Playa Del Carmen Zip Line

…it’s like those dreams where you can fly but real…

Zip lining is pretty much the quintessential activity in Central America, and probably South America too, for that matter.

You know what I’m talking about – the pictures of people soaring through an exotic jungle by a wire as monkeys and parrots look on.

The good news is that it’s more or less like that, but even better in person.

Allow me to explain.

Why Zip Lining Is Awesome

I don’t know if anyone else has the same reaction when they see those somewhat cliché (if we’re honest) pictures of people zip lining.

But I thought it was basically like a relaxing stroll through the greenery, except that you hang from trees instead of using your feet.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What still images (or even the canned videos that are out there) don’t capture is that it can actually be an adrenaline rush once you make it up to the really exciting lines.

Most tour companies will start you out at the easiest lines to get you warmed up.

But by the time you reach the upper echelons of that miraculous thing called zip lining, you feel like James Bond escaping from bad guys with guns.

Where To Go Zip Lining

There are several companies in the area that take people on tours, although it’s difficult to say which is the best, per se.

Each offers its own zip lines – with extras.

But where they differ is almost invariably found in the extras.

Some of the best additional activities that I’ve experienced in my zip lining trips were off-roading expeditions, dune buggies, and swimming in cenotes with stalactites and stalagmites.

Those are usually involved in getting you to the zip lining location in the jungle (or in the case of swimming, as a break once you’re there).

But you can also expect a certain amount of climbing, swinging and sliding – Tarzan-style.

In addition, most places will have you up at about 35+ feet (10+ meters) and more off the ground, so you’re not just holding your feet up to miss the trees or rocks.

The place that I can vouch for is called Selvatica Canopy Extreme.

This one is slightly closer to Cancun (about 1/3 the way there, near Puerto Morelos).

The Canopy Extreme excursion is pretty bad ass:

  • 12 circuits of zip lines
  • Opportunity to swim in a cenote
  • Lunch included
  • Shuttle service door to door from your resort or hotel
  • It’s a great way to spend an afternoon!

Another very reputable zip line excursion is Xplor Eco-Park.

The X-Parks (Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xenotes, Xenses, etc.) have all their certifications displayed and are easy to check. Most importantly, they tend to lean on the safe side.

Although I will admit I’ve heard a few detractors for them as well, usually from people like me who prefer a little more adventure and risk.

What To Bring With You

The majority of zip lining adventures are day-long affairs.

Technically they are usually half a day, but by the time you factor in the travel to the spot, extra things like off-roading, getting set up, and going through the orientation (which is really not excessive), you’re looking at the better part of a day dedicated to zip lining.

With that said, you need to be prepared to be away from the luxuries of your resort for at least 5 hours.

 Life is rough, isn’t it?

INFO FOUR FOR IDIOT’S

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT FORGET:

  • Sunscreen: I recommend that you make sure to use sunscreen, and bring it with you to reapply. The shade of the jungle can be deceiving, and it’s easy to walk out with a sunburn before you’ve realized the sun was out.
  • Shoes: Okay I know you thought you were going to go barefoot your entire trip in Playa Del Carmen, but when you go zip lining here, you are going to need some comfortable shoes so that you can walk comfortably and don’t injure your feet.
  • Swimsuit: You’ll want to not forget a swimsuit either, as almost every place partakes of the numerous cenotes in the area.
  • Camera: Would you make a porn movie without a camera? Well then you shouldn’t go ziplining without one either. Also definitely bring along a camera, of the video sort if possible.
  • Money: You will need enough to cover your admission. Remember to bring a little bit of extra money for lockers, souvenirs, or other things you might want to rent or buy.  Also, alcoholic drinks are usually not included – even if they serve other drinks and lunch. Cheap bastards.
  • ID: You probably won’t need any kind of identification unless you’re going to use it for some sort of special rental activity.

Whatever the hell else you want to bring. What am I, your mother?

How Much It Will Set You Back

For its part, Xplor charges $143 for adults and $72 for kids, which seems to be in line with the going rate among most places.

Before you think that’s too steep for a metal wire strung between trees, keep in mind that this price range generally includes almost everything related to your trip, for around F four or five hours.

That means buffet lunch, taxes, transportation, extras, tour guide, and safety equipment should be included.

That being said, you might also want to bring along a little extra cash to pick up a few souvenirs or get drinks at the bar.

Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind

I know there were a few stories in the news several years back about zip lining trips gone wrong.

I would hope that any shady companies – or specific staff members – have been weeded out by now.

I know it can sound a little scary for those of us who just Google something as a substitute for real research, but unique problems that may have happened in the past have a way of fixing themselves.

The companies here have way too much to lose to screw things up for long!

The amount of bad publicity that one bad review can bring doesn’t bode well for local business, so they have an incentive to make sure everything is completely safe.

And I will say that in my experiences zip lining around Playa Del Carmen, I’ve met some really professional, reassuring, and knowledgeable guides.

As I always say, just come and see for yourself!

I hope to see you soon…..

Lots of love,

Rufus

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4 comments on “Playa Del Carmen Zip Line

  1. Hi Rufus! Love the website! I need your honest opinion on something. Is it safe to go ziplining there? I know some things are different in mexico, and I appreciate you commenting on them. But could you please tell me if it’s safe to go on some of the zip lining activities there, or do you think it’s dangerous?

    Thank you for your honesty!

    • In all honesty, I think it is completely safe to go ziplining here. First of all, the wires that they use for zip lining are extremely strong and can hold an excessive amount of weight. You are not going to easily break a cable that is meant to hold thousands of pounds!

      In addition, the organizations here that offer things like zip lining have a reputation to maintain. They do not want accidents to happen either. If they have an accident, not only will they have to suffer in immediate damages to their reputation, they will also be talked about for many years to come. Things have changed a lot since some of the major review sites have come online. Companies now realize that they need to do things correctly or they will maintain negative comments from many more years beyond an actual accident date.

      While it is true that many things in Mexico are not up to par when compared to other Western countries like the United states, Canada, and Western Europe, ziplining is not something that you should be afraid to do here. That’s my honest opinion!

      Lots of love…

      Rufus

    • Damaris,

      You sure can! contact my reservations manager, Monica, and she will get back to you as soon as possible. You can get hold of her through the contact me page.

      Rufus

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