Costa Rica has a genuine claim to fame as birthplace of both the jungle canopy zipline (invented by U.S. biology student Donald Perry in 1979 at Finca La Selva) and the jungle canopy zipline tour (invented by Canadian entrepreneur Darren Hreniuk in 1997 in Monteverde). From these modest beginnings, ziplining exploded worldwide into one of the most popular forms of extreme adventure there is.

It’s a simple concept: String a cable from a high place to a low, clip some weight to it, and watch what happens. You never know what the weather will be like, but you can always count on gravity.

For its size, Costa Rica has a staggering number of canopy tours. The designers of these courses became geniuses at stringing together multiple trees and platforms over broad valleys and rivers, giving guests the heart-fluttering sensation of flying, often at alarming speeds. Many tours include terrifying “Tarzan swings,” face-down “Superman flights,” controlled rappels, scary suspended bridges, and sometimes rock climbing.

For most tours, expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $160.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.