This extreme sport is originally from the Alpine region of the Tyrol, where a rope system was used to transport weights from one point to another and also to transport people. Recently, zip-wiring has become increasingly popular as a highly enjoyable adventure sport that enables participants to experience the excitement generated by a fast accelerating descent. The adventurer can enjoy the scenery or else experience the pleasing sensation of simply travelling while literally hanging from a rope.

Zip-wiring consists of� a rope connected to two points at varying heights and stretched to form a hanging bridge. To slide along it you need a harness, which allows you to hang on the rope without any physical effort and which is joined to the rope by a sliding pulley system. Once hanging and depending on the angle of the rope, the participant descends until he or she reaches a dynamic braking system which gradually slows them down to a standstill.

Zip-wiring has two very different varieties:
- Classic zip-wiring: consists of a descent down a sloping rope stretched between two points. This technique is used in mountain climbing to cross rivers and streams, peaks or deep gorges and narrow passes. It is also used in rescues.�
�- Tyrolese zip-wiring: this is a variant of classic abseiling and consists of a horizontally stretched rope, which means you have to use your arms to progress, although sometimes devices such as jumars are used.

The best advice if you want to try your hand at this exciting sport is to seek the help of a specialised company, which will provide all the necessary material (basically, a belt harness with safety lock and an adjustable helmet) to slide along a previously set up abseiling rope, and which offers all the security guarantees. Also, the monitors are required to give you all the necessary instructions to make the experience as enjoyable and satisfying as possible. It is important to always follow their guidance and to check the material and use the helmet. It is also important to never place your hands in front of the pulley, as it could trap your fingers.

The most spectacular abseiling cables
The longest zip-wiring cable in the world is probably a 700-metre long cable in Costa Rica, which is used to cross a stretch of jungle. To achieve this, it includes several platforms situated on the tops of trees, where you can stop and contemplate the sensational views. However, the most spectacular abseiling cable must be the one located in the Ecological Reserve of Kolem Ja� (Tabasco). Although only 410 metres long, it has one very special characteristic: the intrepid adventurers descend among tree tops at a height of 30 metres. It includes a total of 11 platforms situated among the tree tops and 10 cable stretches. The last stretch gives the participants the unrepeatable sensation of sliding for 150 metres over an impressive deep green scenery.