Experience a Canopy Tour on a Costa Rica Wildlife Holiday

Costa Rica is quickly becoming a leader in the world of ecotourism and is a popular destination for nature lovers looking for exciting ways to appreciate the country’s beauty and wildlife. A Costa Rica wildlife holiday itinerary can be full of exciting opportunities to see exotic birds and rare or endangered species. Adding in some unusual activities only makes the experience that bit more memorable.

Canopy Tours

The best canopy tours and excursions on a Costa Rica wildlife holiday are typically available in the country’s most famous and popular national parks. Canopy tours, sometimes also called zip lining, take full advantage of the parks' natural beauty and allow visitors to appreciate their surroundings in a thrilling and unusual way. Two of the most popular destinations for zip-ling and excellent wildlife sighting opportunities are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest is a truly one-of-a-kind environment and is a must-see on the itinerary of any Costa Rica wildlife holiday. The 26,000-acre bio-zone sits at an elevation of 1440 metres, shrouded in a cloud of mist. The stunning landscape is home to more than 500 species of birds, including the Three-wattled Bellbird and the shy Quetzal. There are also numerous animals to spot including Jaguars, Pumas, Red-eyed Tree Frogs and monkeys. There are several canopy tour companies operating in Monteverde and each one offers a slightly different zip-lining experience through the forest - from the fast and furious to a somewhat slower, gentler pace.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is, despite being one of the smallest national parks, one of the most frequently visited locations on a Costa Rica wildlife holiday. Its unrivalled natural beauty and superb water sports opportunities make the forests and beaches of Manuel Antonio busy almost all year round. In the water, snorkelling and scuba diving around the magnificent coral reefs is an extremely popular activity, and inland the opportunities for wildlife sightings and bird watching keeps avid nature lovers more than satisfied. While zip lining through the lush forests, it is possible to see armadillos, sloths, coatimundis, iguanas and roughly 350 different species of birds including the magnificent Scarlet Macaw.

So, even if getting up close to the wildlife is the primary goal of your visit to Costa Rica, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to go at a slow pace! The thrill of zip lining through the stunning forests of the country is both exhilarating and rewarding in terms of wildlife sightings, and you may even experience many species you would otherwise not have the chance to see.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for a Costa Rica wildlife holiday, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.