Zipping through the canopy

While in Tikal, Guatemala, in December ’03, several traveling companions and I enjoyed a “swing through the trees” courtesy of Total Adventure Tikal Canopy Tour (phone [011] 502-300-8316, [011] 502-499-3782 or [011] 502-615-4988). Their office is located just outside the gate to Tikal National Park.

This adventure, which cost about $25, included pickup from our lodgings in the park along with two guides and all equipment. With the support of safety harnesses, we rode between 10 trees, to each of which was affixed an iron platform that could hold up to eight people.

One guide would go at the beginning, advising us how much or how little to “brake” (by applying pressure to the overhead cable behind the pully with our leather-gloved hand). The second guide assisted each of us in attaching to the overhead steel cable (we also were attached by a security cable) and started us off. When all had successfully “landed” on the next platform (aided, when necessary, by the first guide), he would follow.

The trip, described in Total Adventure’s brochure as a “safe, exciting and unique adventure” for anyone over the age of seven, was a lot of fun, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who happens to be in Tikal National Park with a few hours to spare. From pickup to delivery, the trip took a little over two hours.

DEE POUJADE
Portland, OR