Sloth Park remains one of the very best destinations in the world to get up close and personal with sloths in their natural and semi-wild environment. Located just outside the city of Cahuita, the country’s sloth sanctuary offers sloths and other wildlife a chance to live in harmony with nature while being visited by tourists from around the globe. 

Slots are incredibly gentle animals and have captured the attention of animal lovers for their charm and slower pace of life, sometimes referred to as Pura Vida. Costa Rica is home to their natural rainforest habitat, which is carefully preserved by many locals who love and appreciate these beautiful animals. Here, you can see sloths roam through the rainforest and learn more about the important work this sanctuary does for the love and preservation of all different species of sloths.

Appreciation of The Sloths Found in Costa Rica

Slots have called Costa Rica home for many years, where both the two-toed and three-toed sloths can be found. The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica continues to do important work for these animals, offering them a safe habitat, but also supporting animals in need of rehabilitation or support. They continue to rescue and assist injured sloths, giving them a second chance at life in a calm and peaceful environment. 

While Sloth Park is a very popular tourist attraction, it is not a zoo, but instead, a place to appreciate these amazing animals via natural observation. They offer ethical viewing opportunities, allowing the sloths to be observed in a calm, low-stress rainforest habitat. Here, tourists can support the sanctuary, observing them from afar in a sloth-exclusive and no-touch environment.

Why Is Sloth Park Worth Visiting?

Guided tours available at Sloth Park mean that visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for these beautiful animals, but also learn more about their natural habitats. The rainforest environments where sloths have lived naturally for years continue to be threatened, and by visiting, tourists can support the efforts of the sanctuary and learn more about how they can help with their mission.

Here, you can enjoy habitat-based viewing, where sloths roam freely throughout the sanctuary, rather than pens or enclosures that are often found at traditional zoos. Tourists are then paired with guides who bring deep knowledge of the sloths and their habitat, helping you spot sloths as they enjoy their habitat, camouflaged throughout the park. See how sloths live naturally, observing their natural behaviors, including eating, sleeping, resting, and grooming one another. Sloths are, of course, a bit slower than most wild animals, offering plenty of opportunity to grab the perfect photo of them observing their natural way of life. 

Snap a photo of them enjoying lunch perched atop a high tree, or observe how they would interact with each other in the wild. The rainforest environment that these sloths call home also works to support a full ecosystem of wildlife, supporting birds, frogs, and butterflies.

Visitor Experiences & What to Expect

The park offers two types of different tours for visitors, including a no-reservation offering available throughout the day, and a more in-depth “insider’s tour” that features a deeper visit that includes stops at the sanctuary’s “sloth hospital”, climbing area, and their research center. Typically, tours can last about 2-3 hours, and both offerings offer a close look at the important preservation and research efforts being held on this site. Arriving late to the sanctuary may limit your opportunities for taking part in the guided tours.

Many travelers describe the experience as a slow-paced nature walk, requiring guests to come prepared with comfortable shoes and drinking water. Guides can also help you learn more about the ecology and conservation efforts at play, guiding you through the site and offering more details about the way of life for these sloths. Expect a slow and peaceful walk through a habitat made especially for the comfort of sloths.

Conservation & Education Focus

Not only is this site a dream for any animal lover, but it is also an opportunity to learn more about the park’s mission. Here, you can dive into topics like habitat protection and ecosystem restoration in Costa Rica. The Sloth Park has taken extensive efforts to provide a habitat that is peaceful (as sloths tend to get stressed out easily), but also includes forest corridors so sloths can move safely and comfortably. 

Visitors can support the sanctuary via donation, but also build respect for both sloths and their environment. Take home the knowledge passed along by the guides and learn how you can better support natural habitats suitable for sloths and many other animals. Ecological awareness remains core to their message, teaching visitors about the many challenges Costa Rican wildlife is currently facing.

Practical Travel Information

The closest major city to Costa Rica’s sloth sanctuary is Limon, where tourists can fly directly. Cities like San Jose also offer shuttle bus services to the sanctuary, where you can be grouped with other travelers who wish to visit the site. The sanctuary is also accessible via car; should you decide to rent a car, public bus routes are also an option. Consider arriving just after opening, at around 8 or 9 am. Most groups do not require a reservation for the traditional tour, but larger groups should consider reaching out to the sanctuary ahead of time to help facilitate the process.

The simplest option for visiting is via shuttle bus, as many tour companies offer rides to this well-known destination. The tours have suggested donation amounts, so bring cash along for payment. Peak travel seasons are known to be busy, so leave extra time to ensure you don’t miss out on any important sloth sightings.

There are also many different spots close to the sanctuary that are worth visiting and are suitable for those who love the outdoors. Explore things like waterfalls, thermal springs, and deep rainforest hikes, along with coffee and chocolate tours that are nearby. Costa Rica has so much to discover, and Sloth Park remains a well-known destination that sees thousands of visitors each year.

Fully guided tour operators can also facilitate your visit, helping ensure you get there safely.

Simple Tips For Making The Most of Your Visit

Where zoos have historically held animals in pens or cages that afford visitors the perfect viewing opportunity, Sloth Park is much different. Consider bringing binoculars to help make the most of the experience, but also wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are appropriate for hiking. A light rain jacket is also a great option, just in case you experience rainy weather.

This tour also encourages visitors to remain quiet, avoiding loud talking or sudden movements that could disturb the sloths. In order to get the best possible photo, you may need to bring along a specialized lens for zooming in from a distance. Except to observe and appreciate the sloths from afar, as there is no feeding, touching, or holding of sloths allowed.

Why Sloth Park Is Worth the Visit

This is a truly inspiring opportunity to get closer to nature and observe animals as if they were living in the wild. The ethical viewing experience provides deep education about sloths and rainforest habitats that are all at risk of extinction. It is, however, a much different experience than visiting a traditional zoo, offering a new appreciation for the lifestyles of animals that are so incredibly gentle and calm that they require careful preservation efforts. 

Overall, the entire experience is suitable for animal lovers and families with well-behaved children. The entire experience showcases Costa Rican culture, offering an authentic perspective into wildlife that can’t be seen anywhere else. Be prepared for one of the most unique animal-focused experiences in Costa Rica, where you can make memories for a lifetime.

Experience Sloth Park For Yourself

This is an experience that can make the entire trip to Costa Rica worthwhile. Home to such incredible biodiversity, the sanctuary remains a key part of the travel experience, showcasing everything great about visiting Costa Rica in one experience. There really is something special about seeing sloths in a natural habitat that mimics how they would live without human intervention.

Add this stop to your itinerary and learn more about the unique wildlife in the area, but also Costa Rican culture that brings a deep and thoughtful appreciation of nature and the outdoors.

Have Caravan Take You There

Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful country full of scenic nature trails and outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you are an animal lover or adventurer, there really is something special for everyone in this great country. Sloth Park remains a can’t-miss destination for anyone traveling to Costa Rica.

Look to Caravan to offer safe and fully guided tours for your next visit to Costa Rica. Guides can help you better appreciate the destination you are visiting, working to ensure that you experience everything there is to offer, safely and comfortably.

Caravan offers completely guided, all-inclusive, and safe trips to places like Costa Rica. Find peace of mind knowing that you will never miss an important detail about places like the Sloth Sanctuary and make the most of your next trip.

Before your next trip, let the experts at Caravan make your dream adventure to Costa Rica a reality. Call one of Caravan’s agents at 1 (312)-321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN, and embark on your next adventure alongside those who bring deep knowledge, experience, and insight into this great country.

Call us today to learn more about our offerings.

The Guaitil pottery village, located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, is home to a celebration of centuries-old traditions through handcrafted goods. Here, in this small town just outside the city of San Jose, locals continue to craft historic forms of Chorotega pottery. Ancient tradition has been carefully maintained through the pottery practices that are still used by the locals to this day.

Experience something strikingly different in Costa Rica, with a travel experience that has both small-town charm and ancient pottery in one trip, less than an hour’s drive from San Jose. Visitors can experience a history lesson rooted in deep, indigenous Costa Rican tradition, preserved by locals who are happy to share their work.

Chorotega People’s Heritage Through Ceramics

It is truly a sight to be seen in the town of Guaitil, where deep and ancient indigenous culture has persisted through centuries. The Chortega people continue to use the same techniques as their forefathers, crafting handmade artisan goods that are exclusive to this area. Learn about their craftsmanship, but also daily life where such pottery has been used for cooking, storing food, and indigenous rituals.

Visiting this town includes connecting with locals who still use these exact same pottery building techniques from centuries ago. Further, discover why the natural landscape and soils offer clay pigments that help them complete this process. It’s hard to find a similar travel experience that blends local goods and culture, but also ancient practices, acting as a history lesson for you and your loved ones.

Why Is Guaitil Pottery Special?

The materials sourced from local riverbeds are mixed by hand by the locals. The area’s natural soils provide a locally sourced color palette that includes mixes of brown, black, red, and cream tones, exclusive to Guaitil.

The ancient tradition of crafting these goods includes Geometric patterns, animal motifs, and symbols representing nature and cosmology. Every detail is made by hand, without pottery wheels or other modern tools. Stones sourced from the area are also used to polish each piece, where the final product turns into something truly special. Watch as they use wood-fired ovens to make unique and earthy tones, leaving an ancestral mark on their work.

Forget about the souvenirs found in tourist traps and airports; this is something special, where Chorotega pottery is a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.

What To Expect When Visiting Guaitil

The small town of Guaitil remains a quiet and peaceful town, where locals have played host to visitors, including international travelers and other Costa Ricans. The town is considered a hidden gem even by local standards, and the locals don’t usually experience large crowds. With that said, the entire village is warm and welcoming to visitors, and you can expect artisans to openly welcome you into their shops.

There are many available demonstrations where tourists can watch every detail of the process, from clay mixing, shaping, engraving, and firing. Many are happy to chat with tourists, while most people speak Spanish, they can tell you more about the traditions that have been maintained in their families. There are also many galleries that showcase ancient pottery, including local goods that are for sale. The town’s center area is a welcoming place full of shopping opportunities dedicated to pottery.

Small towns like these are great ways to connect with a new culture and destination, and here you can learn to appreciate the slower pace of Costa Rican culture in Guaitil. Treat the locals with respect and care, and they will do the same.

Cultural Preservation & Community Impact

The pottery itself is a unique way of preserving ancient indigenous traditions that would otherwise be lost. Without the efforts of the locals here, there would be no reminder of the people of the past. Pottery remains the main economic driver of the entire town, and buying directly from the locals ensures that their local history continues to be preserved. 

These souvenirs directly benefit the locals who have dedicated their lives to preserving traditions of the past. The Chorotega identity is preserved in these items, and your support will go a long way in supporting its cultural heritage.

Practical Information for First-Time Visitors To Guaitil 

Located near Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Guaitil is a simple drive from Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Liberia, or Nicoya. Consider visiting as a short day trip that is commutable by car or bus. Most pottery studios are open daily, but generally close up shop late afternoon.

Some of the most unique offerings have signatures or stamps that are exclusive to the individual family. Consider asking about the story of each piece, where many artisans are happy to share details about their heritage. Some designs have specific meanings, and artisans will appreciate you taking the time to fully understand the meaning behind each piece’s design. Expect varying prices between each shop and each piece. Depending on the size or complexity, the pottery may have different prices.

Don’t forget about the local cuisine, which is also delicious. Grab dinner in a local establishment that is acting as a host to the locals. You should also keep in mind that you are also within a close distance from the Santa Cruz town square, with even more local cuisine, folk music, and local dances.

Tips To Make The Most Of Your Visit

Many of the shops and dining establishments here do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring along cash to support your shopping efforts. Bringing home this delicate ancient pottery can be a complex feat, and you will need to properly secure your purchases to prevent damage. Most live pottery demonstrations are completed earlier in the day, and having the ability to speak some Spanish will go a long way. Locals appreciate it when you speak Spanish, or at least try to.

Always ask before you take a photo of pottery, or within each shop. Treat each shop with love and respect.

Why Guaitil Is Worth Visiting

There really aren’t many travel destinations that offer this unique blend of authentic cultural traditions and ethical tourism. Here you can shop directly with those who support cultural preservation efforts, ensuring that Costa Rica’s indigenous heritage lives on forever.

For those who love a souvenir, this just might be heaven. The handcrafted goods available here come with deep meanings, where your support is directly felt by the locals. Support families and their hard work preserving a different way of life that needs your help.

Experience Something Different in Costa Rica

This is a truly unique and special travel experience worth the effort of visiting. Ancient craftsmanship and Chorotega pottery are truly impressive, helping you create new memories and connect with different cultures. Leave with something special, but also feel good about supporting indigenous culture that may one day no longer exist.

Caravan Can Take You There

Costa Rica remains an incredible option for experiencing culture, tradition, and nature. There really is no other country that offers so much to see and do, explore, and indulge in. From outdoor adventure, beaches, and volcanoes, there is always something new to discover.

Visiting Costa Rica, including places like Guaitil, alongside a knowledgeable guide, can help you better connect with Costa Rican culture. Learn more about what this town has to offer with a fully guided tour. Gain valuable insight regarding the area’s history, and never miss an important stop with local tour guides who have a deep appreciation for the area.

Look to Caravan to offer safe and fully guided tours for your next visit to Costa Rica. Our knowledgeable tour guides can help you better appreciate the destination you are visiting, working to ensure that you experience everything there is to offer, both safely and comfortably.

Caravan offers completely guided, all-inclusive, and safe trips to places like Costa Rica and so much more. Find peace of mind knowing that you will never miss an important detail about places like Guaitil.

Before your next trip, let the experts at Caravan make your dream adventure to Costa Rica a reality. Call one of Caravan’s agents at 1 (312)-321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN, and embark on your next adventure alongside those who bring deep knowledge, experience, and insight into this great country.

We are proud to offer safe guides throughout the many small towns and well-visited attractions throughout Costa Rica.

Call us today to learn more about our offerings. Pack your bags!

Costa Rica is a country filled with lush tropical landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and beautiful sunset beaches. What if you could get up close and personal with some of nature’s rarest wonders on Earth, every minute of your stay? 

What if you stayed in a treehouse hotel? 

What’s A Treehouse Hotel? 

In Costa Rica, treehouse hotels are miniature “houses,” ranging in size from one-room cabins to spacious bungalows, positioned in the treetops of the country’s forest landscapes. 

Some treehouse hotels create housing structures, then nestle and secure them to a strong tree’s branches. Others are built from the tree itself, integrating the trunk and branches into the house’s core architecture. 

Still others are freestanding; their windows and decks are 30 feet up, bringing guests eye level with the forest canopy while sticking with a manmade foundation. 

Treehouse Hotel Features & FAQs

In a thoughtful piece for Travel & Leisure, Patricia Doherty writes, “Built into nature and surrounded by leaves, branches, and the sounds of wildlife, tree house hotels provide an unparalleled connection to nature.”

It’s an alluring vision. Yet, as most people don’t usually live and work in spaces with unparalleled surrounding wildlife, the very concept of “treehouse hotels” brings questions to mind.

What Types of Treehouse Hotels Are There?

Treehouse hotels come in all shapes and sizes. Some emphasize minimalism, sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and guided wildlife tours. Among these, you’ll find bare bones rustic cabins with minimal cell service, and cozy chic communities with hot showers. 

Others are premium resorts, blending stunning views with top-of-the-line amenities. Hotel bands like the Ritz-Carlton, synonymous with luxury, have made a splash in the treetop hotel scene in Costa Rica. 

Aesthetically, you’ll find romantic, spiritual, and family-friendly treetop hotels. 

• Romantic hotels are cozy, intimate spaces, offering couples treetop decks with a magical ambiance and grounds with a firm “no kids” policy.
• Spiritually-oriented hotels cultivate treetop spaces for meditation and soulful retreats. 
• Family-friendly hotels offer bigger rooms, easier access points, and kid-oriented services. 

How Much Does It Cost To Stay At A Costa Rica Treehouse Hotel?

The nightly cost of a treehouse hotel in Costa Rica ranges widely. A 3-star eco-lodge with basic amenities, sleeping 4, in October, can run around $112 per night. 

However, $250 / night is more common. Moreover, luxury treehouses at peak season can run $1,400+ per night!

Time of year, location, amenities, and package deals all affect these hotels’ prices. 

“Digital Detox” Stays Vs. Modern, Mainstream Hotels 

For the truly adventurous, a “digital detox” spot might speak to you. 

These locales have no modern “high tech” amenities: there’s no Wi-Fi, and there’s often limited cell service. The point of a low-tech hotel is to break oneself away from habits like “dopamine scrolling,” and truly immerse oneself in nature. 

In contrast, some hotels aim to offer all the amenities of a traditional luxury resort, just a bit higher up from the ground. 

If you want to enjoy the internet, order room service, and watch capuchin monkeys squabble from the comfort of a jacuzzi, a modern treehouse resort may be more your style. 

Notably, there are digital detox treehouse hotels in Costa Rica available at a range of price points. Many are cheaper than modern hotels, but not all of them. 

How Do People Weigh Pros & Cons of Treetop Stays?

Treehouse hotels aren’t for everyone! When weighing the pros and cons of this type of experience, here are a few things to consider.

Pros

• Experience A Place Unlike Anywhere Else

Treehouse hotels let guests experience something truly rare. A canopy view of the world can change your perspective, and for some guests, that experience alone is worth treasuring. 

The uniqueness of the experience can also be a source of creative inspiration!

• Get Closer To Nature Than Ever Before

Treehouse hotels put guests inches away from a truly wild landscape. 

In Costa Rica, a canopy-level porch becomes a front row seat to a vision of monkeys, macaws, and hundreds more creatures of all stripes. Animals’ dramas play out, with one of Earth’s most vibrant tropical ecosystems as their backdrop. 

• Follow Your Sense of Adventure

Treehouse stays can get your heart pumping. Whether you’re traversing a hanging bridge to get to your front door, or preparing foods you foraged over a campfire, a treehouse hotel can be the place to rise to challenges. 

• Enjoy Camaraderie With The Wilderness Community

Certain treehouse hotels emphasize their community spirit, cultivating a connection to those whose hearts are with the wilderness. These places are community hubs, and they’re a great way to forge connections you’d never otherwise make.

• Live Your Eco-friendly Values

Even luxury treetop resorts in Costa Rica are committed to environmental sustainability. Close to 100% of all electricity in the country is generated with renewable energy, and most treehouse hotels take eco-friendliness even further.

Partnerships with wildlife conservation organizations, carbon neutralization, and green transport options, treetop stays make living a little greener easy. 

Cons

• Access Can Be Challenging (Or Impossible)

By far the biggest drawback of most treetop hotels is accessing the room. Even for a healthy adult, hiking to the location, climbing ladders or stairs, and crossing rope bridges–all while toting luggage–can be a real workout. 

Certainly, some treehouse hotels are more accessible than others. But, those offering true wheelchair / stroller access with elevators are few and far between. 

Instead, the setup of the vast majority of treehouses makes the ability to climb a steep set of stairs a minimum requirement for entry. 

• The Amenities May Be Unappealing

Bathrooms vary in location and quality among treehouse hotels. Having to climb down from the treetop room, then find and unlock the outhouse, isn’t an unusual experience.

Moreover, even those with bathrooms in the treehouse itself can be off-putting to some guests. No matter how sophisticated, the plumbing system will simply be weaker and more compact than what you’ll find on ground level.

• Room Interiors Are Small

The floorplan of a treehouse is limited by the tree it’s built into and the other trees and wildlife it neighbors. 

As a result, even luxury resort treehouses aren’t particularly broad. Instead, a house is expanded by adding floors and decks vertically. 

• Severe Weather Poses Serious Risks

The stability and watertightness of a treehouse does not match a ground-level building. This means severe weather, like extreme storms or flash floods, poses more of a threat.

If guests find themselves facing unexpected inclement weather in a tree in Costa Rica, they may need to evacuate. 

Treehouse Hotel Features Checklist

The best features to seek out in an overnight stay in the treetops depend a bit on what you’re hoping to get out of it. 

While there’s no single right answer, this checklist can help you make sure a treehouse offers the amenities you need before you book. Consider your potential stay’s offerings in each category to ensure it’s right for you.

1. Basic Amenities (Food, Bathing & Access)

Features that meet basic day-to-day needs vary widely among treehouse hotels. Indoor showers with hot, running water, kitchens or dining services, and easy access rooms are not guaranteed! 

On the “roughing it” side of the scale, plumbing is limited to an outdoor outhouse and water spigot for bathing. The treehouse has no kitchen, and guests are expected to bring their own food. 

These treehouse hotels typically require more effort to access. For example, some bare-bones tree inns require guests to climb a rope ladder to enter and exit their rooms. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum are, in essence, modern luxe hotel rooms raised to sit among the treetops. 

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer panoramic views, yet guest comforts are never sacrificed for the treehouse aesthetic. Hot showers, hot tubs, kitchenettes, room service, and elevator access are all at hand.

Between the two extremes, treehouse hotels might offer:

• Access Options. A treehouse might be entered via a spiral staircase wrapping around the trunk, less-steep conventional stairs, or a swinging bridge requiring an uphill hike to reach. 
• Varied Plumbing Setups. Treehouse hotel grounds may offer a modern lodge with bathrooms and showers, serving all guests, an in-treehouse half-bath with an outdoor campground-style shower, or a full bathroom in the treehouse. 
• Diverse Dining Amenities. Offerings may be in-treehouse kitchenettes, lodges, or associated farms serving hot meals, or campground-style outdoor cooking features (i.e., campfire, grill). 
• Electricity. Treehouse hotels can be electric to any of the following degrees. 
• Fully wired rooms connected to the power grid, so guests can use appliances and charge laptops
• Moderate electrical service via solar panels or a private generator, letting guests charge phones and flashlights
• Minimal electricity via portable batteries
• Absolutely no electricity at all

2. Privacy Features

When it comes to treehouse hotels in Costa Rica, privacy options vary widely. 

Communal, “hostel-style” hotels have dorm-like setups, with up to six adults per room in twin beds or hammocks. 

Other hotels offer seclusion, building each treehouse deep in the forest, far from the others. The hotel then rents the treehouse in its entirety to only 1-3 guests at a time. 

In between the extremes, look for privacy features like:

• Noise-blocking panels 
• Personal sound bubble (PSB) systems in bedrooms
• Secure locks on treehouse doors
• Reasonable distances between private rooms and shared lodges

3. Upgrade Amenities

Beyond basic needs, different treehouse hotels offer a range of amenities to enhance guests’ experiences. Popular “upgrade” amenities include:

• Better Beds. Treehouses often offer unique sleep spots like hammocks, luxury bamboo mattresses covered in silk sheets, or “porch-swing”-style beds. 
• Spa Services. Different hotels offer in-room hot tubs, complimentary local Costa Rican scrubs and cleansers, or passes to onsite saunas. 
• Kid & Pet Provisions. Certain kid- and pet-friendly treehouse hotels offer curated “kids menu” and pet-appropriate meal options, right-size furnishings like junior beds, complimentary toys, or onsite babysitting / pet-sitting services. 

4. Tours & Package Deals

Many treehouse hotels offer package deals bundling the room with transportation, extra services, or activities. The most popular package inclusions are guided wildlife tours, beachside surf/snorkel rentals, or passes to treetop zipline parks. 

Transportation inclusions range from airport shuttle service bookending the stay to on-call services throughout. 

11 Best Costa Rica Treehouse Hotels, Lodges & Resorts

Which of these superlatives describes your dream (tree)house?

Best Budget Stay: Sloth Treehouse, Tree Houses Hotel, Costa Rica

The Sloth Treehouse is a cozy, rustic space on the Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica grounds. Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica offers “80 acres complete with river access and wide paths to hike to take yourself on a little adventure.” It does not offer Wi-Fi.

While the Sloth Treehouse is their smallest, it still comes with housekeeping, room service, onsite spa access, and complimentary breakfast. During the shoulder season, rooms are less than $90 / night. 

Most Family Friendly: Maquenque Eco Lodge

Maquenque Eco Lodge offers affordable treetop bungalows, and their suite of amenities and services is perfectly suited to families with kids. 

As the hosts explain, “Our hotel is the ideal place for nature lovers who wish to explore their senses,” thanks to their location in the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge. Crucially, each of their 16 tree houses includes “hot water (through solar panels), a private bathroom, a ceiling fan, closets,” and “[a] balcony with a beautiful view [of] a natural lagoon and the tropical forest.”

Visitors can explore the property’s 68 acres of rainforest on their own, or they can sign up for guided tours.

Most Romantic (Adults Only): Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel 

This treehouse hotel in Monteverde earns glowing 5-star reviews for romance. 

Guests praise the secluded spacing of the rooms, which each offer wonderous views of the ocean beyond the mountains–and not the other tree houses. 

Reviewers also rave about the attentive hosts (particularly their wonderful baked-fresh-daily breakfasts and tea), “palatial” amenities (like king-size beds, rainfall showers, and 2-seat Jacuzzis), knowledgeable guides, and the hummingbird garden. 

Best Rainforest Immersion: Lapa’s Nest Tree House

Lapa’s Nest puts guests right in the heart of things. The house and its spiral staircase hug the trunk of a 150-foot Guanacaste tree. There’s no barrier between people and nature here. Visitors can reach out and touch the leaves of the canopy without leaving their beds. 

Best Luxury Resort Treehouse: Rancho Pacifico 

For the absolute best of the best, stay at Rancho Pacifico. The 5-star treehouse hotel offers unparalleled, personalized service and top-tier amenities. Here’s how the hosts describe what Rancho Pacifico offers:

“Live a childhood dream with every comfort you have come to expect in adulthood when you stay in a Rancho Pacifico Treehouse. The treehouses offer almost 1,000 square feet (100 square meters) of space and light in the canopy of one of the most pristine rainforests in Costa Rica. The indoors and outdoors are seamlessly blended with large windows, bathrooms that give you a full feeling of cleansing in nature, and vast decks with sweeping rainforest and ocean views. 

Each of our treehouses comes with the highest level of amenities that feature predominantly wood in a palette inspired by the local rainforest including king beds, an outdoor soaking tub, custom art, hanging loveseats, comfortable couches, a desk, air conditioning, automated blinds, and organic bath products locally made in Costa Rica.”

For luxury accommodations with character, they’re hard to beat. 

Coziest Tree Stay: Topos Tree House

Topos Treehouse is a truly enchanting stay in Cahuita, Costa Rica. Unlike the other places on this list, the Topos Treehouse is built right into the heart of the tree. Guests literally sleep surrounded by the trunk of a giant sharinga tree! 

The cozy spot is safe and inviting, and guests are often visited by curious sloths. 

Most Adventurous Treehouse Hotel: Finca Bellevista Treehouse Community 

Located in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, the Finca Bellevista Treehouse Community offers hosted stays in truly rugged–and wonderous–environs. As the hosts explain,” this private community and rainforest reserve is the most unique neighborhood in the world.” In these treehouses, “The pulse of unfiltered life present defines sensory overload, and provides a daily existence immersed and in tune with nature.”

Canopy-level cabins are secluded, with many over a 30-minute walk from the camp’s base. The treehouses offer hot showers and, often, kitchens, all completely solar powered. 

Friendliest Treehouse Space: Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica

Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica–home of the budget-friendly Sloth Treehouse–has well-earned its reputation as a warm, amiable stay. It’s a great option for anyone visiting the Arenal Volcano, as it’s conveniently located in Santa Clara.

Guests are charmed by the hosts’ daily home-cooked rancho breakfasts, and they praise the lively guided hikes. 

The treehouses may be rustic, but each offers privacy, comfortable air conditioning, refrigerators, hot water showers, and large decks with spectacular views. 

Best Treehouse Hotel With An Elevator: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, may be the only treehouse resort with an elevator. In a review of the hotel upon its grand opening, travel writer Maya Kachroo-Levine calls “taking the glass elevator down to the beach club” one of Nekajui’s “true charms.”

Other features she highlights include:

• The “largest hydrotherapy pool in Central America,” within Nekajui’s enormous, 27,000 sq ft. spa.
• An 18-hole, Arnold Palmer Signature golf course
• On-site surf instructors and an aerial adventure park
• Culinary offerings centered on “fresh, hyper-local ingredients”
• A tented tree house bar with clear, unobstructed views of the pristine seascape 

The main drawback? Nekajui’s got a lot going for it, and the price reflects that. 

Best Treehouse Hotel For Large Groups & Parties: ArtVillas

ArtVillas are here to play. 

Near Uvita, Costa Rica, the creative villas rest on elevated platforms at the canopy level of the forest. Each has a “biophilic” shape, inspired by the jungle’s bulbous flowers and coiling jeweled snakes. 

In an interview with Filip Žák, the owner of ArtVillas, travel writer Paul Brady sets the scene: “A five-bedroom that’s ideal for today’s multigenerational groups is the property’s crown jewel, and comes with a private pool.” Further out, “affordable glamping pods cluster around an open-air lounge.”

The venue’s design creates a whimsical atmosphere. A “slide, wooden walkways, and a mid-canopy trampoline are among the playful design elements.” 

Žák elaborates: “We create unique experiences where our guests can expand, evolve, and reconnect with their pure self.”

Best Themed Tree Houses: Costa Rica Tree House 

Want to stay someplace even more offbeat than a treehouse? In Punta Uva, just south of Puerto Viejo, there’s an oceanfront property offering six creatively themed houses with prime beachfront access: Costa Rica Tree House.

Cross a sloped suspension bridge to enjoy the Rainforest Tree House, built around a 100-year-old Sangrillo tree. Experience the kaleidoscopic magic of the Crystal House (including a flame-heated hot tub). Or, spend the night in The Bus: an old school bus repurposed into the bedrooms of a stunning, breezy space.

All houses offer both basic and unique amenities, including a mini golf course, a barbecue pit, air conditioning, kitchen space, and Wi-Fi. 

Experience Costa Rica With Caravan 

Let Caravan’s travel directors do the tricky work for you. 

Embark on a journey through Costa Rica’s wild rainforests and tropical beaches, curated by experts. Caravan’s Costa Rica Natural Paradise Tour is an eight-day, all-inclusive trip. Every meal, room, and event is hand-picked by our travel directors and bundled into one affordable price.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy. 

Reserve your spot today by calling 1-800-227-2826. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.

If you’re a fan of marine wildlife, you might’ve seen the headlines about an exciting recent discovery. 

“Fishermen Pulled In an Orange Shark Off Costa Rica: ‘My God, What Is This?’”

— The New York Times

“This bright orange shark has shocked and delighted scientists.”

— CBC

“In 2025, Orange is the New Shark.”

— SURFER magazine 

A never-before-seen orange shark was accidentally caught by fishers, just off the coast of Costa Rica’ Tortuguero National Park. They successfully disentangled the shark from their net and released it safely back to the sea—all while capturing the wild event on video. 

After studying the video and the shark’s local marine environment, scientists concluded the orange shark is likely a nurse shark with two rare genetic mutations: albinism and xanthism. 

Marine biologists are planning several diving expeditions in the next year, hoping to glimpse the neon-hued shark and observe its movements in its own habitat. 

New shark species and color variants don’t pop up every day. Yet, it makes sense that if they’d appear anywhere, they’d make their debut in Costa Rica.

It might just be the best place on Earth to be a shark. 

Are There Sharks In Costa Rica?

Yes. There are absolutely sharks in the waters of Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica is a lush Central American country encompassing both tropical and subtropical climate zones. Its rainforests and reefs are among the most biodiverse places on Earth. 

That biodiversity encompasses 93 different species of shark and sea ray, many of which are endangered. 

Moreover, Costa Rica’s waters represent 8% of the global biodiversity of these species. That might not seem like much…until you realize its marine territory is only 0.2% of the tropical and subtropical oceans on Earth! 

Meaning, Costa Rica holds a mere ⅕ of one percent of the warm waters wherein sharks of these species could (potentially) live.

Yet, a full 8% of these sharks’ populations are clustered here. 

Pick any square kilometer of Costa Rica’s seas, at random, and odds are that square is home to 40x more sharks (of these species) than an equally random km² of sub/tropical ocean from anywhere else. 

Clearly, something about the nation’s seas appeals to these sharks. 

What Types of Sharks Live In Costa Rica’s Waters?

It’s challenging to determine all of the shark species in Costa Rica at a given time. Factors like changing shark migration patterns, certain species’ diminishing populations, and challenges inherent to tracking technology used underwater, can cause marine biologists to miss or misidentify species. 

Still, shark aficionados visiting Costa Rica might want to keep their eyes peeled for one or more of these. 

Scalloped Hammerheads

Scalloped hammerheads have uniquely wide, “wavy” heads, providing a wide platform for their electro-sensory receptors. 

They’re among the very few shark species that swim in large, cooperative schools.  This social structure has its advantages, but it also makes them a target for unscrupulous fishers. 

Today, scalloped hammerhead sharks are critically endangered. Since their placement in the IUCN Red List, environmental NGOs have ramped up conservation efforts.

One particularly notable project was the 2018 launch of the first-ever juvenile shark nursery and sanctuary in Golfo Dulce, the gulf of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. 

Bull Sharks

Bull sharks are among the 2.3% of shark and ray species in the world with a superpower: they’re euryhaline.

Euryhaline marine animals swim in fresh water as easily as the salty sea. Thanks to this rare gift, they have an easier time adapting and migrating than other shark species. In fact, clear-eyed boaters often spot them in Costa Rica’s mangrove estuaries.

Yet, while they’ve remained adaptive enough to avoid endangerment, bull sharks still face a potentially precarious future. IUCN has listed bull sharks as “near threatened” since 2018. 

Commonplace Sharks: Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks, & Tipped-Fins

Spend enough time in Costa Rica’s shallows, and you’ll be bound to see some of the more popular reef feeders. Tiger sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and Galapagos sharks get around. 

These sharks aren’t typically aggressive towards humans. The behavior of the orange nurse shark in the video is fairly typical for these kinds of sharks, when threatened. Though the orange shark was clearly panicking, it didn’t attack the fishermen as it escaped the net. 

For the most part, reef sharks don’t attack humans unless they feel threatened or they mistake a surfboard for a seal. 

At-Risk Sharks: Mako Sharks, Silky Sharks, Whale Sharks & Threshers 

As of the publication of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Threatened Species List of 2024, several Costa Rican sharks are now classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Most prominent are:

• Mako Sharks 
• Silky Sharks 
• Whale Sharks 
• Requiem Sharks
• Threshers

These sharks tend to be more vulnerable to Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs): large-scale fishing traps that aim to lure in tuna, but end up catching a lot else. 

Why Are These Sharks In Greater Danger Than Others?

To understand shark vulnerability, consider the Mako shark.

Mako sharks are torpedo-shaped, streamlined predators. They’re always on the hunt, and they never miss an opportunity to strike. 

Yet, it’s this very vigilance that makes Mako sharks so susceptible to the traps. 

Over millennia, they evolved a keen eye for prey fish, no matter how well-camouflaged, and an unbreakable instinct to go for the kill. 

A wall of tuna is irresistible. 

These at-risk species also tend to reproduce and mature more slowly than other shark species. 

For example, the average mature tiger shark has 60-80 eggs per litter and creates 300-600 offspring in its lifetime. It reaches maturity around ages 7-10, gestates one litter every three years for about three decades, then dies around age 40. 

In contrast, a female Mako shark doesn’t reach reproductive maturity until she’s 18-20 years old. She’ll have 4-25 offspring per litter, and birth only 3-4 litters before the end of her 30-year lifespan. 

As a result, when pollution or natural disasters destroy all sharks’ litters in a particular year, the Mako shark species as a whole faces a greater loss. 

How Common Are Shark Attacks In Costa Rica?

Shark attacks are very rare.

This point cannot be overemphasized. 

Sharks Rarely Attack People

All shark attacks, from all corners of the globe, are assessed, recorded, and tracked by the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF). 

According to ISAF data from 2014 to 2024, an average year sees 35-90 shark attacks. In 2024, there were only 71 shark attacks, total, worldwide. 

Marine biologists estimate there are over 2 billion sharks in our oceans, across all 593 known shark species. So, for perspective, statistically, only 1 out of every 29 million sharks attacks a human in its lifetime. 

In contrast, in a statistically average group of 29 million humans, about 1,160 commit murder or manslaughter. 

As a human, you’re more likely to be killed by a human than even non-fatally injured by a shark. 

Moreover, none of 2024’s shark attacks happened in Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica Has Far Fewer Shark Attacks Than The Already-Low Global Average

In the last decade, 2014-2024, only two sharks attacked humans in Costa Rica’s seas. One killed a scuba diver. The other moderately injured a surfer.

Diving Risks & Shark Safety 

The first attack happened in 2017. A tiger shark killed an American tourist, Rohina Bhandari, while she was scuba diving in Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica. 

Scuba diving is a riskier activity around sharks, as a shark is more likely to perceive a diver as a threat. Moreover, a shark’s bite can be deadlier than usual if it punctures any components holding the diver’s oxygen supply. It’s important to take precautions seriously, and never approach a shark while diving. 

Teen Surfer Survives Shark Attack, Makes Full Recovery

The most recent attack happened in 2023. A blacktip shark attacked Nick, a 15-year-old surfer. Fortunately, Nick’s injuries were relatively minor. He sustained gashes on his foot, which were treated with 10 stitches at a nearby hospital. With swift care, Nick made a complete recovery in seven months. 

These non-lethal attacks are more common than fatal ones (though they’re still incredibly rare). In the 2023 case, the blacktip shark likely mistook Nick for a prey creature. 

Blacktip sharks are opportunistic feeders. They frequently eat smaller sharks and rays, among other animals.

The average blacktip ranges in size from 5ft. – 9ft. long. Nick’s surfboard was likely just the right size and shape for the blacktip to perceive it as a smaller shark, then lunge for the “shark’s” underbelly. 

Once the surfboard’s flavor clarified that Nick was not prey, the blacktip spat him out and swam away. 

Despite the variety of sharks in Costa Rican waters, the fact that only two sharks attacked anyone, at all, across an entire decade, is (hopefully) reassuring. Shark attacks are incredibly rare. 

Sharks: Keystone Species In Costa Rica’s Reefs 

Shark conservation is vital for reasons beyond the sharks themselves. Sharks are also keystone species in the marine ecosystems of Costa Rica’s coasts.

Sharks’ predation regulates both the habitat growth of prey species and the territory expansion of competing predators. It also influences the feeding patterns of the reef’s herbivores, which, in turn, limits the growth of macroalgae. 

Moreover, the carcasses of sharks who die naturally are crucial food sources for reef bottom feeders. As they decompose, they render the marine soil extraordinarily nutrient-rich.

Sharks maintain balance. 

When Sharks Go Extinct, So Do Their Reefs

When too many sharks die off, reefs find themselves in trouble. Without sharks, overpredation by groupers, catastrophic algal blooms, and kelp malnourishment send entire reef systems into a downward spiral. 

All too often, much of the reef dies. 

What remains gives way to a weak, tepid monoculture, colonizing the remains of once-biodiverse corals. 

Are Costa Rica Sharks Endangered?

Yes. Costa Rica is home to several endangered species of sharks, including Scalloped Hammerheads, mako sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, requiem sharks, and threshers. 

Fortunately, there are engaged, smart conservation groups on the ground, right now, turning the trends around. 

In 2018, Misión Tiburón, a non-governmental organization, brought years of research together to launch the first-ever shark sanctuary. The reserve particularly focuses on protecting vulnerable scalloped hammerheads, but they never let their parallel focus on research fall to the wayside.

Each year since 2021, the Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica has collaborated with farms and communities to expand Marine Protected Area (MPA) coverage. As of 2024, 30.2% of Costa Rica’s sea territories are legally dedicated to marine life protection.

In 2022 and 2023, laws were passed mandating that captains release any endangered hammerhead sharks accidentally caught, and requiring them to record all incidents so shark status can be tracked. As of 2024, hammerhead shark casualties dropped to near-zero.

Earlier this year, 2025, the NGO Centro Rescate Especies Marinas Amenzadas (CREMA) won a research grant from Shark Conservation Fund. The grant facilitates marine studies to better understand currently unprotected waters. 

Please Don’t Kill Or Eat Sharks

One of the best ways to support Costa Rica’s shark conservation efforts is to abide by all laws and regulations–by letter and in spirit!

First and foremost, shark finning + fin sales are banned. Costa Rica likewise prohibits the capture, transport, storage and sale of any hammerhead shark. If anyone is trying to sell you sharkskin items or shark fin soup, know that those actions are illegal. Don’t buy it, don’t participate. 

Second, reporting can save sharks’ lives.

If your conscience moves you to, you can contact the System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), dialing 1192 to access the hotline. 

You can also report unlawful sales of shark parts, or similar practices, to Costa Rica’s Integrated System of Environmental Complaints (SITADA). SITADA receives reports and complaints through its online portal.

Travelers from the U.S. may want to report any violations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  It may help stem the increasing levels of shark meat illegally imported into the U.S. under false labels. The phenomenon has become so widespread, 18 different NGOs are calling on the U.S. government to restrict Costa Rica’s access to the U.S. seafood market until compliance improves. 

Encounter Costa Rica Sharks: Boat Tours & Diving

For shark aficionados, visiting Costa Rica creates an opportunity for diverse shark-centered experiences, from volunteer projects to boat tours. Consider one of these excursions on your trip.

Shark Encounter Expedition With Misión Tiburón 

The shark sanctuary offers certified divers an opportunity to act as citizen scientists, aiding in the NGO’s research in Isla Del Coco. Divers record the scalloped hammerhead’s primary environment, check on nesting juveniles, and assess for signs of illness or growth. 

Highly trained guides lead the expedition, and divers never approach sharks. Yet, most participants find themselves far closer to the sharks than they may ever be again. 

Non-Diving Volunteer Experiences: Shark Tagging, Beach Cleanup & Mangrove Restoration

Misión Tiburón also offers non-divers the chance to volunteer. Beach cleanup and mangrove restoration events connect people to nature and often lead to plenty of bull shark sightings.

Shark tagging allows volunteers to handle subdued sharks directly, under close supervision and with pre-trip training. 

Introductory Scuba Diving Course, With Final Dive  In Shark-Friendly Shallows

Several scuba pros offer non-certified travelers the chance to dive into the shallows of Papagayo, Catalina Islands, or Flamingo Beach. These mentors offer popular packages combining an introductory scuba diving course (1-3 days) with guided underwater tours of the reefs and shallows of Costa Rica’s shores.

In reviews, course attendees highlight their frequent sightings of nurse sharks and tiger sharks during the expeditions. 

River & Estuary Wildlife Tours (By Boat!)

Taking a boat down the Rio Tárcoles might be the best way to experience sharks for those who prefer calmer pastimes. 

The Tárcoles River Basin is a hugely important protected shark area; it’s a nesting ground for endangered Scalloped Hammerhead sharks. Move carefully, and you might get a rare glimpse of baby and adolescent hammerheads. 

Those touring the Rio Frio in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge have a great chance of seeing some bull sharks. They’re the country’s only euryhaline shark, so they get the freshwater Frio all to themselves.

Guided Snorkeling & Boat Tours At Sea

Travelers snorkeling in Cahuita National Park & Caño Island often enjoy the sight of schools of nurse sharks, from a safe distance. 

Dolphin watch boat tours are another great way to try to see schools of sharks in action. Tours on the Gulf of Nicoya are particularly good prospects. 

The Gulf is home to several pods of diverse dolphin species year-round. Bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins all maintain communities there. 

While not universal, certain shark schools tend to befriend dolphin pods. The two groups have been known to be great collaborators, both when hunting and during play. 

Tour attendees who’ve seen dolphins’ and sharks’ dance describe the experience in tones of reverence.

Experience Costa Rica’s Sharks & More With Caravan 

Caravan’s Costa Rica Natural Paradise Tour

Reserve your spot today by calling 1-800-227-2826. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/world/americas/orange-shark-costa-rica.html

Ever wanted to walk among the trees, enjoying a birdseye view of the scene below? When you visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, you can do just that. This park is home to a remarkable assortment of hanging bridges that stretch across sections of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests. 

Some sit a bit higher, suspended well above the tree line, while others stretch through the canopy itself. Each one offers incredible views, some immersed in the trees, others offering a birdseye view of the jungle below. 

We see something new every time we go, whether it’s a sloth lounging in the canopy, a boa constrictor chilling on a branch, or another elusive or hard-to-spot critter. Some days, it’s misty, creating a moody, almost ethereal feel, while other days are bright and clear, offering incredible views of the volcano far beyond. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or enjoy a good bit of bird watching, this park is well worth the visit. And, when you travel with Caravan on our Costa Rica Natural Paradise tour, we’ll stop there (and at a bunch of other interesting spots throughout the country) and enjoy a hike.

The Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike: The Park’s Intriguing History

The area where the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park wasn’t always a meticulously cared-for reserve. In the early 20th century, it was nothing more than a dense rainforest, home to all sorts of wildlife and plants. But Adrian Castillo and Landelina Rodriguez Sanchez, husband and wife, had a vision for the land they inherited. 

This land, nestled in the Arenal Volcano foothills, had much to offer. Adrian and Landelina, La Fortuna natives, recognized the inherent value of the land. They decided to preserve its natural beauty and share it with the world, taking the first steps toward what the park is today. 

Working with a development company, the Los Puentes Colgantes del Arenal project, or the Arenal Hanging Bridges project, began. The project took years, requiring just over a decade to finish the hanging bridges and extensive network of paths. In the end, Adrian and Landelina’s efforts paid off. 

Today, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a popular attraction in Costa Rica. Its vibrant beauty draws countless visitors from all over the world. The park is still managed by the same family, currently operating under the efforts of Adrian and Landelina’s grandchildren. It still revolves around the original dream—to share the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountainous rainforests, blanketed with dense vegetation, with the world. 

What to Expect During Your Hike

A hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is full of flora, fauna, and incredible views. As you make your way through the layers of the rainforest, you’ll get to enjoy different aspects of the rainforest since each layer has something different to offer. 

Lots of Wildlife

The rainforests of Costa Rica are home to lots of wildlife. If you enjoy bird watching or observing wildlife of all kinds, you’ll love meandering through the rainforest. Various critters reside in the different layers of the rainforest (emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor), although a few meander through the multiple levels. 

For example, we always see different insects and invertebrates. The Blue Morpho, a stunning butterfly with iridescent wings, is one of our favorites. Lots of spiders, ants, and other arachnids crawl about the rainforest, some spinning intricate webs across the many trails. So, if you’re the tallest or first in your group (and head out earlier in the morning), keep your eyes peeled for webs. This way, you won’t get a face full of fine, silky fibers.

Beyond the insects and invertebrates, watch for the many reptiles and amphibians. Look for lizards, geckos, and tree frogs perched upon the leafy vegetation. If you’re lucky, you might spot a snake. They’re pretty elusive, though, so completing an entire hike without seeing any is not uncommon. 

If you hike after a rain, you’ll probably hear the tree frogs singing away, filling the rainforest with sound. You might even hear a few monkeys going about their daily business, calling out as they swing through the trees. White-faced Capuchins and Spider Monkeys are common, although they’re just two of the many species here. 

In addition to the monkeys, watch for other mammals, like the two-toed and three-toed sloths. These guys like to hang out in the canopy, often going unnoticed due to their camouflaged coats and slow-moving nature. 

If you appreciate bird-watching, watch for the many birds that call the rainforest home. Brightly colored toucans and vibrant scarlet macaws are usually easy to spot thanks to their eye-catching colors. The itty-bitty hummingbirds can be tougher to spot, but you might see one if you keep an eye on the flowers throughout the rainforest layers.   

Beautiful (and Incredibly Diverse) Plant Life

As you’d probably guess, you’ll get to see all sorts of plant life during your hike. After all, you’ll be in a rainforest, so lots of vegetation is expected. Each layer of the rainforest is made up of different plants, so as you make your way through the forest and across the hanging bridges, you’ll probably notice that certain plants only appear in specific layers. 

For example, on the forest floor, you’ll probably spot a bunch of different fern varieties, including delicate maidenhair varieties and dominating prehistoric-looking tree ferns. Look for the iconic Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, in the understory. 

While you’re strolling across the hanging bridges, look for the Kapok trees, which often dominate the canopy. These guys usually have all sorts of plants clinging to them, as their massive size makes them the perfect buddies for plants like strangler figs and vines. 

There are even a few flowers that appreciate the abundant sunshine available in the upper layers of the rainforest, so keep your eyes peeled for those as you meander across the higher-hanging bridges. Bromeliads and orchids, epiphytic (plants that grow on the surface of another) plants, thrive in the humid canopy and are abundant in the upper layers. They add eye-catching splashes of color to the otherwise green palette. 

Stunning Views 

The bridges offer an incredible view of the reserve below. Some are suspended well above the tree line, giving you a different angle of the surrounding rainforests. There are even a few that hang in line with the tree line, making it feel as though you’re strolling through the treetops. 

It’s a fascinating experience, especially if you’ve only spent time on the rainforest floor. The different perspectives give you a closer look at the emergent layer (the tallest trees jutting out of the canopy) and canopy. Each layer of the rainforest is home to different flora and fauna, so when you make your way up to the hanging bridges, you might spot plants and animals you haven’t seen before!

Caravan’s Costa Rica Tour: Arenal Hanging Bridges and More

Whether you’ve added Costa Rica to your bucket list for its lush rainforests, soothing hot springs, or pristine beaches, our Costa Rica Natural Paradise tour has you covered. The eight-day adventure tours you around the country, stopping at all sorts of stunning spots. 

On day one, you’ll fly into San Jose, the jump-off point for your vacation. Day two covers sightseeing in San Jose before meandering to the artisan village of Sarchi and perusing a coffee plantation. On day three, you’ll make your way to Zarcero, with its sculpted topiary gardens and a Moorish-styled church, and the San Carlos Valley, Sloth Point, and the Arenal Volcano Overlook. This evening makes up the hot springs part of your Arenal hanging bridges hike and hot springs excursion (and let us tell you, it’s so worth it!). 

Day four is full of the pristine beauty of Costa Rica, complete with a morning visit to the Hanging Bridges Park and a scenic drive around Lake Arenal, through Guanacaste, and to the Nicoya Peninsula. On day five, you’ll take a trip to a scarlet macaw sanctuary and embark on a wildlife hike, where you’ll have ample opportunity to spot Costa Rica’s many animal inhabitants. 

On day six, you’ll get the full day to peruse around the Nicoya Peninsula, considered one of just five Blue Zones (areas where residents have remarkably long and healthy lifespans) in the world. Spend the day soaking up the sunshine on Playa Tambor, enjoy the amenities at your resort, or spend time floating in the sparkling blue waters—it’s up to you!

Day seven takes you back to the mainland on a ferry ride (watch for dolphins—they often swim playfully alongside the ferry). After lunch, enjoy a cruise along the Tarcoles River, which meanders through a mangrove forest teeming with wildlife. Wrap up your tour with a farewell dinner with your travel companions. 

On day eight, you’ll make your way back home with your treasure trove of memories and experiences to commemorate your trip. 

Book a Fully Guided Tour to Costa Rica’s Wonders With Caravan 

If you’re ready to dive into Costa Rica’s natural wonders, our Natural Paradise tour is here to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. It includes a Mistico Hanging Bridges guided tour, ensuring you can enjoy Costa Rica’s pristine rainforests. So, pack your bags, book a flight, and get ready to soak in the timeless beauty of Costa Rica! Book a trip today by calling 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-312-321-9800.