Enjoy a Guided Hike Through the Arenal Hanging Bridges
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.
