Hanging Bridges Guided Hike- Aventuras

The Hanging Bridges Guided Hike is a mixture of terrestrial trails through an old growth forest and safely constructed suspended walkways high up in the tree tops where you can experience the cloud forest canopy at every level. With a professional naturalist guide, who won’t let you miss a thing, you’ll learn more than you ever knew existed in this magical setting.

You’ll meet with your bilingual guide who will take you into the lush rain forest environment stopping all along the way to view various plants, insects and birds living in this unique ecosystem. Occasionally you may see a mammal if they are nearby and willing to be seen!

Costa Rica is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of flowering orchids in the world. Many are tiny but exquisitely elegant in detail. They thrive in wet tropical woodlands along with other varieties of epiphytes (air plants) which your guide will point out to you.

In addition you may encounter carefully camouflaged insects, a variety of birds, amphibians and possibly even a snake. You’ll want to wear hiking shoes for protection, and because it can be cooler in the cloud forest, bring along a light jacket. If you forgot your raincoat, ponchos are provided.

Crossing over 8 hanging bridges, you will get a bird’s eye view of the dense verdant canopy below. Sightings of animals in this area include tropical birds such as the toucan, coatimundis, monkeys, tarantulas, interesting lizards and snakes. Nothing is guaranteed but your knowledgeable guide, who roams this area daily, will be scouting out any available wildlife during your hike.

Near the end you will come to a massive hollowed out tree. This was formed from the roots of a vine called the strangler fig that over time surrounds another tree until it dies leaving the inside open. You can explore inside the tree as well as opt to climb up its interior using ropes to get to a suspended bridge at the top.

The 3 kilometer trail (not quite 2 miles) involves moderate uphill hiking as this is mountainous terrain. Anyone in reasonably fit condition can comfortably participate and children under 5 are free. During rainy season the well maintained trails can become muddy, another good reason to wear your hiking shoes. This is an opportunity to slow down from your other extreme sports activities and take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the rich forest life surrounding you. You’ll be glad you did!

This half day hike includes round trip transportation, guide and entrance to the private reserve.