San Luis Canopy Tour: Zip Lining in Costa Rica's Cloud Forest from San José
Soar through mist-laden forest on 12 zip lines and a heart-stopping Tarzan swing at the San Luis Canopy Tour. This accessible full-day outing from San José pairs adrenaline with cloud-forest wildlife and a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes
Platforms and short trail walks between lines are uneven — good shoes improve safety and comfort.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket
Cloud forest weather changes fast; a compact waterproof keeps you comfortable between zips.
Hydrate before and during the tour
Six-hour outings at altitude and activity dehydrate quickly — carry at least 1 liter of water.
Mind the weight and height limits
Operators set limits (max ~280 lbs, min ~1.15 m) for safety — check before booking and at pickup.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short viewpoint near the final platform with river and valley vistas
- •Local farm stands on the road in and out for fresh coffee and fruit snacks
Wildlife
- •Resplendent toucan (and other toucan species)
- •Howler monkey
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize minimal-impact practices and limit group sizes; sticking to marked trails and following guide instructions helps protect the cloud forest’s fragile understory.
The Central Valley’s slopes were shaped by volcanic activity and later settled for coffee and dairy farming; canopy infrastructure is a recent adaptation to eco-tourism in the region.
What to Bring
Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
Grippy footwear keeps you stable on platforms and short trails between ziplines.
Lightweight rain jacketEssential
Protects against sudden cloud-forest showers common in the wet season.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated during a half-day of activity and travel from San José is important.
Gloves with grip
Optional for comfort on longer zips and to protect hands during the Tarzan swing.
Common Questions
How long is the tour from pickup to return?
Allow about 5–6 hours total including hotel pickup in downtown San José, transfers, the canopy course and lunch.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
Yes — minimum age is 7 years (or 1.15 m tall) and the maximum weight is approximately 280 pounds; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need prior experience?
No technical experience is required; guides provide safety briefings and supervise every line.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours operate in light rain, but severe weather or low participant numbers can lead to cancellations with refund policies in place.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
Alajuela, Alajuela
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to walk short uneven trails, climb stairs and tolerate brief drops in elevation.
Ready to Explore Alajuela?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now