5 Best Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica 2023

READY TO BOOK THE ULTIMATE HANGING BRIDGE EXPERIENCE IN COSTA RICA?

Look no further because you’ve stumbled upon the perfect guide to get you elevated—literally!

Your guide for this epic journey is me, a seasoned local who’s traversed every corner of Costa Rica and has years of expertise in the local tourism industry.

Discover the magical wonders of Costa Rica from a bird’s eye view! This Central American haven has pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, stunning volcanoes, and homes to some of the world’s most beautiful best hanging bridges in Costa Rica.

These architectural marvels are a gateway to exploring the abundant biodiversity of the rainforest canopy.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best hanging bridges in Costa Rica, offering an exhilarating mix of adventure and enchanting beauty that promises an unforgettable experience.

So, sit tight as we take you on a virtual tour of this tropical paradise from an extraordinary perspective.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks: Best Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica

5/5
Mistico Park Hanging Bridges
4.5/5
Monteverde Sky Walk
3/5
Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges
5 Best Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica

1. Mistico Park Hanging Bridges

Don´t miss the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges

  ⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (53 reviews)        ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 to 4 hours       🗓️  BOOK NOW

Great tour on the hanging bridges with our amazing guide. It was fun and informative. Saw lots of animals. Family friendly. Highly recommend.
-Ilan
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Mistico Park is a total must-see, guys. It’s huge; you’ve got 650 hectares to roam around, and a big chunk of that is about keeping the rainforest in tip-top shape.

Feel free to stop at the Arenal Hanging Bridges if you’re a nature lover touring Costa Rica.

These enchanting bridges are beautifully tucked away in a 250-hectare reserve brimming with lush vegetation and lively wildlife.

This stunning expanse of nature provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary sightseeing experience. These hanging bridges, La Fortuna, are conveniently located near the Arenal Volcano and boast a network of 16 bridges totaling 2.5 kilometers in length.

These include six hanging bridges, the longest measuring an impressive 97 meters. Embark on a self-guided rainforest tour to enjoy a breathtaking canopy view while spotting animals like howler monkeys and toucans.

Remember to carry your camera for those postcard-perfect shots that the Arenal Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park are famous for.

Get your boots muddy and immerse yourself in nature – it’s all part of the experience at this popular Costa Rican attraction.

2. Monteverde Sky Walk

Sky Walk hanging bridges are perfect to appreciate Costa Rica’s magnificent and world recognized biodiversity

  ⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (170 reviews)        ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours       🗓️  BOOK NOW

This tour is great! It’s a really long day, but it’s worth the drive. The fruit stand was awesome, and getting to the monkeys so close was cool. Monteverde is beautiful! The skytram was cool. It’s a short ride but has a spectacular viewpoint at the top. Our guide for the hanging bridges was wonderful. She taught us so many things about the forest- different plants and trees, found so many animals to see, and why Monteverde is so special. It’s beautiful! Take a day and see Monteverde!
-Staci P
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Sky Walk is your go-to if you’re around Monteverde and looking for a chill yet unforgettable experience. Imagine this: You’re on a 1.5-mile circuit trail that zigzags through all the different layers of a jaw-dropping cloud forest.

The real stars of the show, though, are the hanging bridges, the first hanging bridges in Costa Rica. They put you up close and personal with the forest canopy, giving you the views usually reserved for birds and the tallest of trees.

It’s like you’re walking on a cloud, except it’s full of life—birds, butterflies, maybe even a sloth or two if you’re lucky.

You can go alone, but I’d recommend taking the tour with a naturalist guide. 

Fair warning, though: a few ups and downs along the trail, but nothing a pair of decent hiking shoes can’t handle.

Sky Walk is a must-do if you’re up for a blend of adventure and education in one of the coolest ecosystems!

3. Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges

Explore Selvatura Park Photo: Viator

  ⭐ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (405 reviews)        ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours       🗓️  BOOK NOW

Another great Costa Rican experience with a great guide! I would recommend this activity to people or families with young children who enjoy learning more about the country's animals and vegetation and can appreciate an easy and peaceful walk in the canopy!
-Camille
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Alright, guys, if you’re up for a walk that’s more like a stroll through the clouds, Selvatura Park is where it’s at.

Picture this: nearly 2 miles of trails up in the cloud forest, and you’re not just walking on solid ground; you’re crossing eight—yeah, you heard me, eight—suspension bridges.

These bridges are way cooler than just some basic wooden planks. We’re talking top-notch materials and serious safety, all given the thumbs-up by architects and engineers.

So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for the views, you can take it at your own pace. The bridges go from 170ft to a whopping 560ft long, which means you’re getting all the angles on the forest, from the treetops down to the forest floor.

And trust me, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for cool wildlife. So, go ahead, get up there, and touch the sky. It’s a can’t-miss, especially if you’re all about those epic views.

4. Hanging Bridges and Nature Preserve Tenorio Volcano

Traverse the rainforest on the Hanging Bridges Photo: Viator

  ⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (4 reviews)        ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours       🗓️  BOOK NOW

The hike was amazing, even though it was breezy. It even rained a bit in the rainforest, which was awesome. After lunch, we saw sloths and monkeys, and our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Muchas gracias!
-Christine
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If you’re anywhere near the Tenorio Volcano, do yourself a favor and check out the hanging bridges at Heliconia Rainforest Reserve.

Let me summarize it: The Heliconias hanging bridges are a 1.3-mile trail connected by three canopy-level bridges. These aren’t your average walkways—these babies put you right in the heart of the rainforest canopy.

Where else can you lock eyes with a monkey while strolling 100 feet above the ground?

The views? Unreal. You can see all kinds of tropical plants like orchids and bromeliads, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sloth just hanging out.

You can go all DIY and walk the trail alone or opt for a guide from Heliconias Lodge if you’re looking to up your nature knowledge.

But hold up, it’s not just about the bridges here. Besides the Heliconias hanging bridges, they’ve got greenhouses and a butterfly garden. And for all you parents out there, it’s kid-friendly too, so bring the whole family.

Trust me, this is one rainforest experience you want to take advantage of.

5. Hanging Bridge at Tirimbina Reserve

The hanging bridge has amazing views of the Sarapiqui River and rainforest. Photo: Viator

  ⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1 review)        ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours       🗓️  BOOK NOW

Another great Costa Rican experience with a great guide! I would recommend this activity to people or families with young children who enjoy learning more about the country's animals and vegetation and can appreciate an easy and peaceful walk in the canopy!
-Trip Advisor
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if you’re in Sarapiquí and looking to shake things up, you’ve got to check out Tirimbina Biological Reserve.

First, the place is more than just a pretty face; it’s a hub for environmental research and education. Mr. Pedro González is the big boss there, and man, they’re doing some amazing work.

Only a third of the reserve is open for tourists, so most is pristine, untouched forest. Plus, they’ve got 9 km of trails for you to get up close and personal with Mother Nature.

Let’s talk about hanging bridges because Tirimbina has some serious bragging rights. They’ve got two of ’em, and one is the longest in the country—262 meters long and 22 meters high.

You’ll get killer views of the Sarapiquí River and the rainforest as you cross. The other one? It’s a cozy 110 meters, but it’s perched 35 meters high in an area of primary forest.

You’re basically in an unexplored part of the rainforest. Seriously, you must take advantage of this.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the Chocolate Tour—educational and tasty, what’s not to love? So yeah, hit up Tirimbina. 

FAQ´s

1. Are these Hanging Bridges Accessible Throughout the Year?

So let’s chat about one of Costa Rica’s coolest year-round attractions—the hanging bridges. Yeah, you heard that right, these bridges are open all year long, making them a super flexible add-on to your travel itinerary.

Whether you come during the rainy season or the dry months, you’re guaranteed some epic views of the lush rainforest below.

Now, if you find yourself here between May and November, brace yourself for a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

We’re talking misty landscapes, with fog rolling in to give the whole forest a magical, mysterious vibe. It’s like stepping into another world, trust me.

On the flip side, December through April offers its own brand of awesomeness.

The skies are clear, the sun’s shining, and you get an uninterrupted view of all the living, breathing beauty below. Picture colorful birds, exotic plants, and maybe even a monkey or two in their natural habitat.

Before you pack your bags and head for the bridges, take a quick glance at the weather forecast. Nobody likes surprises regarding Mother Nature, especially when you’re high up in the air.

A little heads-up can make your visit way more enjoyable.

2. What Makes These Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica Unique?

Let’s dive into what sets Costa Rica’s hanging bridges apart from the rest.

First off, the design is seriously top-notch. We’re talking bridges that hang high, providing killer panoramic views of the country’s lush landscapes. 

Now, another cool thing is their location. These bridges are strategically placed in various ecological hotspots.

What does that mean for you?

Well, you get to come face-to-face with Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife. You’re walking through a living, breathing ecosystem, from birds and monkeys to various plants. It’s more than just a bridge; it’s a ticket to an all-natural adventure.

Accessibility is another big plus.

Whether you’re trekking through any of them, these bridges are well-maintained and easy to get to. They’re built with all kinds of travelers in mind, so you’re covered whether you’re an avid hiker or just someone looking for an easy stroll.

Plus, safety’s a priority—many bridges have railings to ensure you’re secure while soaking up the views.

If you’re the type who loves to go deep, consider hiring a tour guide. Going with an expert gives you a more in-depth experience.

You’ll learn fascinating facts about the local ecology and history, enriching your journey across the bridges.

3. Are there Any Safety Measures to Consider While Visiting These Hanging Bridges?

So, you’re gearing up to explore Costa Rica’s jaw-dropping hanging bridges? Awesome! But before you go camera-crazy with those stunning views, let’s talk safety. 

First on the list is footwear. Don’t even think about flip-flops here, folks. What you need are shoes with a sturdy grip. Trust me, the last thing you want is to take a slip when you’re suspended high above the forest floor. Especially since the tropical climate here means things can get a bit damp.

While you’re up there, make sure to stick to the designated paths. Tempting as it may be to forge your own trail for that perfect shot, you don’t want to risk it. These bridges and paths are engineered for safety, so let’s keep it that way by staying on course.

Now, about those weight limits. These aren’t just guidelines; they’re rules. Overcrowding is a no-go. While it might be tempting to lean over the edge for the ultimate selfie or give the bridge a good shake, don’t. Just don’t. It’s risky for you and everyone else on the bridge.

Got little adventurers tagging along? Could you keep an eye on them? Kids get excited easily and might dart towards the edges. If you want an extra layer of safety, consider hiring a local guide. They know the lay of the land and can offer pro tips on making the most of your visit safely.

Lastly, take into account the tropical sun and heat. Stay hydrated and slap on some sunblock. Dehydration and sunburn can turn a fantastic day into a miserable one fast.