The 14 Best Hanging Bridges Parks in Costa Rica

Everything you need to know about visiting the famous hanging bridges in Costa Rica, from La Fortuna to Monteverde.

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Swaying over the jungle canopy with powerful cascades thundering below you, and a variety of unique animals in the treetops all around you is a true bucket list experience in Costa Rica. Most of the famous hanging bridges in Costa Rica are found between La Fortuna and Monteverde, but there are a few scattered in other parts of the country too. It can be difficult to find out online the differences between each park and what each of them offers. But we’ve done the research for you. Find out where the best Costa Rica hanging bridges are in this concise list, with meticulous breakdowns of what each park has to offer.

What are Costa Rica’s hanging bridges?

Costa Rica’s hanging bridges are tall suspension bridges that give you a high vantage point in the rainforest. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and a lot of the unique plants and wildlife are actually found, not on the forest floor, but in the treetops.

Some of the iconic animals you might see in Costa Rica include sloths, monkeys, toucans, quetzals and scarlet macaws – all of which are found in the rainforest canopy. Being at the elevation of these animals maximises your chances of seeing them and provides panoramic views of Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes.

Famous hanging bridges in Costa Rica

Exploring Costa Rica’s hanging bridges is a popular activity for most travellers to this biologically diverse country. The long metal suspension bridges were originally built in the 1980s and 1990s for research purposes, allowing scientists to be closer to animals in the canopy to observe their behaviours.

Today, they are one of the best adventure activities in Costa Rica and provide you with the opportunity to experience wildlife at eye level, as the experts once did. There is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing a hanging bridges park in Costa Rica but we’ve done some thorough research and amalgamated all the information you need to know in this article.

The best hanging bridges in Costa Rica

Not all hanging bridges parks are made equal. Some have as few as one suspension bridge, while others have many static and suspended bridges. There are six main hanging bridges parks in Costa Rica:

There are more places where you can also experience crossing a hanging bridge, so we’ve included them in the complete list below.

It can be really hard to pick a hanging bridges park as they all seem a bit interchangeable online. In reality, they all offer completely different options of bridges, trails, and wildlife, as well as extra activities like ziplining and other adventure activities.

We’ve listed all the main hanging bridges parks in Costa Rica below, along with a breakdown of the main highlights in each park so you can pick which is best for your time, location, and budget.

Map of the best hanging bridges Parks in Costa Rica

Use the filter function on the left-hand side to see the best hanging bridges parks in Costa Rica.

1. Mistico Arenal Park

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is located just 30 minutes’ drive from La Fortuna and is the most popular hanging bridges park in Costa Rica. The park is home to 16 bridges in total: 6 metal wire suspension bridges and 10 smaller fixed bridges. Mistico Park’s suspension bridges stand up to 55 metres (180 ft) off the ground and the longest one is 97 metres (318 ft) long. The 650-hectare site is made up of dense, hilly jungle, with 250 hectares being under reserve protection of the Tropical Rainforest. The park is located to the north of Arenal Volcano.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park’s trails span 2 miles (3.2km) in a large, meandering loop. The paths are part-packed dirt with some non-slip concrete portions, so are easy to navigate and relatively hazard-free. Some parts are slightly hilly, but there’s a flatter 1-mile (1.5 km) trail that is accessibility-friendly. This path visits 6 fixed bridges with the option to visit 2 suspension bridges. Electric scooters are available to rent at the entrance. A third trail is a special birdwatching trail that breaks away from the main route.

2. Sky Adventures Arenal

Sky Adventures Arenal Park (also known as Sky Walk or Sky Trek) is a nature-based adventure park about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. It features 4 suspension bridges and 4 fixed bridges, as well as Sky Trek Ziplines, a Tree-climbing Course and Aerial Tram. It’s a one-stop shop for adventure activities near La Fortuna and a great option for adrenaline junkies.

The park is located to the south of Arenal Volcano and also provides views of Lake Arenal. The longest bridge in the park is 236 metres (774 ft) long and the highest is 60 metres (197 ft) from the ground. Sky Adventure Arenal’s trail spans 2.5 miles (4 km) and is one long loop. A family-owned company founded by a brother and sister, Sky Adventures used to operate a second park in Monteverde, but it has recently changed hands and been rebranded from Sky Adventures Monteverde to Treetopia, which we cover below.

Mistico Park vs Sky Adventures

Mistico and Sky Adventures are the two main hanging bridges parks in Costa Rica and two of the best things to do in La Fortuna. Choosing between the hanging bridges parks near Arenal is difficult and the preference is down to personal choice.

Sky Walk at Sky Adventures has the longest trail, although it is one continuous loop. The park also offers extra activities like ziplining and an aerial tram, so can be a fun full day out. It offers panoramic views of Lake Arenal, as well as the volcano. However, you are less likely to see wildlife in Sky Walk as the noise of the adventure activities can scare the wildlife off.

Mistico Arenal Park on the other hand has two more bridges than Sky Walk. It also offers more fixed bridges, as well as separate trails and a garden. Mistico Park is also great if you have limited time or want a more natural experience, away from the adventure activities. While it can also be very busy, if you arrive early you can have the whole hanging bridges walk to yourself and the loop will only take about 2 hours on your own.

If you’re looking to visit La Fortuna Hanging Bridges Park, we’d recommend Mistico Arenal as it’s more dedicated to spotting wildlife and has more bridges. However, if you’re more keen on adventure than wildlife and won’t be travelling to Monteverde to zipline, we’d recommend checking out Sky Adventures.

3. Arenal Mundo

Arenal Mundo Adventure Park (Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura) is an ecological adventure park near La Fortuna. It primarily offers adventure activities including ziplining, rafting, and wagon rides, as well as guided wildlife tours, birdwatching, and Maleku Cultural Village. Arenal Mundo Park has 1 suspension bridge which you can cross as part of the ziplining route, which includes 7 or 12 canopy lines, depending on which course you choose.

4. Treetopia (previously Sky Adventures Monteverde)

Treetopia is Sky Adventures’ second site. Located in the forests of Monteverde, the site is still under the same ownership but has simply rebranded. Now, Treetopia Park provides epic views of cloud forest and is home to 6 hanging bridges and 2 waterfalls. The track is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long and consists of three loops. The longest bridge in the park is 236 metres (774 ft) long and the highest is 50 metres (164 ft) from the ground. As well as the SkyWalk hanging bridges, the park also features a TreeTram cableway and SkyTrek ziplines.

5. Selvatura Park, Monteverde

Nestled between the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Eternal Children’s Rain Forest, Selvatura Park features more than 850 acres of protected land that is perfect for wildlife spotting. Boasting a network of 8 bridges which span 45 to 155 metres (150 to 510 ft) in length, and 11 to 55 metres (36 to 180 ft) off the ground, Selvatura is home to some of the longest hanging bridges in Costa Rica.

The park also offers 1.9 miles (3 km) of trails, as well as guided natural history walks, a butterfly garden, and reptile and sloth habitats. As well as the hanging bridges treetop walk, Selvatura offers a 13-cable zipline course and Tarzan Swing, which spans 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long.

6. 100% Aventura, Monteverde

100% Aventura is an adventure park in the heart of Monteverde. They offer guided or self-guided access to 8 hanging bridges, which give stunning rainforest canopy views. There are about 2 miles (3.2 km) of trails in the park which meander through forest and across the bridges.

100% Aventura is also home to a Canopy Zipline Course which boasts 9 regular ziplines, 2 superman ziplines, 1 hammock bridge, 1 rappel and a Tarzan swing. This is also where you’ll find the longest zipline in Costa Rica, which is over 1590 metres (nearly a mile or 5220 ft) long!

Selvatura vs Treetopia vs 100% Aventura

Selvatura, Treetopia, and 100% Aventura are the three main options for visiting hanging bridges in Monteverde. All three parks also offer adventure activities including ziplining. Choosing between them can be tricky and depends on what you’re looking for. You can buy either a pass to the hanging bridges, guided tours of the hanging bridges, or combo tickets that include the other activities in the park too.

For wildlife: Wildlife lovers should take a guided tour of Selvatura for higher chances of spotting unique animals and to learn more about the habitats that surround the park’s hanging bridges.

For families: While Treetopia has several amazing hanging bridges, the park also features ziplines and a cableway (like a cable car or gondola lift), so there’s something for all the family and every level of daring.

For adrenaline junkies: Adrenaline junkies will not only enjoy the hanging bridges at 100% Aventura, but also shouldn’t miss the longest zipline in Costa Rica which is nearly a mile long.

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Another great place to find hanging bridges in Costa Rica is Monteverde Cloud Forest. While not an adventure park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve contains more than 10 trails spanning approximately 6 miles (9.6km). It has a singular long suspension bridge within the forest that you can cross on your walk. To find it, take the Suspended Bridge Trail (Sendero Puente).

There are several other gorgeous hikes to enjoy in the forest, and your chances of spotting wildlife are high. Animals you might see here include sloths, monkeys, deer, agouti, and even Costa Rica’s resplendent quetzal.

8. Sun Trails Park, Montezuma

Moving on from adventure parks, this spot isn’t in La Fortuna or Monteverde, but in Montezuma. Nestled in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Montezuma Hanging Bridges are part of a trail that is maintained by a company called Sun Trails. The track leads through the forest, over a few suspension bridges, to the top of the popular Montezuma Waterfall.

There is a small fee for taking this route, which is collected by an employee at the entrance to the trail. As well as the path across hanging bridges, Sun Trials also offers ziplining over a 9-cable course.

9. Rainmaker Conservation Park, Manuel Antonio

Located just outside of Quepos, Rainmaker Conservation Park is a protected reserve and a much quieter alternative to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. Featuring 7 hanging bridges, the park boasts 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of trails which traverse past swimming holes and viewing platforms in one loop.

While a few of the bridges are much shorter than some you’d find in the adventure parks we mentioned above, this is a great spot to visit hanging bridges in Costa Rica if you’re already on the Pacific Coast and don’t want to go out of your way for the experience.

10. Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is another great option if you want to tick off two in one and cross hanging bridges while also exploring one of Costa Rica’s best national parks. The bridges may be fairly small, but they offer wonderful views of the surrounding rainforest.

As well as bridges, the Braulio National Park Tours also offers an aerial tram and ziplining, as well as a butterfly garden, terrariums, and naturalistic guided walks.

11. Adventure Park San Luis

This adventure park is situated halfway between Monteverde and San José, so is a great day trip option from the capital. Parque Aventura San Luis isn’t as well known as the other adventure parks we’ve mentioned so it is often quieter.

As well as nature trails with hanging bridges, the park offers ziplining, a Tarzan swing, birdwatching, and other activities.

12. Heliconias Rainforest Lodge

Located in Guanacaste near Bijagua, Heliconias Rainforest Lodge offers charming rooms set in a private reserve. You can walk the trails on the 175-acre (73-hectare) property, which crosses three long suspension bridges.

This is a great place to stay if you’re planning to visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park and want to tick hanging bridges off your list.

13. Las Hornillas

Another great place to visit on the way to Rincón de la Vieja National Park is Las Hornillas.

Located near the Miravalles Volcano, this area has geothermal activity, and you can explore mud baths, hot springs, and a short hike with a few hanging bridges.

14. Tirimbina Biological Reserve

Tirimbina Rainforest is a protected area between La Fortuna and the Caribbean Coast. Featuring 4.3 miles (7 km) of trails, the reserve is home to a variety of unique wildlife, as well as a long suspension bridge that spans the Sarapiqui River.

The Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge is a great place to stay nearby and is one of the cheapest all-inclusive hotels in Costa Rica. Guests can also enjoy birdwatching and water rafting.

What to pack for Costa Rica’s hanging bridges

You’re going to want to pack your camera as crossing Costa Rica’s hanging bridges isn’t an experience you’ll want to forget. Snap some pics of the bridges swaying above the canopy and be ready to photograph all the wildlife you come across on your visit.

It’s always useful to have a long or zoom lens on you when taking photos of wildlife. This allows you to maintain a safe distance without disturbing the animal, while still getting those epic close-up shots.

Don’t forget to pack your binoculars. Wildlife can often be much further away from the path than you’d expect and binoculars or a scope can allow you to really observe the animal in detail. We use Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Waterproof: Browse UK | Browse US.

Costa Rica is a leading ecotourism destination and as such it’s important to limit unsustainable practices. Pack your reusable water bottle and stay hydrated in the hot Costa Rican sun while cutting down on plastic pollution.

Speaking of the Costa Rican sun, it can be very strong and it’s important to protect yourself against sunburn with a good sun cream. Be sure to choose an eco-friendly sunscreen to minimise your impact on the local environment.

Some forests, especially wetter areas like cloud forests, can be prone to mozzies throughout the year. It’s important to protect yourself with a bug repellent but to also protect the environment by making sure it’s eco-friendly with no harmful chemicals that will endanger local flora and fauna.

What to wear to the hanging bridges in Costa Rica

Most of the hanging bridge hikes we’ve mentioned in this article aren’t too difficult and don’t require walking boots. However, rainforest floors can be uneven, especially if muddy, so it’s a smart idea to wear a good pair of walking shoes, rather than risking it in flip-flops.

Depending on the time of year you visit, and the elevation you climb to, temperatures can vary throughout the day. Wearing layers you can take off as the day heats up will keep you most comfortable.

It’s not uncommon to see rain showers in the afternoons in shoulder seasons, or even just downpours in wet season. A raincoat can help keep you comfortable on your hike. The hanging bridges in Monteverde are particularly likely to be wet as the cloud forest sees more rain than other parts of the country.

Rainforests in Costa Rica can be humid so wearing breathable clothing, like those made of microfibre, can help you feel cool when the air gets hot and sticky.

Maybe an obvious one, but Costa Rica does typically see a lot of sunshine, so don’t forget to pack your sunnies.

A cap or hat can help keep you cool by shading you from the strength of the sun, and it can also help you avoid sunburn on your head and face.

Where to stay to visit Costa Rica’s hanging bridges

There’s a wide range of accommodation options in Costa Rica, from backpacking hostels to luxury resorts. We’ve chosen the best hotels in Costa Rica to stay in to visit the hanging bridges parks, based on their location, amenities, and proximity to the parks.

Costa Rica Hanging Bridges FAQs

Crossing a hanging bridge in Costa Rica is a bucket list item and there is therefore a lot of contradictory information online. To help you plan your trip without any confusion, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Costa Rica’s hanging bridges below.

How many hanging bridges are there in Costa Rica?

There are over 14 sites in Costa Rica offering multiple hanging bridges. Many of the hanging bridges parks house not only suspension bridges but fixed bridges too. Each site typically has between six to ten bridges, ranging in length and height. We’ve done a full comparison of each park and its bridges in this article.

How high are the hanging bridges in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s hanging bridges typically stand up to 60 metres (220 ft) high and 100 metres (330 ft) long! These bridges are suspended from large steel cables and span valleys and rivers. The bridge part sits at eyeline with the canopy of the rainforest, giving you a different perspective than from the forest floor. Walking at a height equivalent to a 20-storey building allows the observation of more species, more closely, and is a fun activity in itself.

What is the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica?

The longest suspended hanging bridges in Costa Rica are in Treetopia (Monteverde) and Sky Adventures (La Fortuna). Each park has a bridge which spans a whopping 236 metres (774 ft) long!

In contrast, the longest bridge in Mistico Arenal Park, the most popular hanging bridges park in Costa Rica, is 97 metres (368 ft) long.

Are the hanging bridges in Costa Rica safe?

Despite swaying in the breeze and bouncing under your feet, the Costa Rican hanging bridges are incredibly safe. Although they may feel unstable, they are in fact tied steadfastly to the ground and reinforced with steel cables. The suspension bridges also feature tall handrails and mesh up to about chest height so you’re essentially caged in when walking over the wooden walkways. There’s no danger of falling off or over the side.

The only thing we’ll mention is to be careful not to drop anything. We accidentally dropped our camera lens cap at the end of a fixed bridge and it fell straight through the wooden slats. Thankfully we were able to retrieve it as it fell just shy of the path. If we’d dropped it any earlier on the bridge, we’d have never seen it again.

Are hanging bridges better in Monteverde or Arenal?

Whether the hanging bridges are better in La Fortuna and Arenal or Monteverde depends on what you’re looking to get out of your experience. La Fortuna’s hanging bridges are more popular as La Fortuna is more easily accessible. You are more likely to see large mammals or tiny critters in La Fortuna and get panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. Whereas, the Monteverde hanging bridges are more popular with birders and sloth spotters, as the wildlife you see here is indigenous to the highlands only. You’re likely to get equally sweeping views but of atmospheric cloud forest instead. We’d recommend La Fortuna if you’d like the classic bridge and view experience and Monteverde if you’re a wildlife lover.

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