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| Villa Tours and Spa Services TOURS AND ENTERTAINMENT |
Congo Trail Canopy Tour This amazing adventure is only 25 minutes from your villa. Hands down this is the most popular of all our tours. This total tour lasts about 4 hours. Departure is at 8:30 am and again at 2:00 pm. This is a truly exhilarating and exciting experience. If we are lucky even the Howler Monkeys will be our company during a part of the canopy. Come and get your adrenalin pumping and enjoy the beauty of the forest and wildlife. Guides will accompany young children and if necessary older adults. Age and weight is not a factor. Over the past 4 years we have had guests weighing over 300 lbs to young children of 5 years old to adults as old as 80 years. On arrival, the guides will help you get into all the safety equipment and in about 15 minutes you will be repelling down a zip line from tree top to tree top. This canopy ride consists of 11 platforms. What to Bring: Walking shoes, Comfortable clothing, avoid flip flops and skirts… Please tie all long hair back. Price per person, including transportation: • $80 Minimum 4 adults • $75 5-8 adults • $70 9-15 adults • $65 16 & more adults |
| Palo Verde Boat Trip Tour: You will arrive at the Palo Verde National Park, one of the famous international bird-nesting sites. This park is composed by wetlands where as many as 15 habitats have been identified. Explore this fascinating park best known for preserving some of the extensive wetlands in Costa Rica and is a wildlife sanctuary. This boat ride is along the Tempisque River. At this point you will be floating own the Tempisque River, the most important and longest of the Province. You will have an opportunity to admire migratory and aquatic birds such as: roseate spoonbill, white ibis, greets egret, little blue heron, tri-colored heron, bare throated tiger heron, among others. Palo Verde is made up of diverse wetlands habitats, rivers and limestone hills that are home to nature's most diverse forms of life Includes. We will enter the river in a very narrow area where you would have the opportunity to see and take your pictures at a very close distance and admire its natural beauty encountering crocodiles, green iguanas, monkeys and a vast diversity of water and land birds. After the boat ride you will enjoy a delicious, typical Costa Rican lunch cooked in wooden stove and served in a traditional way. You will arrive at the Palo Verde National Park, one of the famous international bird-nesting sites. This park is composed by wetlands where as many as 15 habitats have been identified. Explore this fascinating park best known for preserving some of the extensive wetlands in Costa Rica and is a wildlife sanctuary. This boat ride is along the Tempisque River. At this point you will be floating own the Tempisque River, the most important and longest of the Province. You will have an opportunity to admire migratory and aquatic birds such as: roseate spoonbill, white ibis, greets egret, little blue heron, tri-colored heron, bare throated tiger heron, among others. Palo Verde is made up of diverse wetlands habitats, rivers and limestone hills that are home to nature's most diverse forms of life Includes. We will enter the river in a very narrow area where you would have the opportunity to see and take your pictures at a very close distance and admire its natural beauty encountering crocodiles, green iguanas, monkeys and a vast diversity of water and land birds. After the boat ride you will enjoy a delicious, typical Costa Rican lunch cooked in wooden stove and served in a traditional way. Explore this fascinating park best known for preserving some of the extensive wetlands in Costa Rica and wildlife sanctuary. This boat ride is along the Tempisque River most important and longest of the Province. We will enter the river in a very narrow area where you would have the opportunity to see and take your pictures at a very close distance and admire its natural beauty encountering crocodiles, green iguanas, monkeys an a vast diversity of water and land birds. What to bring: Shorts, t-shirt, hat, tennis shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars (optional), and cameras. Tour includes: a/c transportation, Drinks, bilingual guide, lunch and boat ride. Duration of tour is about 8 hrs Tour includes: a/c transportation, Drinks, bilingual guide, lunch and boat ride.
$105 5-7 adults $95 8-12 adults $85 13 & up adults Kids 11 & below: $40 |
| A full day of adventure is waiting to be discovered on this exciting Tour. Pick-up is at 8 A.M. from the Villa. You will be driven in an air-conditioned, comfortable, private bus/van, through the Guanacaste lowlands to this amazing rain forest. The drive from your villa to the park will be approximately 1½ hours. At around 3:30 in the afternoon we will depart from this combination Tour and return to the villa around 5:00 pm. Once at the location, the first activity will be a horse back ride (maximum 20 persons) for about 20 minutes into the Cloud Forest. For those of you that cannot or do not wish to ride a horse we offer a tractor pulled cart ride to the starting point of this unique private reserve. This part of your adventure allows you to explore a fascinating ecosystem from a completely different perspective. After arriving by horse or by tractor we will make a 20 minute walk (Note: this short walk does not require one to be in superior athletic condition) inside the crater of this active volcano to a water fall. You can put on your bathing suit and take a short swim in this refreshing natural pool. After your energizing swim we will walk down to the natural volcanic mud baths and natural hot springs. You can see the steamy sulfur water ponds, and the bubbling mud (fumaroles). Prepare to experience one of the most fun and popular activities we offer: Bathing in the therapeutic natural hot springs natural springs and applying a mineral rich health-giving mud treatment (according to the locals) over your entire body. Everyone will talk about this adventure for years to come. Have your cameras ready and please snap lots of photos. After the mud baths, you will shower and put on your dry clothes. From here we will take a short drive to a local restaurant and have a typical Costa Rican lunch. What to bring: Long pants, t- shirt, extra change of dry clothes, rain gear, hiking shoes, bathing suit, trash bag for wet clothes, towels, insect repellent, binoculars, camera. Duration: 8 hrs Includes: a/c transportation, bilingual guide, horses, lunch, waterfalls, hike, hot springs, mud bath and Drinks. Price Per person: • $105 per person (minimum of 4 persons) • $98 per person 5-7 persons • $90 per person 8-12 persons • $80 13 and up |
Visit three of the most touristy and popular beaches of the Guanacaste northern coast, Brasilito, Conchal and Tamarindo. Horse back riding, ATVs, Surfing and Shopping are some of the different acitivities available. Note: Lunch, surfing rentals, horse rentals and ATVs are not included in the price. Tamarindo is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, relax, learn to surf and go shopping. What to bring: tennis shoes, shorts or long pants, t-shirt, towels, extra change of dry cloth, suntan lotion. Tour includes: a/c vehicle, guide and Drinks. Duration: 8 hrs Note: Lunch, surfing rentals, horse rentals and ATVs are not included in the price. Surf board rental: about $35 per person. Price: • $ 45 per person MIN 4 PERSONS • $ 42 5-7 PERSONS • $ 38 8-11 PERSONS • $ 32 12 & UP PERSONS In this tour you can explore some of the most beautiful beaches of the Guanacaste Area; learn to surf in Tamarindo or just walk around this nice town full of small souvenir shops. After that discover Conchal beach, where we can do horseback riding or ATV’s, Jet Ski, or play golf…… Or you just can bring your towel and relax in the nicest white beach under the shade of a tree. The tour only includes transportation. Your tour guide can arrange other activities that you want to do. |
| ATV TOUR – 4 Wheeler & Horse Back Riding Options: Conchal & Tamarindo Beach Tour 14 years and older ½ day 4-5 hours One person per ATV – normally but on occasion they will permit a 25 year and older adult to take a child with them. Prices includes Guide Minimum 4 adults @ $80 per person No discounts for large groups 3 hours of actual riding on ATVs through little towns, along rivers, farms, and back country of Costa Rica. No Alcohol permitted on ATVs. |
Spa Services Pamper yourself while you are our guest at Villa Cascada. You can select the location of your service……… out on your balcony overlooking the beautiful bay, in the privacy of your room where the relaxing massage is sure to sedate your body and soul or by the pool where you can still enjoy the company of your family/friends. Manicures, pedicures, facials and massages can be just what you need to complete your tropical paradise. We can have your appointments set up prior to your arrival or you can set them up when you arrive at the Villa. • Massage 1hr. $60 • Massage 1/2 $35 • Manicure $20 • Pedicure $20 • Ex foliation $40 • Facials $40 |
Deep Sea fishing should be arranged at least four weeks in advance. All fishing excursions include captain, bait boy, all bait & gear, drinks, snacks and lunch. The 33” and 48’ boats have a toilet below 2 sleeping berths and a partially covered deck. The 48’ boat has air-conditioning, 2 sleeping berths and a toilet below. Half day is 9-12 and a full day is 8-4 Panga is an open small fishing boat. MAXIMUM 4 GUESTS 1/2 DAY PANGA $275 FULL DAY PANGA $375 Medium size open fishing boat. EL HALCON MAXIMUM 5 GUESTS FISHING BOAT 28 FOOT 1/2 $350. FISHING BOAT 28 FOOT FULL DAY $600. Large size partially covered, berths & toilet MAXIMUM 6 GUESTS MAGUILLAN FISHING BOAT 33 FOOT 1/2 DAY $600. FISHING BOAT 33 FOOT FULL DAY $850. Large size partially covered, berths, toilet and AIR CONDOTIONED BELOW MAXIMUM 8 GUESTS GALLETON FISHING BOAT 48 FOOT 1/2 DAY $700 FISHING BOAT 48 FOOT FULL DAY $1350 |
All Golf Packages are Subject to Price Changes Your Villa Tour Director can check prices and arrange your T-Times. A: Paradisus Playa Conchal Golf in Costa Rica: Robert Trent Jones II at Paradisus Playa Conchal 1 hour 15 minute drive from villa to course and same for return trip 2:15 minutes 18 holes Paradisus Playa Conchal's sterling reputation as Central America’s premier championship golf course is fast growing. Located in the beautiful Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort, this Robert Trent Jones II masterpiece is nestled amid the forest-covered hills of Western Guanacaste and the Pacific Ocean. The Costa Rica golf course at Paradisus Playa Conchal is wide open and spread out, visually stunning with views of the ocean, mountains, the dense wilderness and man-made obstacles. $7 million dollars and four years were invested in building the course as part of the magnificent resort. The Robert Trent Jones II Playa Conchal golf course is 7,080 yards from the back tees with a par of 72. This challenging course tests you with several different kinds of shots and changes the variety of the layout to keep you from being bored or lulled into a sense of false security. Elevation changes, dozens of bunkers, several man-made lakes plus views of the Pacific Ocean on several holes on the front and back nine make this unique course fun to play. The course also boasts a complete practice facility, driving range, club storage and a large, new clubhouse. Fees (cart included): Non-guests: $ 185 Club Rentals: $40 Course Facts Par: 72 Yardage: 7,080 Rating: 74.2 Architect: Robert Trent Jones II B: Hacienda Pinilla 1 hour 15 minute drive from villa to course and same for return trip 2:15 minutes 18 holes High Season December 19 to April 30 – 18 holes $170 per person Green Season May 1 to December 18 – 18 holes $170 per person Note: All golf rates subject to change…. Round Trip Transportation $150 For Tee Times call (506) 680-7000 / 7001 Fax: (506) 689-7006 – An excellent golf course virtually “in the garden of your house” completes the exclusive atmosphere for the lovers of this sport. This is a true, 6,800-meter masterpiece of Mike Young, who has designed some of the finest golf courses in the southern United States. His characteristic emphasis on detail allowed him to build a course where each hole was designed to conform to the slopes and the contours of the natural landscape of Hacienda Pinilla. The frequent risk/reward situations offer different challenges every time you play and the trees, apart from offering refreshing breaks, also represent natural obstacles. The El Corral Turn House is the Pro Shop and it has its own restaurant. It is an excellent structure because in and of itself, it represents the passion for golf while allowing harmony with the environment and the sport’s tradition. Club Rentals: $45.00 ea The 7,300-yard, par 72 masterpiece golf course is the creation of Mike Young, who is responsible for some of the finest courses in the southern United States. At Hacienda Pinilla, you'll see a shining example of Young's passion for the game, respect for tradition, concern for the environment and sharp eye for detail. Each hole was designed to conform to the slopes and contours of the natural landscape. Not only has he met the highest standards required by international golf organizations in building the course, but recently the property earned certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its preservation of the ecological balance of the area. Here, golfers have a course that offers picturesque scenery, immaculate conditions, frequent glimpses of exotic wildlife and the inviting El Corral Turn house. C. Papagayo Golf and Country Club 20 Minutes from Villa & the Most Economical Minimum 2 players Transportation: $80 $55 for 18 holes The prices are considerably cheaper and the course is more of an “Average Joe Course”. Guanacaste’s first Golf Course open to the public is only minutes away from the Pacific Coast beaches. The $2.5 million Papagayo Golf and Country Club is located in Libertad, about ten kilometres south-east of Playas del Coco, boasts nine holes of an 18-hole golf course, there’s a practice tee, a driving range, and a club-house. 335 acres of peace and tranquility. The fairways, tees and greens are in, the flags are up, the beer is cold, and on the paved apron in front of the building are 20 new golf carts. Soon the pool, tennis court, croquet, Bachi ball, horseshoe pits and nature trails will be completed making this destination much more than just a golf club. The back nine holes have the greens prepared and should be open Dec 2006. Mulligan’s Restaurant & Bar offers air-conditioned facilities or you can sit in the patio seating area, enjoying views of the rolling hills with volcanoes in the distance. The prices are considerably cheaper and the course is more available than the other three golf courses in the area. “We didn’t build this to be a PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) course, it’s built for the average guy, who can pay $70,” says Dave Reynolds, one of the project owners. But the proof of success is not just in the rolling 335 acres of lush green grass and compacted cart tracks. Papagayo Gardens Tel: (506) 697-0169 - Fax: (506) 697-1306 E-Mail: info@papagayo-golf.com Libertad, Guanacaste Costa Rica, Central America |
Departure for this trip is 8:00 am sharp. This adventure will start with a 1 hour and 35 minute drive to the northern Guanacaste area near the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. You will visit the region of this active volcano, experience different types of vegetation, search for diverse types of birds and mammals, and enjoy one of the most exciting canopy experiences there are in the area. Secluded in the picturesque outskirts of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Hotel Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa is the perfect place for fun, adventure and relaxation. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and lush forests, the hotel offers a wide variety of outdoor and adventure activities to enjoy and is very close to the city of Liberia and the Daniel Oduber International Airport. The popular North Pacific Region of Costa Rica is broad and diverse. It offers unspoiled beaches, indigenous cultures, green forests, sports and much more. Make your vacation in Guanacaste complete and include a stay in the beautiful and serene mountains of Hotel Borinquen, the perfect complement to any visit to the area. Come and live the Borinquen experience... an unforgettable memory! Testimonials: Quiet, spiritual gem in the mountains “When we were booked into the Borinquen Resort by a travel agent because our main destination on the Pacific Coast was sold out, we expected to be disappointed and eager to leave. We couldn't have been more wrong -- at the end of three days and two nights there, we were trying to figure out when we could come back and stay for an entire week.” Guests from Boston, Massachusetts, April 2005 Awesome for the Adventurous!! “We (4 adults and 4 kids ages 7 to 11) stayed 4 nights and wished for 6 or 7. The hotel is outstanding and luxurious in an ecolodge way. The activities, particularly the canopy zip lines and the ATV tour, are excellent. Tons of birds and monkeys. Gorgeous pool with swim-up bar. A perfect place for the adventurous family.” Guests from Orlando, Florida, January 2006 Amazing! Wow! We went from Flamingo Beach to Hotel Borinquen and the results were like night and day. It was peaceful, serene, and absolutely beautiful! You get your own villa and even a private porch with a hammock. The grounds are impeccably maintained and the food was awesome! For fun we splattered mud from the hot springs on ourselves, swam in the amazing pool and soaked in the hot springs. We also did the canopy over the jungle. I can't say enough how beautiful this resort is. Guests from Atlanta, Georgia, May 2005 Once you arrive at this place you would be fitted with the canopy equipment and start a 25 minutes horseback ride to get to the first platform of the canopy. This canopy consists of 10 cables and 11 platforms, sliding through a canyon in a tropical rain forest in front of the amazing and mysterious waterfall. After the canopy, you will experience the natural spa and can apply a hot mud mask rich in minerals and relax at the Natural Hot Springs while surrounded by volcanic fumaroles, steamy sulfur ponds and nature. Borinquen Hot Springs & Canopy Continued: What to bring: bathing suit, hiking shoes or similar, cameras, bug spray, sunscreen, t-shirt and shorts or long pants. Extra change of dry cloth from (September-November) • CANOPY IS OPTIONAL (Recommended for people in average physical condition) Tour includes: a/c transportation, bilingual guide, canopy tour, horseback ride, lunch, Thermal Steam room, Natural Hot Springs Pools, Mineral Mud Bath . Tour Duration: 10 hrs. Price : $ 145 us dollars per person (Minimum from 4 adults) $ 140 5 to 7 adults $ 135 8 to 11 adults $ 125 12 and up adults Spend part of the day in the lush swimming pools, Jacuzzis and swim up bar. |
| RAFTING THE COLORADO RIVER point provides fun for those wishing to jump or dive from cliffs. We find this trip to be safe fun for the more cautious guest and yet adventurous enough to be great fun. Prices: Minimum 4 persons @ $80.00 per person – includes entry fee and transportation. Half day (5 hours) Actual ride in river is about 90 minutes One Guide and one person in each raft. Depart no later than 8:00 am Return 1:00 to 1:30 pm Price includes Guide, Equipment (Rafts) & Transportation to and from Your tour director will be able to check conditions of the river. Recommendation: 7 years old and up (no infants) • 4-10 persons: $80 per person • 11-20 persons: $75 per person • 21-30 persons: $70 per person • Children 7-10 years $55 per person Above prices includes transportation, guide ice chest with water, cokes and beer. No Lunch on tour. What to bring: Swimsuit and/or shorts of a quick drying material, towel, sun screen, complete change of clothes, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet. Flip flops are not recommended. |
| LLANOS DE CORTEZ WATERFALL The secluded Llanos de Cortez waterfall spans 35ft high and 50 ft wide and cascades into a white sand pond. It is only a 1 hr drive from most of the playa Hermosa, Coco, Ocotal and playa Panama resorts. The falls drops into a freshwater pond rimmed by a gold-flecked, white sand beach and rich tropical vegetation. There, you can sunbathe, swim, drift over to stand directly under the falls, or climb onto the rocks and tuck in behind it. The tumbling water keeps the air cool and fresh, making it the perfect escape from the Guanacaste heat. Although llanos de Cortés is well known to locals, the waterfall has never been part of established tours for visitors. So if you go, it is possible to enjoy this getaway in total seclusion. Departure time: between 8:00 am and 2:00pm note: during heavy rain we are unable to get to this location… your guide will be able to check this out prior to departure. RETURN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 4-HOURS LATER TRAVEL TIME: APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR EACH WAY (FROM PLAYA HERMOSA OR PLAYA DEL COCO) TIME AT LLANOS DE CORTEZ WATERFALL: YOU DECIDE! PRICE : $ 60 US MINIMUM 4 PERSONS $55 US 5-9 PERSONS $50 US 10 AND UP |
| Horseback Riding 20 minutes from your Villa 6 years and older ½ day 4 ½ hours Prices includes Guide Minimum 4 adults @ $80 per person Unfortunately discounts for large groups 2 ½ hours on horseback in back country of Costa Rica. Wear jeans and bring your camera. No Alcohol permitted on Horses. |
| All of our SCUBA DIVING LESSONS AND DIVING ARE HANDLED BY THE DIVE SHOP AT PLAYA OCOTAL Ocotal Dive Shop. Credit Cards Accepted THE DIVE SHOP IS LOCATED: Left of Father Rooster’s and you will see Ocotal Dive Shop. Boat dive (2 tanks, boat, guide & weights included) Night dive (1 tank, boat, guide & weights included) Add on for Catalina Islands (long range dive), min. 4 divers Add on for Bat Island (long range dive), minimum 4 divers Snorkel (equipment included) |
| Fiesta Party Boat Have your very own Fiesta at a secluded Private Beach Party on our favorite Party Boat Day or a Sunset Cruise: Minimum of 6 adults: $48 per adult 6-10 Adults $45 11-20 Adults $40 For a private barbeque on the Beach (Brochette de Carne) add $10 per person. Includes drinks (alcohol & non-alcohol) and snacks. For a private barbeque on the Beach (Brochette de Carne) add $10 per person. Great fun for sightseeing, snorkeling, fishing for 1 or 2 at a time, soaking up some rays and just very fun and relaxing. This tour is set up through your tour director. CD Player and outdoor speakers for your favorite music. Snorkel gear can be rented for $10 per day from Ocotal Dive Shop. |
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Find Canopy Tours in Costa Rica
A world unto their own, rainforests are one of this planet’s dying habitats. And though much is
being done in the way of conservation to protect them, these amazing places are being chopped
away at quite a fast rate. However, in Costa Rica, eco-tourism has taken a front seat, and since
this tiny nation is home to over roughly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, a lot is being done to
protect and preserve these endangered zones.
With more than a quarter of Costa Rica covered in rainforests, one of the best ways to explore
these truly magical and enchanting realms is via a canopy tour. Developed by US scientists, who
were trying to study trees without touching the plant, animal and insect life on the limbs and
trunks, canopy tours emerged as the prefect solution. A fantastic way to explore a truly unique
habitat like the rainforests without disturbing the wildlife or endangering the trees themselves,
canopy tours have become the ideal way to get a bird’s eye view of the forest below.
Though many people still believe that hiking is a great way to explore a rainforest, canopy tours
are even better because the view they offer is often unparalleled and one also gets to see the
flora and fauna in their natural environment. Additionally, with rainforests often having dense
plant life, the environment on the ground can get pretty dark, thus making it difficult to see
everything in a clear manner.
There are a number of walkways or skywalks through out Costa Rica’s forests that have bridges
strung across a valley from where you can walk above the canopy of trees and get a panoramic
aerial view of the forest below. However, the most popular form of canopy touring is the kind
where platforms are built into the strongest trees and a zip line is strung in between them.
Tourists are then sent zipping across the forests from tree to tree on these lines via a safety
harness.
Certainly not a sport for the faint hearted, canopy tours are definitely meant for the more
adventurous tourists who enjoy the adrenaline rush. And while it is relatively safe, canopy tours
are not without their own risks. These risks often arise when people use substandard canopy
tour operators, who utilize equipment that is either broken or not up to par. Some of these
operators do not even use the correct or appropriate safety equipment which is very dangerous.
In order to have a safe ride, always make sure you are securely fastened into your harness and
that you have two straps one for the ride and the other for backup.
An amazing and often thrilling experience, canopy tour operators can be found all over the
country. Most of Costa Rica’s national parks have canopy tour operators, with many of their
head offices or branches based in the capital San Jose.
A world unto their own, rainforests are one of this planet’s dying habitats. And though much is
being done in the way of conservation to protect them, these amazing places are being chopped
away at quite a fast rate. However, in Costa Rica, eco-tourism has taken a front seat, and since
this tiny nation is home to over roughly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, a lot is being done to
protect and preserve these endangered zones.
With more than a quarter of Costa Rica covered in rainforests, one of the best ways to explore
these truly magical and enchanting realms is via a canopy tour. Developed by US scientists, who
were trying to study trees without touching the plant, animal and insect life on the limbs and
trunks, canopy tours emerged as the prefect solution. A fantastic way to explore a truly unique
habitat like the rainforests without disturbing the wildlife or endangering the trees themselves,
canopy tours have become the ideal way to get a bird’s eye view of the forest below.
Though many people still believe that hiking is a great way to explore a rainforest, canopy tours
are even better because the view they offer is often unparalleled and one also gets to see the
flora and fauna in their natural environment. Additionally, with rainforests often having dense
plant life, the environment on the ground can get pretty dark, thus making it difficult to see
everything in a clear manner.
There are a number of walkways or skywalks through out Costa Rica’s forests that have bridges
strung across a valley from where you can walk above the canopy of trees and get a panoramic
aerial view of the forest below. However, the most popular form of canopy touring is the kind
where platforms are built into the strongest trees and a zip line is strung in between them.
Tourists are then sent zipping across the forests from tree to tree on these lines via a safety
harness.
Certainly not a sport for the faint hearted, canopy tours are definitely meant for the more
adventurous tourists who enjoy the adrenaline rush. And while it is relatively safe, canopy tours
are not without their own risks. These risks often arise when people use substandard canopy
tour operators, who utilize equipment that is either broken or not up to par. Some of these
operators do not even use the correct or appropriate safety equipment which is very dangerous.
In order to have a safe ride, always make sure you are securely fastened into your harness and
that you have two straps one for the ride and the other for backup.
An amazing and often thrilling experience, canopy tour operators can be found all over the
country. Most of Costa Rica’s national parks have canopy tour operators, with many of their
head offices or branches based in the capital San Jose.
A world unto their own, rainforests are one of this planet’s dying habitats. And though much is
being done in the way of conservation to protect them, these amazing places are being chopped
away at quite a fast rate. However, in Costa Rica, eco-tourism has taken a front seat, and since
this tiny nation is home to over roughly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, a lot is being done to protect
and preserve these endangered zones.
With more than a quarter of Costa Rica covered in rainforests, one of the best ways to explore
these truly magical and enchanting realms is via a canopy tour. Developed by US scientists, who
were trying to study trees without touching the plant, animal and insect life on the limbs and trunks,
canopy tours emerged as the prefect solution. A fantastic way to explore a truly unique habitat like
the rainforests without disturbing the wildlife or endangering the trees themselves, canopy tours
have become the ideal way to get a bird’s eye view of the forest below.
Though many people still believe that hiking is a great way to explore a rainforest, canopy tours
are even better because the view they offer is often unparalleled and one also gets to see the flora
and fauna in their natural environment. Additionally, with rainforests often having dense plant life,
the environment on the ground can get pretty dark, thus making it difficult to see everything in a
clear manner.
There are a number of walkways or skywalks through out Costa Rica’s forests that have bridges
strung across a valley from where you can walk above the canopy of trees and get a panoramic
aerial view of the forest below. However, the most popular form of canopy touring is the kind where
platforms are built into the strongest trees and a zip line is strung in between them. Tourists are
then sent zipping across the forests from tree to tree on these lines via a safety harness.
Certainly not a sport for the faint hearted, canopy tours are definitely meant for the more
adventurous tourists who enjoy the adrenaline rush. And while it is relatively safe, canopy tours are
not without their own risks. These risks often arise when people use substandard canopy tour
operators, who utilize equipment that is either broken or not up to par. Some of these operators do
not even use the correct or appropriate safety equipment which is very dangerous. In order to have
a safe ride, always make sure you are securely fastened into your harness and that you have two
straps one for the ride and the other for backup.
An amazing and often thrilling experience, canopy tour operators can be found all over the country.
Most of Costa Rica’s national parks have canopy tour operators, with many of their head offices or
branches based in the capital San Jose.
