During our visit to Costa Rica, we stayed in the beautiful Monteverde area. While researching what to do in the area, the one thing that stood out was zip lining. Megan who was 5 at the time, spent hours watching Youtube videos of people flying through the cloud forest. Having no fear, she set heart on giving it a go herself and within a few hours of arriving in Monteverde, we were booked in with ‘The Original Canopy Tour’ and ready to go!
Who are ‘The Original Canopy Tour’
As the name suggests, ‘The Original Canopy Tour’ were the first company to introduce zip lining to travellers in Costa Rica. They opened their doors in 1994 and are still going strong nearly 25 years later.
Where are they based
‘The Original Canopy Tour’ is found a short 15 minute drive away from the village of Santa Elena.
How to get to The Original Canopy Tour
If you’re driving there is ample parking in the area, just confirm the location with the company before you set off. Once parked keep your eyes peeled for the small lane leading to the welcome centre, it’s not easy to spot.
If staying in the area the company will send out a driver to collect you. This was perfect for us as we never hire a car while travelling, and it gave us the chance to speak with a local and get hints and tips of where to go and eat in the area.
Price and Times
We paid $50 per adult (Yes, Daddy paid and then sat in the welcome centre) and Megan cost $30. We would recommend you visit their website for up to date times and costs. Communication was brilliant with these guys, both over the phone and via WhatsApp. If you’re going during peak season, it might be best to book well in advance, and confirm everything at least 24 hrs before.
What to bring
- Yourself
- Sun cream
- Camera/Phone – the guides will happily take pictures for you
- Layers of clothes the weather can change quickly
- Snacks/Water for the kids, there is no shops up there
- Your sense of adventure, and maybe a little something to settle the nerves!
What to see and do at The Original Canopy Tour
To our surprise ‘The Original Canopy Tour’ had absolutely no issues with Megan coming along and taking part. However, safety is top of their list from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. On arrival it was explained that Megan would complete all the lines attached to both her own safety rope, and that of the guide, so she was extra safe.
Wildlife spotting
There is a possibility of getting to see some amazing wildlife in its natural habitat, although not guaranteed and unfortunately we didn’t get lucky. The morning we went the guides had spotted a Sloth hanging from one of the lines while completing their morning safety checks. Before we got started they took us back to the same area to see if we could see it, sadly it had moved on.
Tarzan Swing
First up for the fearless Megan was the Tarzan swing. The swing is approx 30 feet tall, by no stretch the biggest in the area, but big enough for Megan. You jump off a platform and swing into the forest below. There was no hesitation from Megan, who didn’t give it a second thought, she was straight up those steps wanting to go first.
Canopy Tour
Megan at all times was taken across the lines by one of two guides, Pedro and Greivin. The guides fought about who was taking her, as they were having so much fun together.
Daddy was not so brave, he got up onto the first line and after being shown what to do by the guide, he just couldn’t get past the nerves so made his way back to the welcome centre on his own. As Megan had already zipped across with the first guide, Mummy had no choice at that point, but to go for it.
Fearless Megan was first to cross each zip and roared with laughter throughout. While standing on the very narrow platforms with a guide, she talked about how much fun she was having, and making fun of Mummy when she didn’t quite make it to the platforms!
In total there was 14 lines to cross, ranging in height and speed. This is not for the faint heart’ed, but good fun none the less (or at least that’s what I’m told). We should also point out that none of the rope systems are attached to the trees by nails. The lines are all tied on by ropes to try and maintain the ecosystem.
Rappeal and tree climb
This is an optional part of the tour, you can be dropped 150 ft down to the forest floor by rappeal and then climb your way back up via the insides of an old tree. Megan wouldn’t have been strong enough to climb herself back up. The guide offered to take her down and back up, but the Dutch couple who were in our group were not interested either, so Mummy decided to just move.
Overall
Overall the tour lasted roughly 2 hrs, bigger groups it might take slightly more, smaller groups slightly less. Our friends done more complex, longer, faster zips with another company. However, this one suited us perfectly and got great reviews from others, so we knew we made the right choice.
Would we recommend
Daddy – I am afraid of heights, why I allowed a five year old to talk me into even considering zip lining I’ll never know!
Mummy – Yes, an amazing experience and one we will never forget.
Megan – 10000000%, so much fun and we got to laugh at Daddy.
Should you take your child zip lining?
Of course, why not! The company were delighted to see Megan and had all the necessary safety equipment in her size ready to go. We loved being able to have this experience with Megan, and knew she was 100% safe and in the most professional hands, at all times. For Megan it was an experience she will remember and talk about for years to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our visit to ‘The Original Canopy Tour’, Monteverde.
The Lewis Family.
In memory of Pedro Obando
We would just like to dedicate this post to Pedro Obando, who sadly passed away not long after our visit. Pedro was one of our guides for the day, he made the experience one we will never forget. Megan took to him straight away and they laughed and joked the whole time. It was clear to see his job was his passion, and he got to spend everyday doing something he loved. It is thanks to Pedro that we were able to capture this amazing day with the videos and photos in this blog that he very kindly took for us.