When we moved to Panama, Rhys had one request: he wanted to go zip lining.
I have done plenty of adventurous things in my life, so naturally I said yes before giving myself enough time to think about what I had just agreed to. I was secretly counting on Cole to be my way out. Surely he wouldn’t want to go.
Wrong.
He basically gave me a YOLO, and suddenly we were all going zip-lining through the rainforest.
And, spoiler alert: I’m really glad we did.
Getting to Gamboa Tree Trek
Gamboa Tree Trek is located in the rainforest near Gatún Lake and the Chagres River, about an hour from Panama City.
At least, it should have taken us about an hour.
Our drive turned into a bit of an adventure of its own thanks to a detour that sent us on a gigantic circle. There may have been a brief moment when I wondered if we’d ever actually find the place.
Then, as we were driving into the rainforest, a snake slithered across the road.
I do NOT DO SNAKES.
Yes, I understand we were about to spend several hours trekking through a tropical rainforest. I simply prefer to operate under the assumption that snakes know I’m coming and make other plans.
Fortunately, that was the only one I saw, so I choose to believe he was leaving.
Once we finally arrived, though, it was beautiful. Lush rainforest, Gatún Lake, wildlife, and gorgeous views surrounded us. Honestly, even without the zip lining, Gamboa is worth seeing.
What to Expect at Gamboa Tree Trek
Check-in was easy. We signed our waivers, put our belongings in a locker, and got geared up.
Before heading onto the course, the guides walked us through the basics of zip lining. The instructions were demonstrated visually and explained in both Spanish and English, which made everything easy to understand.
This was also about the time I started wondering whether I was actually going to go through with this.
Thankfully, the guides were fantastic and incredibly calming.
There was also a five-year-old in our group who didn’t appear remotely concerned about flying through the rainforest attached to a cable.
So obviously I couldn’t back out.
Side note: the five-year-old and I became best friends. I’m forever a teacher. I started talking to him, and before long I had been invited to his birthday party AND a sleepover and knew about a plan he had to trick his mom.
Anyway. Back to the zip lining.
So…How Scary Is Zip Lining in Panama?
After our safety lesson, we climbed onto an open bus for the ride up the mountain.
We saw a sloth.
My day was already improving dramatically.
At the top, we climbed onto the first platform and were told we’d start with an easy line.
They hooked me up, made a joke and sent me flying toward the next platform.
And…
It wasn’t scary.
It was FUN.
The views over the rainforest were incredible, and starting with an easier line gave me just enough confidence to stop worrying and actually enjoy myself.
If you’re nervous about zip lining, this was one of my favorite things about the course. We didn’t immediately start with the biggest, fastest line. The experience built gradually, so by the time we reached the more adventurous sections, I was ready for them.
Mostly.
What the Gamboa Zip Lines Are Actually Like
The course had ten zip lines when we visited, with a mix of shorter, easier lines and several much longer, faster ones.
Three of them were FAST.
As in bullet from Mario Kart fast.
The boys would have happily done ten of those.
I thought three was exactly the correct number. 😂
Those faster lines definitely gave me the adrenaline rush I’d been expecting, but by then I was having too much fun to worry much about being scared.
And the rainforest setting makes the whole experience. You’re not just flying from one generic platform to another. You’re up in the trees with views across the canopy and surrounding landscape.
Is the Gamboa Tree Trek Worth It?
For us, absolutely.
I went into this genuinely worried that I’d get to the first platform and decide I couldn’t do it. Instead, it ended up being one of those family experiences we talked about long after it was over.
The guides were patient and reassuring, the course built up gradually, and the rainforest setting was spectacular. Even as a first-time zip liner, I never felt like I was in over my head.
Would the boys have preferred more ridiculously fast Mario Kart lines? Yes.
Would I?
Three was plenty.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure while visiting Panama and want something beyond the canal and city sights, zip lining in Gamboa is definitely worth adding to your list.
And if you’re nervous?
Take it from someone who was mentally preparing an escape plan before we even arrived: you might surprise yourself.
Just don’t tell me if you see a snake.
We will be back!!!
