Have you ever dreamt of flying through the trees like a bird? Well, it can become a reality on your next trip to such countries as Costa Rica or Argentina. There are various companies in Latin and South America that have created the service of allowing you to fly with the birds via a zip cord that you are safely attached to by a harness.
The concept was created not too long ago in the dense forests of Costa Rica. The ideas were born from the tools of rock climbers and biologists wanting to get a closer look at the biodiversity of the flora and fauna. It was soon realized that this would be a great recreational activity for the masses. It allows people to discover and enjoy the high branches of the forests and the life that it houses in a safe and fun way.
Strong, metal cables are attached from tree to tree. The distances vary between trees, as well as the speed that you can obtain while sliding down the zip line. Your hands are your brakes. The companies will outfit you with thick gloves, harness, helmet and breaking instructions needed to stop safely. This allows you to create the speed of travel that you feel comfortable with, from wind whipping you in the face to slowly moving along.
Here are a few different establishments that offer such a ride:
- Salta Rafting in Salta, Argentina: Based outside of the large city of Salta on Ruta 47, KM 34, this river rafting company has created what they boast to be the largest canopy circuit in South America. The circuit, the “Condor’s Flight”, lasts for three kilometers along the Juremamento Canyon where speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour can be reached.
- Canopy Adventure Tour in Bariloche, Argentina. This establishment is situated in the old growth forests of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The route is 1.5 KM long and allows high speeds to be reached, if so desired. The company also offers the service during the winter allowing the beauty of the snowy landscape to be experienced. They also offer full moon trips including pizza, local beer and juices. The tour will drive you up to where the flight platforms are via a fun and picturesque 4×4 road.
- The Original Canopy Tour located in four different locations in Costa Rica: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Mahogany Park, San Jose, Drake Bay and Limon as well as Puerto Rico, Granada, Nicaragua, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Peurto Vallarta, Mexico and Belize. This establishment, as the name suggests, is the founding fathers of the activity and largest business. They have created routes that soar through the rainforests allowing wonderful views of animals and dense plant life.