1/12 They have added a higher tower for their zip lines and even have night time zip line tours available!

Zip lining has become a very popular adventure sport here in Puerto Rico. In fact, it seems as if ziplines are popping up everywhere!

Rain Forest Zip Line Corp is a new zipline company that offers a zipline experience, just seconds off the road that leads up to El Yunque National Forest. While not the largest nor the most modern zip line facility on the island, it offers a zip line experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Zip lining is a load of fun. It is on many people’s "bucket list", but just the thought of doing it is enough to really freak some people out. Understandably, being strapped into a harness, hung from cables high off the ground, and then zipping through the air at high speeds from tree to tree is not everyone’s idea of fun.

Some places that have zip lines have gone to extremes on height and distance, or added on other adventures like rappeling or hiking. Those elements may be overwhelming to kids and first-time flyers. If that sounds like you (or someone in your family), you may be interested in the Rain Forest Zip Line Corp. They offer the zipline experience without the scared-to-death aspect.

Our Thoughts

We have done a LOT of zip line courses, both here in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Rain Forest Zip Line Corp is a small, family-run business set up on their farm. The course is small, though they are planning on expanding it. They now offer 10 lines. When we went they had 6 lines, with a maximum height (off the ground) of 35 feet. The longest line was 250 feet. I am not sure what the additional 4 lines are.

This is a place for children, and for people of all ages who want to try this extreme sport — without being too extreme. All the lines are close by, so there is no long walk between them. And, if you decide that it’s not for you, you can stop and walk away at any point. Some of the lines are controlled speed (not too fast) and some of them are faster, where you will have to brake, though they do have a safety brake to help if you are approaching the landing platform too fast.

The owners, Hector and Rafeala, offer a personal touch — welcoming people to come in and sit a while before or after your tour. Hector is an artist and his love of nature and EL Yunque shows in his art — which is displayed in the office.

During the tour, they discuss El Yunque and its relation and meaning to the Taino Indians — the original inhabitants of the island. Being one with nature in this pretty place helps give you a calm to try this sport!

They gear you up with all the required equipment to do the sport — harness, helmet, and gloves. Their ziplines are double-cables — the main zip line is steel and the safety line is a heavy duty rappeling rope (which has a 6000-pound strength).

As you are getting suited-up, they explain the skills required to zipline. Then you have a practice run on a short line just to try out those skills. Once they feel you understand what you need to do, they take you to a starter line. This line is close to the ground and slow. They call this one the kids line.

Once you feel comfortable with beginner course, you go on some jungle lines, that have you speeding through the trees. From there, there are some lines that offer great views of El Yunque and the surrounding area. Of course they have employees on each platform to clip you on and off the lines, and to make sure that you are doing well.

All in all, it was an enjoyable tour. I am sure that beginners, kids and people with fears (but who still want to try it) will love the experience. But I think people that have ziplined before may find this course to be a bit too tame.

Normally, when we review an activity that is not free to the public, we pay the admission price out of our own pockets. However, we just want you to know that the guys at Rain Forest Zip Line Corp. were kind enough to offer us this trip for free. While we don’t feel that this free ride influenced our review one way or the other, we felt that we should tell you, just as a matter of fact.

The Details

Price is $99 for adults (16 years and older). Kids from 6 to 15 years old are $79. Prices do not include 7% sales tax.

If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.

They are open every day. Reservations are required. Tours at 10am, 1pm, 3pm. Only on Fridays and Saturday they can do a firefly tour starting at 6:30 pm, which is only the 5 lines at the top of the hill (for a reduced rate), but they need 5 people minimum to do it.

Minimum age is 6 years old. Maximum weight is 230 pounds. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your group.

You can call the Rain Forest Zip Line Corp at 787-370-1010 for more information or to make a reservation.

You can visit their web site for more information.

As with all adventure sports, you will need to sign a release waiver. You must be in reasonably good health to participate.

To get to the Rain Forest Zip Line Corp, you turn off of Road 191 at KM 0.9 and follow to the end of the road. There’s is the last place on the left.