When we talk about Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, we are talking about the mother of all adventures in this country. Ziplining through the rainforest was born and raised in Costa Rica, and from here it moved everywhere!
Now, the fact that canopy tours are exciting and really one of the best things to do if you like moderate adventure, does not mean that for people who are afraid of heights is absolutely indispensable.
However yes… you should at least think about it.
Now… If I am afraid of heights then… Should I do it or not?
It really depends on your degree of fear… Are you a bit scared or simply and absolutely terrorized?
Let’s put it like this… If you are afraid of heights… Do it!
You will enjoy the air on your face, feel afraid on the platforms and every time you are about to go on the cable… But it is a wonderful experience. The views are amazing and the sensation of flight is truly fantastic…
However…. If by any chance you are terrified of heights… Don’t do it.
You will feel miserable and will not enjoy it whatsoever. It is YOUR vacation after all and you are supposed to be happy at all times.
I have been both… I have always been afraid of heights, but because of my job as a tour guide and because after all, I have always been a bit of an adventurer I did it, and except for a couple two times… I really enjoyed it every time I did it. But as I grew older my fear of heights grew with me, and I started to feel miserable whenever I had to go with the passengers up on a canopy tour… Up to a day, half of my group stepped out when they saw my terror face. That day, I knew that it was the last time on a canopy tour.
However, it is important for you to know certain things that may push you to enjoy the ride…
- Canopy Tours are extremely safe.
Have we had accidents? Yes… Definitely, cars have many more accidents.
There have been accidents mainly due to the passenger’s irresponsibility or their lack of attention when the instructions were given. Please whenever the instructions are given at the beginning of the tour, pay attention. If you don’t understand what the guides are saying (Because sometimes their English is not perfect) please say it. Tell you own guide or ask them to repeat whatever you didn’t understand, but make sure you understand the instructions well.
If you don’t understand what the guides are saying (Because sometimes their English is not perfect) please say it. Tell you own guide or ask them to repeat whatever you didn’t understand, but make sure you understand the instructions well.
The ziplines, the harnesses, and all the gear are made to support several tons of weight.
-
What about weight?
If you feel you are over or under weight, please ask your travel expert about it. In the case of overweight there are special chest harnesses that help the waist gear.
If you are underweight or a small child goes with you, also inform your travel agent. Usually if there is less weight they have to take the person with a guide (They call it taxi). This is important because if weight is not enough the person may get stuck on the cable and not get to the platform… What happens then is that you have to pull yourself to the platform. Or the guide comes to you and get you.
-
Do we ever get to put the feet on the ground?
In mostly all canopy tours the start is on the ground. On a platform that is built on a hill. However in some of them, you have to climb a stairway to get to the first platform.
From there, usually the tour goes through two or three platforms and short cables, for you to try and get acquainted with the tour. And from there you get on the regular zip lines. (The usual cables are 65-200 feet long). Again in mostly all canopy tours, the tour goes from tree to tree… a walk on a trail, back to a platform and again tree to tree…
- What about the Tarzan Swing and the Superman Cable?
Both are optional… I have done the Tarzan Swing, once… just once! Ha! It is self-explanatory and absolutely thrilling! I don’t think I have never been as pale… And I have given birth five times! But it is absolutely worth it at least once!
The superman cable is a whole body harness and you hang from your back, leaving the hands free, and with nothing between you and the amazing rain forest landscape… As I said I am terrified of heights… But the superman cable.. Oh My Gosh! I love that! … I cannot explain it, but I am not the only one that doesn’t feel terror in the superman cable… Try it! It’s worth it!
Please ask our travel experts about where to find the best and safest canopy tours! Things like safety policies, insurances and so on are absolutely compulsory for us to recommend them!
