"Now scream!" barked or guide, Leo the Lion, with all the authority of a Marine Corps drill sergeant. "Lift your legs, lean back and scream!"

An instant later I was screaming out of pure delight and gut-wrenching terror as I hurtled down a quarter-mile of steel cable suspended high above the lush jungle canopy and cascading water of the Mismaloya River south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The rush of adrenaline was palpable. Above me the sky was a deep blue dappled with billowy clouds. Below me the world was a blur of verdant green palms and rushing waterfalls.

In 1986, this leafy location was filled with action of a very different kind as a movie crew filmed Arnold Schwarzenegger battling an unearthly adversary in "Predator."

Now 2,500 acres of the lush jungle where the movie was filmed has been designated a jungle eco-reserve. And at its center is El Eden, a picturesque hideaway and thrill park replete with a riverside restaurant (featuring the fresh catch of the day) and two miles of high-speed zip lines.

These 12 zip lines are the star of the resort and they sport names like "Predator" and the "Governator!" The longest measures 1650 feet and allows adventurous thrill seekers the chance to soar at speeds in excess of 60 miles an hour over the Mismaloya River gorge.

Hanging suspended from a cable hundreds of feet in the air might sound terrifying. It is. But the experience is actually quite safe. That's because before leaping into the void you are securely harnessed and double linked to the cable with snap rings. All you have to do is scream and have a great time.

The only instructions involve paying attention to your guide's hand signals and learning to slow yourself by rotating the pulley's handles, which applies friction to the cable. Oh, and be sure you lift your legs upon landing at the other end.

It should be noted that there is a fair amount of climbing involved (on well-marked trails) as you make your way from one zip line to the next. And look out. You never know when that horrific Predator from another galaxy might leap out from behind a palm tree and try to have you for lunch!

After the thrill of the zip lines, El Eden's restaurant offers a scenic place to relax and dine. Service includes a multitude of fresh seafood and a full bar with a patio that overlooks the river. You can also go for a refreshing dip in the chilly water and slide down slick rocks into a deep pool.

El Eden is the brainchild of Don Crispin, an entrepreneur of the first order. In addition to the restaurant and Zip Line Canopy Tour, El Eden features a spa and Crispin plans to add an intimately scaled hotel to the property.

After the thrill of riding the zip lines, El Eden Canopy Tour visitors are treated to a free tequila tasting on the way back to Puerto Vallarta. Don Crispin, as you may have guessed, also produces this delicious tequila.

IF YOU GO

El Eden Canopy Tour: Sail down 12 zip lines over the lush jungle valley where the movie," Predator" was filmed. And look out the Alien monster!

Where: Tours leave from several locations in Puerto Vallarta. El Eden is located approximately 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta on the Mismaloya River. You can also drive there on your own, but the road is dirt and rutted. The company's Puerto Vallarta office is located at: Calle Ignacio L. Vallarta, No. 228, Int. 1, Plaza Romy.

Daily departure times from Puerto Vallarta are at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $81, $71 children 7-10. Discount tickets are available online. Minimum age, 7, maximum weight, 260 lbs.

Information: 52 (322) 222-2516, www.canopyeleden.com.

Jim Farber is a freelance travel writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.