Editor Pick
Explore the Canopy on Hanging Bridges
Arenal Hanging Bridges has about a 3 km trail where you cross 16 different hanging bridges in the rain forest canopy. All along the trail, there is plenty to see in the rain forest. We didn't see a lot of animals, just a few monkeys, but that was OK. The most interesting creature we saw was a huge walking stick insect, about 9 inches long and with antennae that were about 4 inches long.We didn't have a guide, we just enjoyed the trail ourselves, although for an additional fee, guided tours are also available at set times.
A couple of the bridges are very short (like 9 feet) and barely would qualify as bridges, but the view from the longer ones, and feeling them bounce as you walk along them, is spectacular. Another highlight is a side trail to a nice waterfall within the park. It isn't as thrilling as ziplining through the canopy, but it is still a lot of fun to explore.
Reaching the hanging bridges by car is easy. It's about 20 minutes from La Fortuna. Go out of town toward Arenal Volcano Park, but continue over the Lake Arenal dam. Make a right just past the dam, following the signs, and the hanging bridges are up a steep and narrow, but smooth, road.
The offered a discount for students, so bring your ID, no matter what school year you are.
From journal Arenal Volcano, Center of Costa Rica Adventures