LindainOhio

I know, I don't have to do anything I don't want to do. It's my vacation. But the first question everyone asks when they hear we are going to Costa Rica is, "Are you going ziplining?"

I am not afraid of heights, assume it is a thrill, but I think I would actually rather spend the time hiking. I laugh every time I see the "Afraid of heights, should I zipline?" post. That would make it easy for me--but even she is feeling the pressure to zipline. I haven't responded to that post, but my thought is--forget it; why stress yourself out on vacation.

So, have you gone to Costa Rica and not ziplined? Is it one of those things I should do once? If my kids were going, I would do it--that whole family bonding/great memory thing. They are not joining us.

volcanogirl

We went several trips before we did it. If it doesn't interest you, I think it's okay to give it a pass. I am glad we did it though - it's rare that you get the opportunity to do new things like that, so I like to take advantage of things I can't readily do elsewhere.

AustinTraveler

I went to Costa Rica and didn't zipline. It didn't even occur to me that it was a "must do". In fact, we didn't do much of anything while we were there and it was, quite frankly, the best vacation we've ever had!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Remember: If you start and don't like it, you can't change your mind. There's no turning back. Costa Rica has so many fun, interesting things to do that if you don't go ziplining, you'll still have a great time.

suze

I've been places where ziplining was available (Hawaii, Mexico)... honestly the thought never even crossed my mind that to try it! Just not that kind of a thrill seeker, I guess, I'm not embarrased to admit it. You don't see me bungie jumping or riding a bike down a volcano either -lol!

plumboy

I've been three times and have never done it. Hasn't really even occurred to me, to be honest. It looks fun, but maybe way too short for the hassle and cost? I don't know. I'd rather spend my time hiking too. I assume other than the rush, you don't get to see much in the way of wildlife on the actual zip -- maybe on the way there and while you're standing on the platforms?

Like AustinTraveler, we're not much into "doing" things, and we've always had amazing trips there.

It's your vacation -- don't feel pressured!

Cattail

Me either! No interest, and are all those ziplines really o.k. for the environment? I'm not afraid either, and almost did it as part of a rafting tour, but was rained out. I can relate; seems as though everyone but my husband and I are excited about it. And you! lol!

colibri

I've been to Costa Rica three times, went ziplining the second trip. In terms of wildlife, you are going too fast to see much of anything - we only saw a toucan from one of the platforms.

The views are spectacular as you fly across canyons, valleys and rivers. I am not an adrenaline junkie, more of a sloth (!) but I did enjoy soaring through the air on the first line, very exciting. But, I had major issues in stopping which took most of the fun out of the experience...it was raining, the lines were twice as fast and it didn't matter how hard I squeezed the glove and pumped my legs - I kept going until I hit the automatic stop and my body went flinging sideways.

It was not something that I wanted to do again - 11 zip lines were enough for me. I should have been smart enough to opt out after the second line. At Arenal Paraiso you can do the first two lines, then leave, but no options after that.

I enjoy hiking and photographing the frogs, plants, animals and birds much more than ziplining.

shutterbug85

My husband and I did not zipline on our trip, either. He's afraid of heights and the hanging bridges were enough of a challenge for him! There are definitely plenty of other things to do besides ziplining. And many more places in the world where it is possible to zipline.

hipvirgochick

It's perfectly ok to take a pass. Plenty of other wonderful things to see and do!

volcanogirl

We did come eye to eye with a quetzal on one of the platforms, but it seemed like a fluke. I told our next door neighbor we were going to CR, and the first thing she said was, "Are you going ziplining?!" I guess it's the first thing people think of when they think of CR.

MonicaRichards

I've been to Costa Rica four times and never ziplined. The last three times we had kids too young to zipline so we didn't do it, the first time was so long ago it wasn't a big deal. So no, you don't have to zipline! I think Costa Rica is much more about nature tours anyhow.

LindainOhio

Wow thanks for all the responses--From what I read and from all the questions I get from friends, I was thinking that I was the only person alive who was not interested in ziplining.

seawitch1

We ziplined in Monteverde. I can't tell you how excited I was thinking it was going to be the most amazing thing I ever did. Well, when it was over, it was like "ho hum." I guess I was too hyped to go. I am always let down when I get too excited about things. I bungee jumped in Nevada one time. That was much more exciting than the ziplining. If ziplining does not appeal to you, I wouldn't sweat it. I wouldn't do it again.