the whole adventure and I was not sure if I should trust the cables that were stretched from tree to tree. The most challenging act was the correct regulation of the speed. The only tool for this was the braking glove. By touching the cable with the glove, the speed got reduced.

On my first tour I braked a little bit too much and I stopped to early consequently. However, after a few segments I learned the technique and I could enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of a canopy tour. I found myself in an enormous altitude, nearly on top of the huge jungle trees. During the journey from one tree to another, you should not think about the possibility to fall down, you should rather enjoy the view on the rain forest from this unusual position. During our tour through the jungle, we saw so many interesting trees, birds and other animals like the toucan, one of the most colorful birds of Costa Rica.   

After nearly two hours, the next spectacular adventure was over. I can’t say, which of the three big adventures was my favorite one. But I can say that this was a day I will never forget – so full of adventures and so full of new experiences! Thank your Serendipity!