Sometimes a big disappointment can lead to something better than what you had originally been hoping for. That's how we ended up experiencing The Congo Trail Canopy Tour on our recent trip to Costa Rica, and we couldn't be happier.
Before our trip, the one thing that the 10-year-old really, really wanted us to do was to go zip lining in Costa Rica. Arriving at the airport, he saw advertisements on the walls for Diamante Eco Adventure Park and soon had his heart set on going there.
The next day, while he was researching on their web site he was devastated when he saw that they required a minimum weight of 85 lbs. to do the entire zip line circuit. He is 12 pounds shy.
After that, zip lining was basically dead to him and he didn't want to go, but I found The Congo Trail Canopy Tour online and saw that the reviews were FANTASTIC and we convinced him to give it a try. We are so glad that we did!
Transportation to The Congo Trail Canopy Tour
The Congo Trail Canopy Tour is in Guanacaste, tucked in the jungle a short distance from where we were staying in Playas del Coco. We easily drove there in our rental car using Google Maps, but they also offer transportation from surrounding area hotels and vacation rentals.
Congo Trail Zip-Line Tickets
Once we arrived at Congo Trail we bought our tickets (which can also be purchased ahead of time on their web site.) We were happy to see that the price is about HALF of the zip-line adventure we had planned at the other location. We paid $39 per person.
After getting our tickets, we climbed to the start of the zip line adventure and got suited up in our protective gear. That includes a harness, helmet, and thick, leather-palmed protective gloves.
How to Zip Line
Once we were suited up, we received instructions on the dos and don'ts of zip lining. These include things like the proper body position of leaning back and crossing your ankles, as well as where to place your gloved hands and how to use them to pull down on the zip line cable to break when necessary.
At this point, you're also offered the option of having a photo taken of yourself zip lining or the option of getting a CD containing multiple photos throughout the adventure, along with video. I highly recommend opting for the CD! At the price of $45 for a group of up to four people, it's definitely worth it. Thanks to our photographer, Donald, who took most of the photos you'll see in this post.
The Congo Trail Canopy Tour is made up of a series of 14 zip-lines. If you have never been on a zip line before, it works by walking/climbing to a raised platform. From there you're attached to a zip line cable that lets you zip to the next platform. This process is repeated until you have completed the full circuit. Be prepared that there is a fairly strenuous climb in the middle of the circuit that gets you up to a higher level. The benefit of being at this high point is that the view is beautiful!
The Congo Trail Canopy Tour Experience
Making our way through the canopy tour was amazingly fun! The route takes you through the canopy of giant Guanacaste trees that stretch for miles. The views are breathtaking and we even spotted a couple of howler monkeys in the trees!
The guides on our tour were both professional and fun. They made sure we were safe and secure and also shared information about the forest and Costa Rica with us. The guides all speak English, but are happy to chat in Spanish, if you prefer.
We all appreciated that most all of the zip line platforms were in the shade and that there were stops along the way with both cold water to drink and paper towels. Seating was also available after that big climb in the middle of the tour.
A big highlight for the 10-year-old is that he WAS able to do two of the lines “Superman” style – that is harnessed so your body is parallel with the ground. One of the lines also has the option of going upside down.
The Congo Trail Animal Sanctuary
After zip-lining, we took a tour of the small Congo Trail animal sanctuary that rescues abandoned and confiscated animals. Keeping wild animals as pets has been banned in Costa Rica since 2013 and when these animals are confiscated, they need a safe place to go, as many cannot be returned to the wild.
At the Congo Trail Animal Sanctuary, we saw several species of monkeys including howler, spider and capuchin. There are lots of parrots, including some who talk, and lots of snakes. My favorite animal had to be the coatimundi – it's just so darn cute! The many goats also tried their hardest to be cute so we would offer them the carrots we were given to feed them.
We were beyond thrilled with our Costa Rica zip line adventure and there is no doubt that we will return to The Congo Trail Canopy Tour on our next trip!
Audrey says
What a way to turn a lemon into lemonade! Everyone looks like they had fun, and the price for everything is reasonable. What a great experience for the whole family!
Chavonne H says
Zip lining looks like so much fun! I’ve got to try that someday. What an exciting experience. I’d love to visit the animal sanctuary and feeds the animals. I love doing that, it brings me so much joy. Thanks for sharing these super fun adventures.
artchee says
This looks like a fun place to visit. But I’m quite scared of heights so I may think a ton before doing the zip line thing.
Snehal says
Sounds like his wish came true with The Congo Trail. It would be fun to try zip lining someday 😀 Btw, awesome photography.
Terri Steffes says
Wow! What a fun thing to do. I have toyed with the idea of doing a zipline but still haven’t done it yet.
Lora Frost says
How fun! It is my dream, as well, to zip line in Costa Rica. Great job mom for making your son’s dream come true and making great memories together! I am sure fun was had by all.
Ronnie says
We’ve been thinking about going to Costa Rica for a fun and relaxing honeymoon and your post has made me even more convinced! I would looove to try this zip line adventure myself. I’ve never done anything like it and it looks super exciting.
Autumn Murray says
I love it! I’ve heard so many positive things about Costa Rica and your post confirms them. I’ve added Costa Rica to my travel list!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
I absolutely LOVED Costa Rica with I visited. I didn’t get to go do this though and it looks like a blast!
Joanna Clute says
My husband and I have always wanted to take the kids on a trip there. This makes me even more excited to plan it out!
Heather says
Ziplining is so fun! I’m so glad that you guys got to give it a try!
Shannon Gurnee says
This sounds like an amazing adventure for you and your family! I bet our kids would have a blast doing this!
tanya says
This looks like so much fun!! Even do I am scared of highs I did tried this in Canada once!!
Anna says
I can’t wait to go to Costa Rica. Thanks for putting this together, going to save it.
John Smith says
It would be so cool to see Costa Rica, although I’m not sure I could do a zip-line adventure!
Sandy Klocinski says
So glad he got to experience this! Not sure that it is my cup of tea though. The thought even makes me nervous!
Lula Ruger says
This must have been such an amazing experience ! I have always wanted to zip line . What a beautiful place to try this !
shelly peterson says
Oh how fun! My family would love to do this.
Daniel Nguyen says
I’ve only been ziplining once in my life and it was at Whistler. Such an amazing and thrilling experience
Marisela Zuniga says
That’s awesome! It looks like you all had a blast!
John Smith says
An adventure trip to Costa Rica looks very fun! I love those coatimundis!
VICKIE HEITMAN says
That looks like so much fun!