If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience the cloud forest, Selvatura Park’s zipline tour is a great option. Not only can you soar through the clouds on a zipline cable, but Selvatura has many other activities onsite, including hanging bridges and wildlife exhibits. In this post, we’ll give some background on the park and share our experience ziplining with our 7-year-old son. We also give information on how to save on your tour.
Location
Selvatura is located in the heart of Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most visited regions. This area is famous for its cool, misty cloud forest. The park is about 3 hours from both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia’s Guanacaste Airport (LIR).
From downtown Santa Elena, the drive to Selvatura is about 20 minutes. The park is located right next to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. You can even hear people ziplining from some of the trails. Another popular adventure park, Treetopia, is a few miles before Selvatura. Learn more about Treetopia.
While parts of the road to Selvatura are unpaved, it’s well-maintained. You can get there with a regular car.
Tip: Although you don’t need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access Selvatura, one is nice to have for exploring Monteverde as many of the area’s roads are rough dirt. See our post Driving to Monteverde for current conditions. Also be sure to check out our Rental Car Discount to save 10%.
Selvatura’s Tours and Facility
The main draw at Selvatura is its extensive zipline course and hanging bridges, which you can book as a combo or separately. The park also has unique wildlife exhibits like a Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly Garden, and Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit (more below).
The facility also has a full-service restaurant and small gift shop, making it easy to spend several hours.
Selvatura Zipline Tour
Getting Started
Before you head out onto the cables, you’ll check in at the reception and be given tickets for each activity you have booked. The staff will also explain the schedule. Tours operate on a set schedule but there is some flexibility for the order you do them in.
With your ticket in hand, you can store your belongings in a locker ($2) then get in line for equipment. See section below, What to Bring and Wear, for info on what’s permitted.
When my son and I did the tour (April), there were a lot of other people so the equipment line was quite long. It did go fairly fast, though. Note: If you’re planning to rent an action cam, be sure to get it from the photography area (right next to the equipment) before getting in line.
Once you reach the equipment area, a staff member will fit you for a helmet, harness, and gloves.
You’ll then exit the building and load onto a van for the 5-minute ride to the first cable.
Safety Talk, Hand Positioning & Braking
Before starting the tour, one of the guides will demonstrate how to use the equipment.
For hand positioning, we learned that adults would need to hold the cable with a gloved hand behind them. You just make a circle with your thumb and middle finger when holding the cable. This controls balance. Young kids don’t need to touch the cable and just hold the harness. This made it very easy for our son, Evan (age 7 at the time).
For braking, the guide said that usually you don’t have to brake, but if a guide signals, you just pull down on the cable with your gloved hand. We never had to brake during the tour.
Note: Unlike Treetopia Park in Monteverde and Sky Adventures in La Fortuna/Arenal which use a no-touch pulley system, Selvatura uses traditional hand braking. See the chart in our post, Comparing Ziplines in Costa Rica: Sky Adventures, Treetopia, and Selvatura for more on the differences between these tours.
The Course
Overview
The Selvatura zipline course is about 1.5-2 hours long and has 13 cables that take you through different levels of the cloud forest canopy. What makes this tour unique is the variety of cable lengths. Some of the lines are quite short, while others are very long.
The cables also vary in speed and height. While many are fast and exciting, there are slower lines and sections where you’re between the trees rather than soaring high above the canopy. This variety makes it accessible for different comfort levels.
The tour also includes a Tarzan swing (optional) and the Superman line as the final cable where you go headfirst ($12 extra). If you’d rather skip the Superman, you’ll do the last cable tandem with another person.
Check out our short video ziplining at Selvatura Park
Walking Between Platforms and Accessibility
Between platforms, some walking is required. Several platforms are done together, with cable after cable in a row, but there are a couple of times where you need to walk on a concrete path to get to the next platform (about 5-10 minutes).
This was fine for me (Jenn) but can be harder with young kids or anyone with mobility challenges. My 7-year-old was complaining about how heavy the equipment was!
For a few cables, you also need to climb up a steep set of stairs to reach the platform.
Tandem Cables
Two of the cables (Cable 6 and 13) are tandem. Because they’re so long, you need to go with another person to make it all the way across. The extra weight is needed to get your speed up and keep your momentum going.
Waiting in Line
One important thing to note is that we did need to wait in line at some points during the tour. This was mostly at the beginning when everyone was waiting to go on the first cable (we were towards the end of the large group).
Once the tour got going, though, everyone was spread out so it went quickly. There were even times when it felt like only Evan and I were on the tour.
The lines are the longest during busy times of year; we did the tour in April near Easter, which is a busy travel time in Costa Rica.
Cable-by-Cable Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of what to expect on each of the 13 cables. The cables are divided into four sections with short walks in between.
Cable 1
This first cable was very short (180 feet/55 meters). The idea is to introduce you to ziplining and help you feel comfortable. It’s a quick ride; you can even see the next platform from the beginning.
To get to this cable, you walk up a set of stairs on the metal platform. This was the first of a cluster of five cables where you go from platform to platform fairly quickly.
Cable 2
The second cable was a little longer at 521 feet (159 meters) and had nice views from just above the canopy.
Cable 3
This was another medium-length cable (672 feet/205 meters). We got to experience the misty cloud forest on this one, with a gorgeous fog hanging over the surrounding trees.
Cable 4
Cable 4 was a shorter and slower line at 360 feet (110 meters). It takes you to a platform that’s built around a giant tree.
Cable 5
Cable 5 is 196 feet (60 meters). I got turned around on this one (was facing backwards), which can sometimes happen on this style of ziplining (where you hold the cable with a gloved hand).
Cable 6
To get to cable 6, there’s a short walk up some stairs. There are two lines at the top running parallel; you only go on one of them.
The cables are 2,624 feet (800 meters) so the second longest of the course. My son Evan and I did this one tandem together.
This was one of our favorite lines. You’re way above the tree line for part of it, allowing for some amazing views of the vast cloud forest below. Closer to the end, you go between the trees.
This is a long cable and you need enough weight to get to the end. We almost didn’t make it, and I had to turn around close to the end and use my arms to pull us the rest of the way. The guides can help you if needed.
This zipline brings you back down to ground level.
Cable 7
After a short walk between platforms, you’ll get to Cable 7, the first of 4 lines clustered together. This is a quick 70-meter (229-foot) cable.
Cables 8, 9, and 10
These cables are similar. They’re between 656-1,082 feet (200-330 meters) and all have really nice cloud forest views, both from above and between the trees.
After Cable 10, there’s a walk through the forest to get to the next platform.
Cable 11
This cable was low to the ground so you went between the trees. 360 feet/110 meters.
Cable 12
This one was a good ride with nice views. The weather was clearer at this point in the tour, and we could see really far away. 688 feet/210 meters.
Cable 13 – Superman
This was the longest cable at 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and gave amazing cloud forest views. If you signed up for the Superman ($12), this is the cable for it. The staff will get you set up on the platform (headfirst) and send you on your way. If you aren’t doing the Superman, you’ll go tandem with another person.
My son and I didn’t weigh enough to go just the two of us so a guide joined us. For other families, we saw that they were putting adults together and kids with a guide. A family of four near us had the two parents go together and the two young kids (around age 8) went with a guide. It depends on weight and weather conditions that day.
This cable brings you right back to the reception area.
Tarzan Swing
Towards the end of the tour, you have the option to do the Tarzan Swing. It’s after cable 12 so if you don’t want to do it, you just move on to the final cable.
The Tarzan Swing is one of the most adrenaline-pumping parts of the tour. While strapped in, you swing off a high platform quickly down towards the ground then back and forth several times before landing on your feet. There are guides at the top and bottom to help you.
Ziplining with Children
Kids can zipline at Selvatura starting at age 4. Young children will go with a guide if necessary.
We did the tour with our 7-year-old son. Evan had ziplined a few times before and wasn’t too scared, which was great. The guides were very good with him and helped him get set up and comfortable before each line.
We went on two cables together, but he did all the others on his own. I had him go before me on the course so I could make sure it was going well. It was easy for him to hold the harness (he didn’t need to touch the cable at all). All he had to do was cross his legs, sit back, and go.
When Evan arrived at the next platform, the guide on the receiving end secured his harness to the platform so he would be safe. Some of the platforms were on the small side but they were never crowded since the guides were quick to move us along on the tour. We always felt safe.
Planning Your Selvatura Zipline Tour
Booking Your Tour
Advanced reservations are required. Be sure to book through our travel agency to take advantage of our discounts. Just request a booking and we will confirm the reservation and send you a secure payment link. Read our reviews.
Our Discount
Save $10 per adult, $8 per child on your Selvatura zipline tour! Special discount through Two Weeks in Costa Rica + no booking fees. Savings automatically included in the rates below. We also offer discounts on Selvatura’s popular zipline-hanging bridges combo.
Zipline Tour Details
Cost (2026): $77 per person adults; $69 per person students up to age 18; $53 per person children ages 4-11. Rates plus 13% tax.
Add Superman (ages 15+; must be at least 55 kg/121 lbs and 1.55 meters/5’1″ tall): $12 per person + tax
Offered: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Duration: About 1.5-2 hours
Includes: Bilingual guides, all necessary equipment, and transportation from your hotel or vacation rental if desired.
Maximum Weight: 242 lbs (110 kg). Harness Measurements: Waist 105 centimeters (41.33 inches), max 145 centimeters; Leg 75 centimeters (29.52 inches).
Minimum Age: 4 years old. Young children will go tandem with a guide.
Operating Hours
Selvatura is open daily. Zipline tours are offered at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
What to Bring and Wear
It was cool and misty when we did the tour so we got the full cloud forest experience. Evan and I were both very happy to have sweatshirts under our rain jackets to keep us warm. Since Selvatura is higher in elevation, it can be quite cool, especially in the rain.
Here’s a full list of what we recommend bringing:
Closed-toe shoes, pants, long-sleeved shirt, light rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and strap for prescription glasses.
We also saw some people wearing backpacks during the tour. We have ziplined many times in Costa Rica and usually zipline companies make you store all your belongings, but it was allowed at Selvatura.
Transportation
Pickup from hotels and vacation rentals is included for most locations in the main area of Santa Elena, which is convenient.
If you’ll have a rental car, we recommend driving for the most flexibility.
If you need transportation, Selvatura has a set schedule for getting back to town. The van leaves Selvatura at the following times:
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Photos
Selvatura has a professional photographer that will take a posed photo before you start the tour and on a couple of lines during the adventure. You can see the photos after and decide if you want to buy them ($20 per person).
The photos are provided digitally, but a nice touch if you’re traveling with kids is that they will also give you a cute paper framed photo that your child can have as a keepsake. Evan loved it.
Action Cameras
You can bring your action cam or rent a DJI from Selvatura ($50). They can be mounted on your helmet or handheld. Selvatura is one of the only zipline tours in Costa Rica that will allow you to hold an action cam with a selfie stick during a tour.
We had a DJI for both of us because we wanted to get the kids’ perspective. Jenn did it handheld and Evan’s was attached to his helmet.
Other Activities at Selvatura
Selvatura has several other attractions you can add to your visit. We have done them all over the years and enjoyed them.
- Hanging Bridges – These are probably our favorite hanging bridges in Monteverde so we definitely recommend them. You can go with a guide who will teach you about the cloud forest environment and point out wildlife or on your own if you’re interested in mostly experiencing the views. Here’s a link to our post on Selvatura’s Hanging Bridges with more information.
- Sloth Sanctuary – This huge enclosure is home to more than a dozen two-toed sloths that have been injured in the wild or held illegally as pets. If seeing a sloth is on your list, it’s a great way to guarantee a sighting. Read our full post on the Sloth Sanctuary.
- Butterfly Garden – Next to the Sloth Sanctuary is the large atrium for the butterfly garden, which houses tons of different native butterflies.
- Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit – This exhibit has several glass enclosures with snakes, frogs, and lizards.
The Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly Garden, and Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit are guided tours. They’re short, about 30-40 minutes, so are a nice add-on to see wildlife.
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Selvatura Zipline + Self-Guided Hanging Bridges – From Monteverde
Price: From: $112.00 +VAT Select options -
Selvatura Zipline, Guided Hanging Bridges + Sloth Sanctuary – From Monteverde
Price: From: $180.00 +VAT Select options -
Selvatura Zipline, Self-Guided Hanging Bridges + Sloth Sanctuary – From Monteverde
Price: From: $148.00 +VAT Select options
Conclusion
Selvatura’s zipline tour is one of our favorite ziplines in Monteverde. The 13-cable course offers a good variety and amazing cloud forest views, plus the added bonus of hanging bridges, sloths, and other wildlife attractions all in one place. Whether you’re ziplining with kids or doing multiple activities, we recommend it.
Have a question about Selvatura’s zipline tour or have you done it? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
Treetopia Zipline Tour: High-Adrenaline Adventure in Monteverde – Looking for a more high-adrenaline zipline option in Monteverde? Check out Treetopia.
Monteverde, Costa Rica: A Forest in the Clouds – Read our full destination guide for more activities, restaurants, and hotel recommendations.
Hanging Bridges & Ziplining: View all the hanging bridge options and zipline tours that we cover all across the country.
Things to Do: Looking for more activities for your trip? Our Things to Do category covers everything from wildlife and nature tours to the best waterfalls.