Jimmy Fallon Freaks Out Before Riding On Puerto Rico's Frightening 'Monster' Zip Line

Mar 23, 2020

In the heart of a Puerto Rican forest, Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon strapped on a camera and rode the world’s second longest zip line, El Monstruo, at the Toro Verde adventure park last year.

While his show is funny enough, Jimmy Fallon isn’t exactly known for being a daredevil. But in a highlight from his show last year, Fallon joined The Roots' Tarik "Black Thought" Trotter to take on an incredibly long zip line, the longest in the Americas — and predictably, Fallon freaks out.

“Guys, I am actually scared of heights,” Fallon says in the video’s intro. “I don’t know how I’m going to do this. I’m just going to close my eyes and go for it.”

Riding El Monstruo, which literally translates to “the monster,” is no easy feat, even for those who aren’t scared of heights. The thrilling ride begins at the top of a high platform overlooking the forest. Atop the platform, which almost seems like it's in the clouds, Fallon and Trotter begin to put on their gear, including a backpack, glasses, helmet affixed with a camera and a harness.

Taking clear advantage of Fallon’s anxiety, the crew tells Fallon that there’s a parachute in the backpack — just in case something goes wrong. Panic ensues, but eventually the pair mount the rickety bridge, which connects the platform to the beginning of the zipline. But even crossing the bridge is nearly too much for The Tonight Show host who seems to have a mini breakdown with every step. Eventually, however, the daredevil duo makes their way to the launch pad. As Fallon begins breathing deeply — likely to avoid passing out from fear — Trotter fuels the fire, joking that this might be the series finale of The Tonight Show.

But Fallon isn’t amused. In fact, he completely ignores Trotters joke, continuing to breath deeply, groan and say “Oh my god.” Despite the anxiety, the technicians attach the two celebrities to the zipline, telling them to assume a push up position. “Now the thing is going to get real,” one of the technicians says. 

When the two finally launch and things do get real, it’s like they’re flying. They zoom over the parking lot, then over the forest, and Fallon shouts, “Viva Puerto Rico!” as he gains speed. At one point, the pair is travelling so fast that their lips start flapping in the wind, and it looks like Fallon is having fun.

But when they finally reach firm ground, Fallon starts freaking out, saying, “Oh my god, get me home” and “Alright, get me to a bar somewhere” whereas Trotters seems to have loved the experience. Luckily, the traumatized Fallon gets his wish, and the three finish the once-in-a-lifetime experience with a tall cocktail. But to truly enjoy Fallon’s little freakouts and to enjoy the Puerto Rican adventure park's verdant forest, you have to watch the video.

Would you strap into the world's second longest zipline, El Monstruo? Let us know, and pass this on to all your friends and family members who watch The Tonight Show.