Soaring Through the Jungle at Selvatura Adventure Park

This blog post was written by Karina Avila, a very curious Global Navigator who is up to conquer any adventure set her way! She is a Mexican American 15-year-old living in Chicago. Her open-minded perspective, bilingual ability, and deep passion for learning about STEM have made significant contributions to the Women in Environmental Action program. Let’s look into her exhilarating endeavors through the rainforests of Costa Rica.

Pura vida, traveler! Ever wondered how it feels to soar through the wind and sky? Well, you can make that wonder a reality! It was only our second day here in Monteverde, Costa Rica, when the Women for Environmental Action group got the opportunity to go ziplining at Selvatura Adventure Park, creating everlasting memories.

In the morning, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the CIEE Monteverde campus dining hall. After breakfast, we were treated to snacks for the 45-minute bus ride to the park. The bus ride seemed very short as my eyes were glued to the window, taking in all the beautiful mountainous views and vibrant green trees. Once we got to our destination, we were greeted by the experienced workers. After that, we were geared up in full safety equipment, ready for action. We were led to the start of the zipline course, where the kind workers provided us with an informational presentation of what to expect and important instructions. 

Now, the real fun had begun. It started by climbing a tall staircase to get to the beginning platform. My heart was beating with suspense. It was my turn to go on the zipline. I jumped on the wire that attached to my harness. Next thing I know, I was released into mid-air. I will never forget the vast views of trees as I looked downwards into the misty jungle. Little did I know that was not the end of the course. The course consisted of 13 different segments, traveling a total of 2.2 miles through the forest! At the end, we were offered the optional Tarzan Swing, and yup, you guessed it, I had to take them up on their offer! It felt as if I fell off a tree, and all of a sudden, an eagle swooped me up inches before I hit the ground. My adventure would not have been complete without the Tarzan Swing!

This zipline experience was not only freeing and exciting, but it was also an influential learning experience. The ability to understand the background of Monteverde’s forests and acknowledge all the effort it took to maintain their natural state allows you to further enjoy the canopy tour. The Selvatura Nature Park is an ecological park located between the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and the Bosque Eterno de los Niños. These cloud forest reserves reside in high-altitude locations, creating the perfect environment for a variety of plants and wildlife. They flourish in biodiversity, with thousands of species, including the White-Faced Capuchin monkey, which we saw during the tour. Monteverde’s forest attractions are a popular destination for ecotourism, promoting sustainable practices. These rainforests are shaped by the Indigenous Quaker settlers who prioritized education and conservation. Recognizing the past owners of the land I have stepped on is very crucial to Monteverde’s cultural significance. 

For future consideration, the wires on the zipline course are oiled down to maintain them in good condition. This does mean, however, that whatever you wear WILL get stained. I know now, as I will be taking home a permanently stained jacket full of permanent memories. 

This is my first time traveling independently, so some nervous thoughts crossed my mind prior to traveling. Nevertheless, once my plane landed in Costa Rica, an endless adventure had begun. Through all the adrenaline and learning experiences, there was no time left for being homesick, only to live in the present moment. Rain pouring in my hair, wind soothing my face, trees as far as the eye can see. Now that's what I call a trip to Costa Rica, well done. I hope the journey you choose to embark on reveals a side of the world you might never have discovered otherwise.  

Up for a summer adventure? Browse CIEE's wide selection of high school summer abroad programs and consider applying today.