Adventurous tourists have a new sport enjoy. These tourists can now explore the rainforest treetops by canopying. This is an up and coming new sport that is accomplished either by visiting a canopy walkway such as the one found in Peru or by going from tree to tree on steel cables while suspended in a harness as in
Costa Rica. This sport originated from rappelling and developed by United States scientists as a way to study the canopies of trees in forests with out disturbing the life in the limbs and trunks with ladders or climbing equipment attached to the tree.
The canopy walkway extends one hundred fifteen feet above the forest floor and extends one third of a mile through the rainforest of Peru. This walkway provides a view of the rainforest that is impossible from walking on the forest floor. The view from the treetops has a definite vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. Even though this walkway is extremely high, it is very accessible for everyone and requires no special skills or equipment for the tourist with this adventure in mind. Spread among fourteen of the area’s largest rainforest trees, the canopy walkway in Peru is among one of the world’s longest canopy walkways.
Canopying in Costa Rica begins with a very early day and heavy mountain-climbing type equipment along with a forty-five minute hike to the first platform. The first platform, found some thirty feet up in a tree at the top of a set of steep, narrow wooden stairs. Next, the adventurers, hooked to a horizontal traverse cable with a pulley system are attached to another platform up in a tree. In order to get from one platform to the next, the adventurer lifts up their feet, pushes off, and rides the cable to the next platform. Should the adventurer stop short of the platform, they will need to use their hands and pull themselves to the next platform. This adventure ends with the visitor rappelling back down to the forest floor. Just remember that canopying is an adventurous sport and poses health risks. Expert guides travel with the adventurer through the entire journey, explaining the rainforest and offering aid when needed. Most canopying trips are one day, but occasionally a company will offer an overnight adventure. With these trips, overnight accommodations for the adventurer include sleeping on a canopy platform high above the rainforest floor.
Most canopying vacations are offered in the rainforest of Costa Rica where the sport began. At this time, only about ten companies offer canopying vacations. As the sport grows, more companies will offer this option for a vacation at many different locations throughout the world, but for now, Costa Rica is the only place this sport is offered.
Visiting a canopy walkway is available in Peru and Belize. Companies who offer these trips generally provide all lodging and meals, and privately owned transport over land and water. These companies also provide airport arrival and departure. Local bilingual naturalist guides accompany each guest while visiting the area. In addition, personalizing each vacation is possible in length of stay and itinerary to suit individual interests.
With either canopying trip, a few items are necessary to make the trip more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. Among the items would be to keep baggage to a bare minimum, bring a valid passport, and pack light, drip-dry cotton or safari clothes, including one long sleeved shirt and sweater. Hiking shoes or boots are important as are a plastic raincoat or poncho. Insect repellent, toilet articles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars and a small flashlight are also important items to carry on the trip. In addition, do not for get a camera and lots of film along with a very adventurous spirit.
