Cola de Mono, located in Santa Teresa near Machu Picchu, Peru, is a thrilling spot for zip lining! Fly over lush jungle valleys, above the Sacsara River, and through the Amazon’s edge with the pioneering Cola de Mono Lodge. This guide, written in very easy English for Outdoorkeeda’s beginner series, tells you why Cola de Mono is awesome, what to bring, how to zip line, and travel tips. Let’s soar with #Outdoorkeeda!
Why Zip Line at Cola de Mono?
Cola de Mono’s high cables and jungle views make it a top zip lining spot in South America. Here’s why it’s so cool:
- Epic Views: See dense forests, the Sacsara River, and mountain valleys from 30–150 meters up.
- Big Thrill: Zoom on 7 cables, up to 2,500m total, hitting speeds of 60 km/h!
- Safe but Adventurous: Guides use certified gear, but note that safety standards may differ from Western countries. Check equipment yourself.
- Fun Photos: Get pics or videos (₹2000/$25) to share your adventure!
Great for beginners, but not for kids under 6, pregnant women, or people with heart issues. Be aware of a past safety incident in 2015; ensure guides follow protocols.
What’s Zip Lining at Cola de Mono Like?
You glide on 7 steel cables in a harness, guided by staff, starting after a 20–30 min hike. Tours begin at Cola de Mono Lodge, 2 km from Santa Teresa, with cables spanning two valleys. Tours run year-round, best from May to October (20–25°C, dry season). A 2–3 hour tour costs ₹4000–₹5000 ($50–$65), including gear and sometimes lunch. Add-ons like “Superman” style cost ₹500 ($7). You must be 6+, weigh 30–120 kg (66–265 lbs), and sign a waiver. Tours go in light rain but stop in storms.
What to Bring
Pack these for a great ride:
- Clothes: Wear comfy pants, a t-shirt, and sturdy sneakers (no sandals). A hat or sunglasses may fall off. Tie back long hair.
- Health Stuff: Tell guides about health issues; don’t zip if unwell. Helmets and harnesses provided.
- Extras: Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. No loose items; buy photos (₹2000). Small bags okay; no lockers mentioned.
- Booking: Pay ₹4000–₹5000. Book via canopyperu.com or email info@canopyperu.com (PayPal accepted). Call +51 084 786 973. No refunds for no-shows! Spectators may watch free.
Check canopyperu.com for weather updates.
Fun Zip Line Options
Pick a tour that fits you:
- Classic Tour (2 hours): 7 cables, up to 500m each, ₹4000. Great for newbies.
- Superman Tour (2.5 hours): Final cable in face-down “Superman” pose, ₹4500. For thrill-seekers.
- Via Ferrata Combo: Add a 50m rock climb with iron ladders, ₹5000. Super adventurous!
- Group Tour: Join others for fun, ₹4000. Often includes hot springs visit.
Book early for June–August. Meet 15 min early at Cola de Mono Lodge.
How to Zip Line Like a Pro
Here’s how to have a blast:
- Get Ready: Check in, get a helmet and harness. Listen to a 10-min safety talk. Hike 20–30 min to start.
- Zip Off: Clip onto the cable, sit, and glide! Try freestyle (hands-free) or upside-down on later cables.
- Enjoy: Look for jungle birds or river views. Scream for fun!
- Land Safe: Keep legs up; guides catch you. Check clips each time.
- Be Safe: Follow guides, inspect your harness, and report issues. Be cautious after past safety concerns.
Guides may offer “Superman” or group zips for extra fun
Getting to Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono is in Santa Teresa, 15 km from Machu Picchu:
- By Plane: Fly to Cusco (CUZ, ₹12000 from Lima). Take a colectivo van to Santa Teresa (6 hours, ₹2000) or taxi (₹8000).
- By Train: From Cusco, take a train to Hidroeléctrica (3 hours, ₹3000), then a 30-min taxi to Cola de Mono (₹1000). Trains leave at 6:45 AM, 12:30 PM, or 1:30 PM from Aguas Calientes.
- By Car: Drive from Cusco (5–6 hours, windy roads). Park free at the lodge.
- Best Time: May–October for dry weather (20–25°C). November–April is wetter but less crowded.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay at or near Cola de Mono:
- Cheap: Cola de Mono camping (₹1000/night, tents provided) or local hostels (₹1500).
- Medium: Cola de Mono treehouses (₹4000–₹6000/night, by river).
- Fancy: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (₹15000–₹25000/night, Aguas Calientes).
- Hostels: Supertramp Hostel, Aguas Calientes (₹1000–₹2000/night).
Book via Hotels.com or email Cola de Mono. Eat at Chola y Che Restaurant at the lodge for fresh Peruvian dishes (₹100–₹300) or in Santa Teresa for ceviche (₹200–₹400). Try local coffee
More Santa Teresa Fun
- Hot Springs: Relax at Cocalmayo Hot Springs (₹200, 10 min drive).
- Machu Picchu: Hike or bus from Hidroeléctrica (₹2000, 3 hours).
- Coffee Tours: Visit local plantations (₹1500, 2 hours).
- Hiking: Trek Salkantay Trail (₹5000, 4–5 days).
Tips for Zip Lining
- Book Early: Reserve for day 1 for flexibility; stay 2+ days.
- Check Safety: Inspect gear and clips yourself due to past issues.
- Be Ready to Hike: The 20–30 min uphill walk is steep.
- Save Cash: Book directly via canopyperu.com; bring snacks.
A Zip Line Story
Zipping at Cola de Mono was wild! After a sweaty hike, the first cable over the jungle was scary but awesome. By the third, I tried hands-free-such a rush! The guides were fun, and the “Superman” cable felt like flying! The AI-edited video of the Sacsara River below is epic. This adventure was unforgettable! Share your story with #Outdoorkeeda
Ready to Zip?
Zip Lining at Cola de Mono is a super fun adventure with incredible jungle and river views. It’s thrilling and great for beginners, but double-checks safety. Come to Santa Teresa and zoom through the Andes!
Cola de Mono Vibe: Zip where jungles meet the sky!
Ride a zip line at Cola de Mono, and feel the rush!
