Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

Ziplining Guide delivers thrilling travel magazine stories and guides about the best zipline parks and canopy tours worldwide.

← Back to Journal
Ride and Soar: Arenal ATV and Zipline Adventure near La Fortuna

Ride and Soar: Arenal ATV and Zipline Adventure near La Fortuna

Throttle through farm tracks with the Arenal Volcano in view, then trade mud for canopy on a zipline circuit with 600 m cables and a Tarzan Swing. This four-hour combo is built for travelers who want both hands-on driving and skyward viewpoints.

La Fortuna, Alajuela
4 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring a valid driver’s license

A driver’s license is required to operate the ATV—leave photocopies in your pack and bring the original.

Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants

Sturdy footwear and long pants protect against mud, branches, and harness friction on the zipline.

Mind the harness size and health limits

The harness max waist width is about 130 cm (4.2 ft); not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/heart conditions.

Start early for best conditions

Morning departures usually mean cooler temps, clearer volcano views, and dryer trails before afternoon showers.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet farm overlooks accessed during the ATV loop that provide unobstructed volcano views
  • Small family-run orchards along the route where guides sometimes stop to show tropical fruits

Wildlife

  • Howler monkeys
  • Toucans

Conservation Note

Operators encourage staying on designated trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and use small groups to minimize impact on regrowth areas and canopy habitat.

Arenal’s major eruptive phase from 1968 to 2010 reshaped local valleys and made the area both fertile and geologically dramatic; tourism around La Fortuna expanded as access improved.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Early morning, Late afternoon/golden hour, Overcast for even light under the canopy
Key viewpoints:
  • High zipline platforms for sweeping volcano-and-canopy composites
  • Open farm ridgelines on the ATV loop for panoramic volcano shots
  • River crossings for motion and foreground interest
Subjects to capture:Volcano and ridgeline panoramas, Action shots on ATVs or ziplines, Canopy textures and birdlife

What to Bring

Closed-toe hiking or trail shoesEssential

Provide traction on muddy trails and protect feet during ATV segments.

Long pantsEssential

Protect legs from brush, sun, and harness chafe on the zipline.

Light gloves

Improve grip on handlebars and reduce blisters during extended ATV rides.

Light rain jacketEssential

Arenal’s microclimate can produce sudden showers; a packable shell keeps you dry without overheating.

Common Questions

Do drivers need a license to ride the ATVs?

Yes—drivers must present a valid driver’s license at check-in; passengers do not, but operators may set minimum age limits.

How long is the tour and what’s included?

The combined ATV and zipline experience lasts about four hours and includes bottled water, snacks, air-conditioned transportation, equipment, and guided instruction.

Are there weight or size restrictions for the zipline harness?

Yes—the harness system has a maximum waist width limit of approximately 130 cm (4.2 ft); guests exceeding this may not be able to participate for safety reasons.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with a secure strap, and a lightweight rain jacket during the wet season.

Can people with medical conditions join the tour?

Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious heart or spinal conditions; disclose medical issues when booking and consult your physician if unsure.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; the operator may also cancel and refund bookings in bad weather.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4 hours

Location

La Fortuna, Alajuela

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness—comfortable walking, mounting ATVs, and handling short bursts of exertion on platforms.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore La Fortuna?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now