Costa Rica’s hanging bridges are among the most coveted of the country’s many highlights. Although you may well want to visit them all whilst here (who wouldn’t?!) it’s safe to surmise you’d want to home in on one, primarily, so you have enough time, energy and funds to also try out everything else on offer in this adventure-packed country, activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, horseback riding and SO much more.

First up, if you have absolutely NO idea what we’re talking about…

What is a Hanging Bridge in Costa Rica?

Wind back the history-clock a few decades and you’d see a bunch of curious scientists studying unique flora and fauna in the remotest nooks of Costa Rica’s virgin jungles. They concocted these ‘hanging bridges’ in order to reach the highest points of the luscious canopy and, back then, they were nothing more than haphazardly tied-together ropes, swung between trees and interspersed with wooden planks. The death-defying ‘heavenly highways’ certainly did their job, and the tradition of using suspension walking bridges to enjoy superlative wilderness experiences has now become an unmissable part of all adventure vacations in Costa Rica.

What is so Magical about Hanging Bridges?

Hanging bridges get you up close and personal with what is, essentially, impenetrable wilderness. When you leave the walking trails behind (or rather, below), you enter a whole different kind of natural kingdom, one that you wouldn’t otherwise ever get to see. Hanging bridges often stretch across deep valleys and gorges, places you’d need hours of hard hiking to even reach, if at all possible. It is up in this startling remoteness that monkeys swing and toucans rest, where sloths hang out and where the essence of the jungle is intensified, ten-fold. Moreover, this is where the views really get out of this world, where the horizon is not blocked by an impermeable layer of thick forest foliage. Hanging bridges offer vistas that span across the jungle, something you simply won’t ever get to see, any other way.

Oh, and don’t worry: modern-day hanging bridges in Costa Rica are some of the best, safest and most famous in the world.

Here, you can swing to your heart’s delight with peace of mind.

Are All Hanging Bridges Tours Created Equal?

Canopy tours with hanging bridges in Costa Rica can vary quite a bit, mainly in length and agility-requirement which means some are better for families with smaller children, for example, whilst others offer exhilarating extras like zip-lining, ideal for adrenaline seekers. Some also include a fair bit of walking in between the bridges; however, they are still considered the least strenuous way to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness here. If you’re on a family adventure vacation in Costa Rica, for example, and want to bring your elderly parents along for the amazing ride, they can enjoy a stunning day on a hanging bridge trail whilst you battle out on a whitewater river. Alternatively, they simply make for amazing family excursions you can all enjoy together.

Each of Costa Rica’s best hanging bridges is located in a very special forest, be it a wilderness and wildlife reserve, rain forest or cloud forest. Entrance fees allow varying organisations to continue to maintain and protect all these incredible corners of paradise so whilst you’re up there having the time of your life, you’re also contributing to precious and very necessary causes.

It’s also worth remembering that some hanging bridges offer night-time wildlife-spotting tours and these are some of the most rewarding animal-watching tours you can take. This offers a totally distinct experience so, if you have time, you should consider doing one daytime and one night-time visit.

Knowing a little about every option will help you decide which hanging bridge course is right for your next adventure vacation in Costa Rica.

Where are Costa Rica’s Best Hanging Bridges?

Every single one of Costa Rica’s best hanging bridges offers something unique and, for many, the choice simply comes down to convenience. Where you choose to base yourself, or travel to, will likely have a big impact on your ultimate choice. Having said that, some people specifically seek the longest trail or the one with the most bridges or, in the case of two options below, the one with the most ‘extras’ like zip-line, hummingbird garden and so forth.

Here’s a quick lowdown of the options – we’ll include one ‘point of note’ for each that makes it stand out from the rest. Please note that each one offers refreshments (café/restaurants) and the option of a private tour as well.

#1 Sky Adventures Park, Arenal

About half an hour’s drive from downtown La Fortuna, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park offers a spectacular walking trail that crosses eight bridges (four of which are suspended) as well as two observation decks and two gorgeous waterfalls. This is a leisurely 3-hour excursion but can also be combined with an aerial tram and canopy tour. There’s a lovely café that serves food (YES!) and although you have the option of taking a guide along and going self-guided. This Sky Adventure Park doesn’t offer night-time tours, unfortunately, but is perfectly suitable for all ages.

NB – This option offers some of the most magnificent canopy views of all plus you pass two waterfalls

Practical Details

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM (last entry). A prior reservation is required for all tours at Sky Adventures Arenal. Self-guided entry costs approximately $38 USD per adult and $27 USD per child. Guided hanging bridges tours start at $41 USD per adult, $34 USD for students (with ID), and $28 USD for children ages 5 to 12. 

During peak season (Christmas/New Year and Easter), add approximately $10 per person. Transportation from La Fortuna hotels is available for an additional $22 USD per person round trip. The park is located about 30 minutes southwest of La Fortuna town, near El Castillo. A range of accommodation options from boutique lodges to full resorts is available for those planning an overnight stay in the Arenal area.

A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the final stretch of road. Visitors based in the area can find a full guide to planning their time in Arenal and La Fortuna to build the perfect itinerary around this visit.

The Skywalk features 5 suspension bridges and a 4 km (2.5 mile) circuit trail through primary rainforest. The longest bridge reaches 143 meters (469 feet) in length and sits 70 meters (229 feet) above the ground. 

For those combining activities, the park also offers the Sky Trek zip-line (7 cables up to 750 meters in length, reaching speeds of 70 km/h) and the Sky Tram aerial gondola. The trail itself follows narrower, more rustic pathways and includes some steeper sections and tree roots underfoot, making it feel more like a genuine forest adventure than a manicured park.

Best For: Visitors seeking a more rugged, adventurous feel on the bridges. The combination of volcano views, aerial tram, and zip-lining in one location makes this the top choice for those who want to pack maximum activity into a single day at Arenal.

Wildlife to Watch For: Sloths, eyelash pit vipers, coatis, howler monkeys, toucans, and multiple bird species have all been reported on the Skywalk trail.

#2 Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, Arenal

Right by Lake Arenal is where you’ll find Mistico, a trail that offers night-time tours and very early morning bird-spotting tours as well. This trail should take about two hours to complete, is suitable for all ages and will guide you over 16 bridges (six of which are suspended) as well as a lovely waterfall. Both guided and self-guided options are available here too, as well as a great little restaurant so you can really take your time.

NB – This is the park with the most bridges (16 in total) and offers outstanding canopy views. Moreover, there is an ‘easily accessible’ trail that’s perfect for those with limited mobility and although it does skip a chunk of the whole trail, it at least offers the experience to absolutely everyone

Practical Details

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:50 PM). Tickets are strongly recommended to be purchased in advance online, as the park operates on time-slot entry and can reach capacity during peak season. Self-guided entry costs $32 USD per adult, $26 USD for seniors aged 65 and over, $21 USD for teenagers aged 11 to 18, and free for children aged 10 and under. 

Guided Natural History Tours depart at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. An early morning birding tour departs at 6:00 AM. The park is a 30-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna along Route 142, heading west toward Lake Arenal. No 4×4 is required as the road is fully paved, though the final stretch past the dam is steep and winding.

The main trail is 3.2 km (2 miles) and includes 6 suspension bridges and 10 fixed bridges, for 16 total. The tallest bridge, known as the Arenal Bridge, stands approximately 55 meters (180 feet) above the forest floor. The park also features the Blue Morpho Waterfall (accessible on the longer loop), a hummingbird garden, clean restrooms, a café, a gift shop, a children’s playground, and a kids’ playground. For visitors with mobility challenges, the park offers a shorter, accessible paved trail as well as electric scooter rental ($26 USD plus tax) and stroller rental ($12 USD plus tax). A maximum of 15 people are allowed on any suspension bridge at one time.

Night and Twilight Tours: Mistico offers a twilight tour at 4:30 PM and a full night walk at 6:00 PM. These after-hours experiences are unlike anything seen during the day. Nocturnal animals become active after dark, including kinkajous, red-eyed tree frogs, owls, raccoons, and margays. Many of Costa Rica’s national parks also run organized night tours for this same reason, rewarding patient observers with a side of the country that most visitors never see.

Guides use red-light torches to spot animals without disturbing them. Flowers that remain closed all day open only at night, and the number of butterfly species visible after dark is double that of the daytime count. For visitors who want to see the most wildlife possible, the night walk is often the most productive experience in the entire park.

Best For: Families with young children or elderly members, visitors with mobility needs, and travelers who want the highest number of bridges in one location. Mistico is also the best choice for those interested in combining a daytime hike with a night wildlife walk on the same property. After the trail, many visitors head to the famous hot springs of La Fortuna to round out the day in complete relaxation

Wildlife to Watch For: During the day, expect howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, agoutis, coatis, toucans, over 350 species of birds, and the occasional fer-de-lance snake visible in the trees near the trail. At night, kinkajous, red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas, owls, and various amphibians are commonly spotted.

#3 Sky Adventures Park, Monteverde (now Treetopia Park)

Over in the ethereal cloud forests of Monteverde is the Sky Adventures Park, a multi-adventure center that combines hanging bridges with canopy tours, aerial trams and even a herpetarium that showcases some of Costa Rica’s most unique reptiles and amphibians and a splendid hummingbird garden. A two-hour visit will see you walk over five suspension bridges amongst breathtaking clouds. SAP Monteverde offers guides, self-guided and night-time tours and is open to all ages.

NB – This is the park with the longest suspension bridge – 774 feet!

Important Update: Sky Adventures Monteverde has rebranded as Treetopia Park. Both names are still in wide circulation online, and if searching for either, visitors will land at the same park.

Practical Details

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with tours departing hourly from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Advance reservation is required as walk-ins without a reservation are not permitted. Self-guided hanging bridges entry (Sky Walk) costs approximately $49 USD for adults. Guided tours cost more and depart at set times. 

Optional round-trip hotel transportation from Santa Elena is available for approximately $12 USD per person. The park is located 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Santa Elena. A high clearance vehicle is recommended; 4×4 is advised during the rainy season. Travelers planning a multi-day stay will find a curated selection of hotels in Monteverde suited to all budgets and travel styles.

The Sky Walk circuit includes 6 hanging bridges on a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) trail. Uniquely, this is the only hanging bridge park in Monteverde with two loop options: a shorter inner loop covering 4 bridges in 1 to 1.5 hours, and the full outer loop covering all 6 bridges in approximately 2 hours. 

This makes it particularly practical for visitors with young children or limited time. The longest bridge measures 236 meters (774 feet) and reaches up to 50 meters (164 feet) above the forest floor, making it the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica. The park operates across nearly 300 acres, of which only 5% has been developed, with the remaining land maintained as protected cloud forest habitat. 

Established in 1997, this was the original hanging bridge park in Costa Rica. The park also offers zip-lining (7 cables with automatic braking), a Tree Tram aerial gondola, and a tree climbing course.

Best For: Visitors who want the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica, families who appreciate flexible trail options, and those who want to combine bridges with zip-lining and a gondola ride all in one park. The two-loop structure makes it easier to cut the experience short if needed.

Wildlife to Watch For: Resplendent quetzals have been spotted by lucky visitors near this park. Monkeys are frequently heard and occasionally seen on the bridge cables. Hummingbirds, sloths, and various cloud forest bird species are common sightings with a guide.

#4 Selvatura Park, Monteverde

Not to be outdone, Selvatura also offers a myriad of experiences, combining its hanging-bridge-trail with a thrilling zip-lining course, as well as a butterfly, hummingbird and herpetarium enclosure. It should take you about 2.5 hrs for a visit and you should expect to cross eight stunning hanging bridges. Self-guided and guided tours are available and open to all ages although, unfortunately, there are no night-time visits offered here.

NB – There’s something magical about the cloud forest views here and, what’s more, an entry ticket included round-trip transport, which is handy. If that; snot enough, you also have the option to add a zip-line tour!

Practical Details

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self-guided hanging bridges entry starts at $43 USD for adults, $39 USD for those under 18, and $30 USD for children aged 4 to 12, with children under 4 entering free. Guided Natural History Walk tours cost $77 USD per adult and $53 USD for children ages 4 to 11 (2025 to 2026 pricing). Guided tours depart at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM and last approximately 2.5 hours. 

Complimentary hotel transportation from Monteverde area properties is included with the purchase of the guided tour or zip-line tour. The park is located approximately 15 minutes from Santa Elena by car. The first half of the road is paved; the second half is an unpaved road with some stones and potholes, though no 4×4 is required.

Selvatura features 8 suspension bridges on a 3 km (1.9 mile) trail. The bridges range from 57 to 157 meters in length and between 17 and 34 meters in height, offering some of the most varied bridge heights of any park in Monteverde. Selvatura sits at the highest elevation point in the Monteverde region, just before the entrance to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. 

This elevation produces the most dramatic cloud coverage and panoramic canopy views of any bridge park in the area. The park is certified by the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica, ensuring bridge structural integrity. 

Each bridge is designed to hold 50 to 80 people at once. In addition to the bridges, Selvatura is home to one of the largest butterfly gardens in Central America, a sloth sanctuary center, a herpetarium, and a hummingbird garden. El Jardín Restaurant on site serves traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Best For: Families who want the widest variety of nature attractions in one place (bridges, butterflies, sloths, reptiles, ziplining, hummingbirds), and visitors who prioritize the most spectacular cloud forest canopy views in Monteverde. The free hotel pickup also makes logistics easier for those without a rental car.

Wildlife to Watch For: Owing to its position next to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Selvatura offers some of the best chances to spot the resplendent quetzal in this region, particularly from January through April. Guided hiking through the adjacent reserve is one of the most reliable ways to increase quetzal sighting chances at this elevation.

Monkeys, sloths (visible in the sanctuary), hummingbirds, and over 900 species of birds inhabit the surrounding reserve.

#5 100% Aventuras, Monteverde

This remarkable nature reserve offers half-day guided visits that combine both ground-level trails with eight hanging bridges, for a very comprehensive forest experience. The trail is about 2-mile long and although it does require moderate fitness, it isn’t too demanding. You also have the option of a 10-line zip-line tour, as well as ATV, rappelling and rope swings.

NB – You can go nuts with all the adrenaline-packed adventures here OR simply take a leisurely walk along the hanging bridge trail, which is suitable for all ages. The choice is yours!

Practical Details

Located approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Santa Elena town center on the road toward Arenal, a 15-minute drive. Daily tour slots are offered at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Advance reservation is required. The park combines 8 hanging bridges with nature trails across a 3 km (1.9 mile) guided circuit. 

In addition to hanging bridges, 100% Aventuras is home to one of the longest single zip-line cables in Latin America and also offers ATV tours, rappelling, and rope swing activities, making it the most activity-diverse park in the Monteverde area.

Best For: Travelers who want to combine hanging bridges with the most adrenaline-intensive activity lineup in Monteverde. This is the park for groups with mixed interests, where some members want a peaceful walk on the bridges while others want to launch down a record-length zip-line cable.

Wildlife to Watch For: Cloud forest bird species, howler monkeys, and a variety of insects and amphibians are common on the trail. As with all Monteverde parks, mornings offer the best wildlife visibility before the clouds thicken mid-afternoon.

Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour Trail, Nicoya Peninsula

Head west to Nicoya and you can take a walking trail to Montezuma’s beautiful waterfalls on a short but rewarding excursion. The three-tiered falls are just lovely, immersed in wilderness whilst also offering a great chance for a swim. This is a local hang-out and totally off the commercialized-trail. There are two ways to reach the falls: one along a riverside trail and the other (the one you’ll want) is on a canopy trail that’s easily accessible. The Sun Trails canopy tour isn’t just a super easy way to reach the top falls (so you don’t need to tackle the steep climb up from the riverside trail) but it also guides you over a couple of outstanding hanging bridges. A thrilling zip-line tour is also available if you want to add an adrenaline-rush to your visit. This no-bling option is perfect for nature-lovers who prefer a more rustic hanging bridge experience and, obviously, those who are planning an adventure vacation over on the Nicoya Peninsula.

NB – This is probably the cheapest way to experience hanging bridges because you can access the canopy trail for just a few dollars. Take a guide with you, however, and you’re likely to spot a lot more wildlife than you otherwise would, on your own.

Rainmaker Conservation Park (near Manuel Antonio)

Located approximately 30 to 35 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos, Rainmaker is one of the most underrated nature experiences in Costa Rica. This private biological reserve was originally established for scientific research and is credited with the rediscovery of the Atelopus varius humpback toad, a species that had been declared extinct. Today, it is open to visitors who want a genuine off-the-beaten-path rainforest experience.

The trail system at Rainmaker covers approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) through primary rainforest that has never been cleared. Visitors walk alongside the Rio Seco before ascending steep stairs into the forest canopy, where the trail reaches the Canopy Bridge system. This system consists of 6 suspension bridge sections totaling 250 meters, built to U.S. engineering standards. 

The bridges are suspended between platforms attached to massive old-growth hardwood trees, giving the experience a distinctly different character from the concrete-path parks in Arenal and Monteverde. From the highest point on the trail, an ocean view of the Pacific coast is visible on clear days.

Self-guided admission is approximately $20 USD per adult, with children 5 and under entering free. Guided tours with round-trip transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotels are available for approximately $69 USD per person. Night tours are also available starting around 6:30 PM for approximately $60 USD per person and offer an entirely different set of wildlife encounters compared to the daytime experience. 

The reserve is typically open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Reservations can be made by contacting the reserve directly. Note that Mondays should be avoided during high season, as Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays and Rainmaker is frequently busier as an alternative on those days.

Rainmaker is home to Morpho butterflies, poison dart frogs, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and over 360 bird species. The reserve also has natural waterfall swimming pools on the lower trail, making this one of the few places in Costa Rica where hanging bridges and waterfall swimming are combined in a single visit.

Best For: Visitors staying near Manuel Antonio or Quepos who want a quieter, more adventurous alternative to the main national park. Rainmaker consistently delivers a more solitary, authentic rainforest experience even in peak season.

Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve (near La Virgen de Sarapiquí)

Located in the Caribbean lowlands north of San José, Tirimbina Reserve features a long suspension bridge over the Sarapiquí River as one of its primary highlights. The reserve covers 345 hectares of primary rainforest and is well regarded for bird watching, chocolate tours, and bat research programs. 

Entry fees and hours can be confirmed directly with the reserve, and guided tours are available in multiple languages. This region sees fewer international visitors than Arenal or Monteverde, making Tirimbina a genuinely quiet experience.

Night Tours: A Whole Different World

Several of the parks above offer night tours, and these deserve special attention for visitors who have the flexibility to do one. The hanging bridges at night are a fundamentally different experience from the daytime version.

During the day, the bridges offer canopy views, bird activity, and the occasional mammal sighting. After dark, the entire cast of characters changes. Nocturnal species become active, including red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, kinkajous, tarantulas, fer-de-lance snakes, owls, margays, and a range of insects and moths that are never visible in daylight. Certain flowers throughout the parks only open at night. 

Guides use specialized lighting equipment to locate animals without causing stress or disorientation to wildlife, and the experience tends to move at a slower, more intimate pace than daytime tours.

Of the parks covered in this guide, Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in Arenal and Rainmaker Conservation Park near Manuel Antonio both offer organized night tours. At Mistico, twilight tours depart at 4:30 PM and full night walks begin at 6:00 PM. At Rainmaker, guided night tours begin around 6:30 PM. Advance booking is essential for both.

One practical note: the stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and the cloud forest canopy that are a highlight of daytime visits are not visible on night tours. Visitors who want both should plan for a daytime visit to one park and a night tour at another, which is entirely achievable within a standard Arenal itinerary.

When to Go and How to Beat the Crowds

Dry Season (December to April) is considered the peak season across Costa Rica. Skies are clearer, making volcano views from Mistico and Skywalk more likely, and trails are drier underfoot. However, this is also when tour vans fill the parking lots at Mistico and other popular parks from mid-morning onward. During peak months like Christmas, New Year, and Easter week, entry slots at Mistico can sell out days in advance.

Rainy Season (May to November) brings lush green vegetation, smaller crowds, and lower accommodation prices. While rain is more frequent, most hanging bridge parks remain open in light rain and the forest is visibly more vibrant. The rainy season is also the best time for bird sightings, as many species are more active. The many advantages of visiting in the rainy season are covered in depth in this guide to the delights of Costa Rica’s green season. Morning visits in the rainy season typically offer a window of clear skies before afternoon showers arrive.

The single best piece of crowd advice: At Mistico, arriving for the 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM slot means walking the bridges in near-complete solitude. By 8:00 AM, the first tour groups have already arrived and the trail atmosphere is noticeably busier. 

At Selvatura and Treetopia Park in Monteverde, the 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM tours are the quietest of the day. At all parks, booking at least several days in advance during high season is essential, as capacity limits apply at every property.

Visiting in the Rainy Season: Closed-toe shoes with grip are non-negotiable. Bridge decks and wooden platforms become slippery when wet, and some trails have steep or root-covered sections. A lightweight packable rain jacket is more practical than an umbrella on bridge trails.

What to Bring

Preparation makes a meaningful difference on hanging bridge trails, particularly during the rainy season or for multi-hour walks. The following packing list applies to all parks in this guide:

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at several parks and strongly recommended at all of them. Sandals are not suitable and some parks will turn visitors away at the gate without proper footwear. 

Shoes with rubber grip soles are the best choice for wet bridge decks and forest paths. Footwear recommendations for hanging bridge trails overlap closely with general hiking footwear guidelines for Costa Rica Light, moisture-wicking clothing works best in the heat and humidity of Arenal; in Monteverde’s cloud forest, a light layer and long trousers are advisable due to the higher elevation and cooler temperatures. 

Insect repellent is important on all forest trails, particularly near water. Sunscreen is necessary for open bridge sections above the canopy. A packable rain jacket is essential for the rainy season and useful year-round in Monteverde. Binoculars dramatically improve wildlife spotting and are especially valuable with or without a guide. 

A refillable water bottle is important as single-use plastic bottles are discouraged at most parks. A camera or smartphone is obviously worthwhile, but remember that bridge decks can sway slightly underfoot, so securing any handheld device with a strap is recommended. No single-use plastic items should be brought into most of the parks.

Wildlife to Watch For

One of the most common questions visitors ask before a hanging bridge visit is what animals they should realistically expect to see. The answer depends on the location, the time of day, the season, and whether a guide is present. Here is a realistic overview by park location.

Arenal (Mistico and Skywalk): Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys (occasionally), agoutis, coatis, sloths (most common early morning and late afternoon), toucans, over 350 bird species, eyelash pit vipers, fer-de-lance snakes, and iguanas. 

Arenal is genuinely good for wildlife viewing compared to many Costa Rican parks. A naturalist guide at Mistico increases sighting success significantly because guides know which trees are frequented by particular species on any given day.

Monteverde (Treetopia, Selvatura, 100% Aventuras): The cloud forest is denser and wildlife is harder to spot without a guide. However, the resplendent quetzal is the standout target from January through April and is seen most reliably at Selvatura and Treetopia, particularly early in the morning. 

Three-wattled bellbirds, hummingbirds (abundant at all parks), emerald toucanets, howler monkeys, sloths, glass frogs, and leaf-cutter ants are among the most commonly observed species. Monteverde is home to approximately 400 bird species and 100 mammal species. For dedicated bird watchers, a specialist birding tour in Costa Rica significantly increases sighting success across all of these parks.

Rainmaker (Manuel Antonio region): Squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, Morpho butterflies, toucans, lizards, and a remarkable diversity of amphibians. The reserve is particularly well known for its frog biodiversity, and night tours here offer some of the best frog-viewing opportunities in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hanging bridges in Costa Rica safe?

Yes. All commercial hanging bridge parks in Costa Rica are inspected and maintained to high engineering standards. Selvatura Park is certified by the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA). Mistico Park limits a maximum of 15 people on any bridge at one time. The bridges are steel-cable suspension structures, not rope bridges, and are designed to sway minimally even with multiple people crossing at once. Visitors who are nervous about heights typically find the experience more comfortable than expected once they are on the bridges.

How long does a hanging bridge visit typically take?

Most parks require between 1.5 and 3 hours for a self-guided walk. With a naturalist guide, most tours run 2.5 to 3 hours. Mistico’s full main trail takes 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace. Treetopia’s Sky Walk takes 1 to 2 hours depending on which loop is selected. Selvatura’s self-guided walk runs approximately 1.5 hours, while the guided Natural History Walk runs up to 3 hours.

Can hanging bridges be done without a guide?

Yes, at most parks. Mistico, Skywalk (Treetopia Monteverde), Selvatura, and Rainmaker all offer self-guided entry. Trails are clearly marked with maps available at the entrance. However, a naturalist guide is strongly recommended for anyone prioritizing wildlife spotting, as guides identify animals that most self-guided visitors walk directly past without noticing.

Do hanging bridges move or sway?

Yes, slightly. The metal floor panels of suspension bridges shift under footsteps, producing a gentle teetering sensation rather than dramatic side-to-side swaying. Walking in the center of the bridge, holding both handrails, and moving slowly minimizes movement. 

Crossing when fewer other people are on the bridge also reduces swaying. The bridges at Selvatura are described as among the firmest, with movement only noticeable if multiple people jump simultaneously, which is not permitted.

Are hanging bridges suitable for children?

Yes, and most parks welcome all ages. Mistico has a particularly family-friendly layout with paved accessible paths, stroller rentals, and a children’s playground. Children aged 10 and under enter Mistico free of charge. Treetopia’s inner loop option is ideal for families with very young children who may not complete the full circuit. Selvatura is slightly less suitable for very young children on the full guided walk due to some steeper trail sections.

Are hanging bridges accessible for visitors with limited mobility?

Mistico is the most accessible option. It has a paved universal access trail covering approximately 1.5 km with one suspension bridge, and offers electric scooter rentals for visitors who cannot walk the full trail. Selvatura and Treetopia’s trails are generally flat between bridges but have some elevation changes that may be challenging without prior notice. Always contact parks directly in advance for the most current accessibility information.

What is the best time of day to visit wildlife?

Early morning is consistently the best time for wildlife viewing at all parks. Animals are most active in the first two hours after sunrise. At Mistico, the 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM entry slots are the quietest and most wildlife-productive of the day. In Monteverde, the 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM slots offer cooler temperatures and more active bird behavior than midday visits.

Do hanging bridge tours run in the rain?

Yes, at all parks. Wet weather does not close the trails. The rainforest is often at its most atmospheric and wildlife-rich after rainfall, particularly for amphibians and reptiles. Bringing waterproof shoes and a rain jacket is strongly recommended for any visit during the rainy season (May to November) and for Monteverde visits year-round.

Is advance booking required?

For Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, advance booking is strongly recommended and practically essential during peak season, as entry is organized by time slot and capacity is limited. Tickets have sold out on popular dates. Treetopia (Monteverde Sky Walk) does not permit walk-ins without a reservation. 

Selvatura recommends advance booking, particularly for guided tours and zip-lining. Sky Adventures Arenal also requires prior reservation. Rainmakers are generally more flexible but contacting them ahead of visit is advisable.

Which hanging bridge park is the best overall?

There is no single answer, as the best choice depends entirely on travel priorities. For the most bridges in one location and the best accessibility: Mistico. For the longest single bridge and a historic pedigree: Treetopia Park Monteverde. For the most dramatic cloud forest views and the best wildlife extras: Selvatura. 

For the most activity variety in a single park: Sky Adventures Arenal or 100% Aventuras. For the most authentic, uncrowded experience: Rainmaker near Manuel Antonio.

Costa Rica’s Best Hanging Bridges – Summary

Although we’ve detailed the most famous and popular hanging bridges in Costa Rica, do note that suspension trails are actually found all over the country, and in almost all provinces. Some have even been constructed within the boundaries of private eco-lodges and these lesser-known options can be among the most rewarding.

At Costa Rica Rios, we incorporate hanging bridges tours in many of our adventure vacation packages and, besides our very popular group tours, we also organize bespoke private tours if you want to have dedicated itinerary and expert guides for you and your loved ones alone. In Costa Rica (and with Costa Rica Rios) everything is possible!

Contact us to know more.

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