The best places to go ziplining

The first zipline was built in the Costa Rican jungle in 1979 and since then ziplining has become one of the world’s most popular adventure travel experiences.

For zealous zipliners chasing their next thrill or adrenalin-seeking newbies, here are the best places to go ziplining around the world.

Costa Rica

The idea of using a zipline for thrills was born in Costa Rica, where rainforest and volcanoes make flying through the air extra amazing. There are ziplining courses all over this small, Central American country; choose between the Original Canopy Tour (the first recreational zipline in the world), the 7-mile Miss Sky Canopy Tour (the world’s longest zipline, where your final landing is in a disco bar), or a course through the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. Hurtle through cloud forest canopy and ethereal high-altitude jungle fog, over rivers and turtle-nesting habitats, and past waterfalls, monkeys, hummingbirds and toucans. Seeming to float in the forest canopy, Cloud Forest Lodge is located in Monteverde, a short drive from the Original Canopy Tour.

USA, Alaska

With glaciers, mountains, lakes and forests galore, the Alaskan landscape is quite something to behold – and ziplining is one of the best ways to see it. Take the Icy Strait Point ZipRider and soar above the treetops of the Tongass National Forest. This is one for adrenalin-seekers, with speeds reaching up to 65 miles per hour and a 1,320-foot drop before riders land softly on the sand on a harbour-side beach. Check in to Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast in Juneau, from where you can catch an air transfer to the Icy Strait Point ZipRider.

New Zealand

When it comes to adventure sports, New Zealand is at the top of its game. Waiheke Island is a popular destination for ziplining, with views of the Hauraki Gulf, native bushland and steep rocky cliffs leading down to tiny, white sandy coves. Alternatively, the Flying Fox zip line at Mokai Gravity Falls in Taihape on the North Island, reaches speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour, can propel you both forwards and backwards, and can hold up to three people at a time. Stay at the Waiheke Island’s luxurious Enclosure Bay for the sweeping sea views, or the friendly and homely MuirBrae B & B to experience a slice of local life.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to the world’s longest zipline, nicknamed ‘The Monster’. In Toro Verde Adventure Park, this beast of a course can be found in the mountainous centre of the island, approximately 1.5 miles-long and reaching 1,200 feet high. Riders are strapped in head-first and on their stomach, a la Superman, and can pick up speeds of up to 90mph flying over dense tropical forest. Stay at the Boutique Hotel Belgica, in a historic building in the coastal city of Ponce, just an hour and a half’s drive from Toro Verde.

France

Introducing the highest zipline in the world, La Tyrolienne – at 10,597 feet high, you’ll get some pretty sensational views of the French Alps. It’s reserved for skiers at the resort of Val Thorens (the highest ski resort in Europe) to be used during the winter months, and riders actually take their skis with them for the ride. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, taking you to such dizzying heights over the Savoie region of snow-blanketed peaks but it does guarantee adrenalin in spades. Recover after your ziplining adventure in the comfort of Val Thorens’ highly rated Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge.