How to Hike to the Ficus La Raiz Tree Bridge in Monteverde
A complete guide to finding the famous Ficus La Raiz tree bridge in Monteverde.
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So you’ve heard about Monteverde’s Ficus La Raiz tree bridge and you’re wondering how to get there? The Ficus La Raiz tree is a towering fig tree that has grown across a river to form an expansive network of roots that form a natural bridge. The tree is an iconic natural attraction in Monteverde but is still relatively unknown. We hiked to the Ficus La Raiz tree during our time in Monteverde and have compiled a complete guide to visiting so you too can enjoy this hidden gem.
Monteverde’s Tree Bridge at a glance
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About Ficus La Raiz
The hike to the Ficus La Raiz tree is a true hidden gem and, despite it not being well-known, is one of the best things to do in Monteverde. The Ficus La Riaz tree is also known as El Puente Raiz or Root Bridge, due to its shape which mimics a bridge, spanning from one riverbank to the other over a rocky creek. The bridge has formed from a tree which fell over, resulting in a network of roots that have grown vertically down to the ground. A small river passes below it.
Ficus trees are fig trees, known for their extensive root systems, which grow quickly. They can grow up to 20 metres (60 ft) tall and are usually found in cloud forests above 1550 metres (5085 ft) above sea level.
Where is Ficus La Raiz?
Monteverde’s Ficus La Raiz tree is a natural phenomenon in the heart of a forest near downtown Santa Elena. It is next to an ecological sanctuary, which is home to a variety of native animals. The Ficus La Raiz tree is a short walk from the centre of town.
Ficus La Raiz Map
Monteverde’s tree bridge is nestled just outside of Santa Elena town. It’s called Ficus La Raiz on Google Maps.
How to get to Ficus La Raiz
You can get to the Ficus La Raiz tree by car. It’s a 5-minute drive from the towns of Santa Elena and Monte Verde and you can park near the trail entrance. If you’re staying in downtown Santa Elena, you can just walk to the entrance from your accommodation.
There are two routes that access the Ficus La Raiz tree. The first trail is privately owned and takes you straight to the top of the tree. The second is a more remote path that traverses up the riverbed. Both trails are signposted.
How much is it to visit the Ficus La Raiz tree?
If you take the maintained private path to the top of the tree, which most visitors do, it’s 1000 colónes (~$2 USD), which you can leave in the honesty box.
If you take the path up the river, it’s completely free!
Ficus La Raiz Directions
We’ve broken down the step-by-step directions to the tree bridge via both routes below.
Route 1
The first path passes through a privately owned part of the forest to the top of the tree where you can take in the view from a wooden platform. This is the easier way to get to the Ficus La Raiz tree. You can find the Ficus La Raiz trailhead for this route in downtown Santa Elena, a short walk from many hotels, lodges, and hostels.
The landowner who maintains this second trail asks for a small fee to use this path. You can leave your car in the parking lot, signposted as ‘Raiz Parqueo’, by the tiny office at the trailhead. This is where you can pay the fee if it’s open. There are bathrooms and benches here too.
There’s a contribution box at the entrance where you can pay if they’re not present. The money supports the effort put into the upkeep of the path. It’s well-maintained and makes it easy to access the tree bridge.
The path is compact first with concrete steps down to the tree. It only takes about 5 minutes to walk to the tree from the entrance.
There are a couple of benches and seating areas on the way if you want to stop and enjoy the forest. The viewing platform here has a handrail and offers lovely views of the tree from the top.
From here, you can scramble down the bank to the bottom of the tree and the river. Be sure to keep an eye on your footing as there are lots of branches and it can be easy to trip.
Route 2
The second route is longer and slightly harder to navigate. It passes through rainforest and traverses up the rocky creek to the base of the tree. This path is completely free to follow and is the route we took.
First, follow the main road another 15 metres (50 ft) from the first trailhead. You’ll reach the entrance to the second path.
Follow the dirt path downhill to the stream. You’ll likely be able to hear it so will know if you’re getting closer.
There is a steep path on the right, down to the river, where you can begin to traverse a rocky natural path upriver. There are a few little signs to show you the way. There’s also a lovely little viewpoint (mini mirador) that you can stop off at on the way down.
Once you reach the river, follow the riverbank upstream. It might be unmarked and feel a bit suss, but soon enough you’ll find yourself at the base of the tree.
In wet season, the river can be fuller and the rocks slippy, so be careful. It’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy if you take this route.
Once you reach the base of the tree, you can hop across the rocks to the riverbank on the right-hand side (as you look at the tree). From here you can climb up to the top and see the viewing platform.
Safety & Conservation
Although it’s possible, we don’t recommend walking on or across the tree. Firstly, the tree can become quite slippery and it’s a reasonable height to fall. Secondly, it could cause environmental damage. To preserve the tree for future generations of travellers, it’s best to admire it from the platform at the top or from the riverbed below, without getting too close.
The forest here is adjacent to a protected ecological sanctuary which is also a great place to see wildlife. Keep an eye out on your walk and you might see animals including monkeys, agouti, and many kinds of local birds. We spotted a troop of white-face (capuchin) monkeys, an agouti, and birds including motmots on our hike.
When to visit Ficus La Raiz
While there’s no bad time to visit the Ficus La Raiz tree bridge, it is located in a forest by a river. This means the walk can get muddy and slippy when it rains, especially in wet season, which is between June to November. We’d recommend visiting in the dry season if you want the best weather.
The root bridge is still pretty unknown so you won’t have to contend with any crowds. However, if you want it all to yourself, we’d recommend going earlier in the morning before anyone else arrives. This is also a great time to spot wildlife, which is more active at dawn than in the middle of the day.
Where to stay to visit Ficus La Raiz
There’s a variety of accommodations in Monteverde, from budget hostels to boutique hotels. To visit Ficus La Raiz, you can stay in a hotel right by the trailhead or a little further away, in Santa Elena town.
Wild camping in Costa Rica is super fun, especially if you hire a Nomad America 4×4 camper car rental like we did. If you’re camping in Monteverde, there are a few cool campsites in the area, including Camping Monteverde Tino y Carmen and Higueron Rooftop Tent Camping.
Monteverde Hotels
Tips for visiting the Ficus La Raiz Tree
Make the most of your visit with our top tips:
What to wear
Cloud forests can be much cooler than other parts of Costa Rica and prone to heavy rainfall. Dress appropriately on your hike by wearing:
If you plan on hiking to Monteverde’s Ficus La Raiz, we’ve compiled a list of what to wear and pack in case you forget anything that might be useful to take.
What to pack
Read next:
34 Best Things to Do in Monteverde
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