Hanging Bridges and Rainforest Trail Hike

The hanging bridges are one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities. Rainforests, cloud forests, and even botanical gardens are all on the table for this adventure. The trails have varying difficulty levels depending on location, which makes them a good choice for almost every traveler. Explore the woods from the forest floor to the tree crowns. Sometimes, you go even above the trees.

The hanging bridges are the highlight of the hike. They connect paths between canyons and trails, providing expansive views of the surrounding greenery and vistas. It's a great opportunity for photos and to truly grasp the beauty of Costa Rica. The local wildlife lives in the protected areas where the trails are. Plenty of birds, some mammals like monkeys or sloths, colorful insects, and scurrying reptiles are among the possible sightings. It’s a great option for the whole family to disconnect from the bustling everyday life and reconnect with nature.

There are various options when it comes to hanging bridges, but these are our favorites:

The hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano are a unique way of discovering the secrets of the rainforest that surrounds the impressive cone. The reserve spans 250 hectares of primary forest, which you get to explore. The narrow bridges suspend you high above the ground, letting you admire the lush rainforest foliage eye-to-eye. Sometimes, you’re even walking above the trees!

The trails have varying levels of difficulty you can choose from, but they are fairly easy in general and beautiful. There are points where, if the weather allows it, you can spot the Arenal Volcano in the distance. There are up to 16 bridges between the hanging and static bridges. The longest hanging bridge is 320 ft, so be ready for an adventure!

Monteverde is a greatly biodiverse location. It boasts more than 400 species of birds, over 100 species of mammals, and the largest number of orchids in the world. Explore the hills of Monteverde while admiring the cloud forests and rainforests of the area while crossing suspension bridges.

It’s particularly good if you’re also an enthusiastic birdwatcher, with the opportunity to spot many local and migratory birds. The bridges let you admire the views and green forests from a unique perspective. And the longest suspension bridge is 984 ft, so prepare your camera and your hiking shoes for the feat.

The hanging bridges in the Heliconias Private Reserve give you a different taste of nature. The reserve is located between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes and near Rio Celeste, providing flora and geography unique to the area.

The hiking trails reward you for your efforts. Walk along crystal clear streams and find plenty of tropical flowers, like bromeliads and orchids. The trails even allow you the chance to spot shy animals like sloths. On a clear day, you can even see Lake Nicaragua. There are also on-site greenhouses and a butterfly garden, in case you want another easier stroll among the local flora and fauna.

Hanging bridges are usually in reserves or parks where you can also do other activities. Zip lining or aerial tram tours are popular additions if you want to add more action or relaxation to the day. Depending on location, it’s also popular to visit some on-site or nearby waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the water.

Hanging bridges are a great activity to do year-round. However, there is always a chance of humidity or rain regardless of the time you visit. This is because the experience is all about exploring the rainforest and cloud forests. Going in the early morning reduces your chances of rain.

If you want to focus on wildlife spotting or birdwatching, going in the early morning will maximize your chances of getting good photos. That’s when animals are the most active, looking for breakfast.

It’s a 2.5-mile circuit trail filled with suspension bridges for fantastic scenery all around.

There are 16 state-of-the-art bridges that you can explore.

The guided walk will take 2.5 hours.