Costa Rica Travel – Thrill-seekers in constant search of that next white-knuckled, wind-in-the-hair experience need to add this bad boy to their bucket lists.
Costa Rica’s longest ocean-view zipline is set to open this fall. Spanning nearly a mile between two mountain peaks, adrenaline-junkies can expect a wild ride with breathtaking views of jungle canopy on one side and pristine coastline on the other.
Oh, and did we mention the line is suspended more than 80 stories in the air? It’s also dual-action — meaning you can ride side by side with a friend and take bets on who screams first.
The gravity-defying ride is one of over 30 land and water attractions at the soon-to-open Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Situated along Matapalo Beach in Guanacaste, the park is basically a one-stop shop for all things adventure in Costa Rica. Those seeking a thrill will flip for the Jungle Surf experience, the only of its kind, on which adventurers ride through the trees on a “jungle surf board,” while families can enjoy horseback riding and animal sanctuaries.
Opening in November, the park is the perfect way to inject a hearty dose of adventure into your next trip to Costa Rica. Read on for three park itineraries that are sure to cut that bucket list down to size.
For the fearless: The aerial experience
If the mile-long zipline and first-of-its-kind Jungle Surf aren’t enough to quench your thirst for thrills, this aerial park itinerary is for you. Check out the climbing wall and enjoy routes for all skill levels, including repelling. Then, harness your inner monkey on the 30-foot Tarzan Swing, or ride four additional ziplines around the park.
To make planning easy, Diamante offers multiple adventure bundles — including its “Adrenaline Pass,” which gives access to all ziplines and aerial adventures.
For soft adventure: The ocean excursion
If a few folks in your party aren’t up for death-defying swings through the jungle, an itinerary based on Costa Rica’s stunning coastline can make everyone happy.
Peep at stunning sea life while snorkeling or scuba diving; explore the coast on a Jet Ski, kayak, or paddleboard; take a boat ride to a secluded beach; or finally learn to surf.
Several of these activities are included in the park’s Discovery Pass, and you can tack on additional adventures à la carte to round out your experience.
For families: Nature and culture
Traveling with the kids? That’s no reason to put your adventure on hold. Along with its bevy of options to get your thrill on, the park offers nature and cultural experiences that are fun for the whole family.
Support conservation while enjoying the natural sights of Costa Rica with a visit to one of six animal sanctuaries, including hummingbird, monkey, and butterfly observatories. Or get an up-close look at the origin of some of Costa Rica’s most lucrative industries: coffee, cacao, and sugarcane.
Then, get moving with the Park’s miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails; kick up some dust on an ATV ride; or chill out on Hammock Beach. How’s that for banishing boredom?
Hike through the jungle, the animal sanctuary or the botanical gardens.
Where to stay: The park doesn’t offer lodging, but it’s mere minutes from all major Guanacaste beach resorts — some of which are accessible by water taxi. If you’re interested in a side of luxury with your main course of eco-adventure, the park is also steps away from the five-star Riu hotel.
By Mary Mazzoni, Yahoo Travel
