What is a “Canopy Tour?” It’s a thrilling ride you won’t find at any amusement park and it takes place high above the jungle floor. Costa Rica is one of best places to experience this unique way of visiting a rain forest. Anywhere you stay (resort, hotel, or cottage) will have a line on doing a canopy tour. Usually within an hour drive of your accommodations, there are several adventure outfitters offering to string you up and send you flying.
Make reservations for early in the day (before it gets too hot) and don’t forget to bring your camera. Make sure you have a way to secure it to your person so it won’t dangle, such as in a fanny pack. Also, bathe yourself in sunscreen and insect repellent, and wear good shoes. It’s called the rain forest for a reason, so bring a rain coat or poncho as well.
After strapping into our harnesses, you’ll hike to the first platform. The platform, made of wood or steel, is the launching and landing point along the network of zip lines. Using a wheel and pulley-like contraption connected to your harness, the guides will attach you to the cable. You’re now ready for a free-fall ride to the next platform.
Traveling about 30 feet per second, with warm wind gusting against your face, you’ll be yelling like a Howler Monkey as you engage the handbrake to land on the next platform of this human monorail-like system.
Each run is a little different in length and speed. One by one, you will zip along. While on the platform, take photos of the other zip-liners, or try to catch a green parrot soaring by. Most tours take about two hours to complete the circuit and at the end you will be ready to do it again. You should always tip the guides, they work hard to make sure you have a fun and safe experience.
Many of the tours may include lunch and another activity such as horseback riding; either way, it makes for a marvelous experience in a natural setting. Clean water, fresh fruit and friendly people await all visitors wanting a pure way of life in a green and lush paradise.
Costa Rica is second only to Florida as a retirement destination for Americans and is considered the “Switzerland” of Central America. As a year round hot spot, it is warm, humid and rainy (much like Michigan in the summer) and is an outdoor lovers haven with all kinds of wildlife and fauna. The “dry season” is December through April, so start planning now to make it the perfect winter getaway in the new year. Be adventurous in Costa Rica.
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com