Ziplining is becoming popular among tourists. Whether you live near a zip line course or travel several miles to get there, the experience is fantastic. With the proper security measures, this practice can be enjoyed by the whole family. You can see beautiful air views and wonderful landscapes or experience the craziest adventures. Maui, in Hawaii, is one of the most varied zip line environments. But other destinations are famous for this activity. This article features the top 6 places where to practice canopy

A little bit of history

The first zip line was built in Costa Rica in 1979 by the scientist Donald “Monkey Man” Perry. At first, these were used to transport people, goods, materials, and livestock on mountain terrains. Almost two decades after this, ziplining developed into a touristic activity.

In 1996, Darren Hreniuk, a Canadian businessman, opened the first zip line structure self-proclaimed “Original Canopy Tour”. It offered an aerial alternative to hikes and water rafting. This was the beginning of zip lining as a tourist industry.

Although Hreniuk was the owner of the patent, this was arbitrarily invalidated in Costa Rica in 2004. After almost 20 years of legal disputes, he regained exclusive rights to exploit this activity in the country. Nowadays, Costa Rica is one of the canopy capitals of the world with nearly 300 courses.

The best places for canopy zip lining

Hawaii

Maui is a county in the state of Hawaii. It consists of three islands: Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi (except for a part of Molokaʻi, which belongs to a different county). This area is known for its spectacular natural beauty. Its canyons, rich jungle, and awesome cliffs make it the ideal environment for ziplining.

Some of Maui’s hottest canopy centers are:

  • Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline
  • Kapalua Zipline
  • Kaanapali Zipline
  • Maui Zipline

The Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline brings a mixture of entertainment and sustainability. The heart of the project is to provide thrilling moments while preserving the natural resources of the land. It’s the fastest, highest, and longest zip line in Maui County. It boasts 3600-feet-high courses on which you can travel at 65 miles an hour. The following video features some of the fantastic views you can see at Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline.

Costa Rica

This is the motherland of canopy zip lining. Here you can find the Original Canopy Tour, which was the first recreational zip line to be inaugurated. Costa Rica is home to the longest line in the world being 7 miles long. It takes you through a fantastic journey over the foothills of the Volcano Arenal and lands at a disco. If you want to see the local fauna and enjoy the high-altitude jungle fog, you can choose Cloud Forest Lodge, located in Monteverde.

Alaska, USA

Undoubtedly, the natural wonders of Alaska are best seen from a zip line. This region’s glaciers, lakes, forests, and mountains are unique and offer breathtaking views. From the Icy Strait Point ZipRider, you’ll be able to spot the treetops of the Tongass National Forest.

The lines here also offer high speed. Those looking for a thrill during their vacations will enjoy the 65-mile-per-hour velocity at Icy Strait Point. Then, they can land safely on the beach. You can travel here quite fast by air transfer from Alaska’s capital city.

New Zealand

We can safely say that New Zealand is the capital of adventure tourism. There are wide ziplining options in this country. From native bushland to cliffs, nature welcomes every visitor. For an extreme experience, tourists can try the Flying Fox Zip. It reaches a speed of 100 miles an hour and can hold up to three people simultaneously. You can be propelled back and forward and experience an adrenaline boost. Finally, New Zealand’s landscapes and high-class service won’t disappoint you.

Puerto Rico

If you want to fly over dense tropical forests at 90 miles per hour, Puerto Rico is your place. It’s home to ‘the Monster’, the longest zipline in the world. The center of the island is formed of mountain formations. This makes it the best place where to ride ‘the Monster’ strapped head-first on one’s stomach. This line is nearly 1.5 miles long and 1,200-feet tall. The city of Ponce is only an hour away.

France

If you want to find the tallest zipline in the world, then you should go to France. La Tyrolienne is 10,597-feet high and ‘flies’ over the French Alps. Usually used by skiers in the winter season, this French course offers spectacular views. You can feel the excitement of flying over snowed peaks in the Savoie region and then rest in a comfortable hotel. At Tyrolienne you get adventure combined with the local exquisite taste.

An overview of the best zipline destinations in the world

Since its beginnings in the late 70s, ziplining has been unstoppable. Although it was born to cover transportation needs, it has developed into a tourism attraction.

Now it represents an activity for all ages, climates, and places. From soft glides for the family to extreme heights for the adventurous, ziplining is a success all over the world. This is proven by the variety of destinations available for this practice.