Ziplining in Puerto Vallarta
An adventure in the jungle
When we headed to Puerto Vallarta this summer, we knew that we wanted to add a zipline excursion to our list.
We had each gone ziplining once before. For my partner, it was on a windswept hill in Nuevo Vallarta with views of the ocean. For me, it was in a rainswept forest in the Pacific Northwest with views of the mud-soaked ground.
We found an excursion through Canyon River that we decided to try; the brochures offered an array of stunning views through a verdant jungle.
The adventure began when we boarded the open-air bus for the transfer to the complex. We made our way through the crowded streets of Puerto Vallarta, amazed at the numerous speed bumps that forced traffic to a crawl again and again. We then made a gradual climb up the winding two-lane roads up to the site. We were sorted into groups and given wristbands based on our plan for the day. While others opted for ATV rides, we were content to focus on the ziplining.
Strapped into harnesses that dug into our shoulders, we then listened to our guides as they walked us through our adventure. We wove our way through the restaurant before coming to a halt just outside. Tiny anteaters snuffled around the bushes as we lined up for our turn. The first zip was quick and easy; just a bit of practice.
Enough to get my adrenaline going though; the guide unhooked my tether and gestured to my shaking hands with a grin. “Not afraid!” I protested. “Just energized! I love this!” Still grinning, he turned to the next arrival.
Each zip required a hike, a gradually increasing succession of trails to get to each of the launch points. The thick tropical air soaked our tee shirts and washed away our sunscreen. Despite our relatively good fitness, we were still relieved for a quick rest and sip of water before heading out on the next zipline. This brief respite allowed for the chance to take in the beauty around us. We heard the chatter of birds and saw the slow crawl of a caterpillar, and the nearby flutter of a butterfly.
Each hike seemed to lead to zips that were longer and faster than the last. We saw spectacular views of the jungle, including its lengthy namesake, the Canyon River. And with every zip, the quiet; only the hum of the line as I soared over the trees. The sun was hot, the breeze warm, the colors so vivid: the brilliant white of the butterfly; the deep emerald of the leaves; the cool azure of the river, offset by shimmering gray rocks.
We even got to zip together; a form of race, that paired my partner and me together on parallel ziplines. I was too fast, he lamented later, he could just barely keep up.
The final line dropped us at the river and the rows of patient mules awaiting us. Nose to tail, up the narrow trail we went. The mules forged ahead, slipped on rocks, and flicked their tails. Mine grew impatient with the fellow ahead, so he started munching on the nearby leaves.
A good reminder: enjoy what you can, when you can. Let go of what you can’t control.
At the top again, we said goodbye to our mules and thanked our guides. Off in search of sustenance, my partner was energized by our adventure. I was too, but still a bit shaky. This time, I was the one who could just barely keep up.
