If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, it’s very possible Monteverde is on your list of places to visit. Monteverde is known for it’s lush rainforest within the clouds and one of the best ways to experience the rainforest is by taking a walk across the huge suspension bridges that you’ll find in Monteverde.
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Best Hanging Bridges in Monteverde
There are a few parks in Monteverde, Costa Rica where you will be able to walk hanging bridges and experience the beauty of the jungle from above.
| Location | Entry Cost | # of Bridges | Other Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Selvatura Park | $49 for adults $34 for children | 8 | 2-mile trail |
| 2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | $26 per person | 1 | 1.7 mile trail |
| 3. Treetopia Park | $44 for adults $26 for children | 6 | 1.7 mile trail |
| 4. El Tigre Waterfalls | $66 per person (with lunch) | 10 | 3.1 miles |
Let’s take a look at the details of each of your options!
1. Selvatura Park
- Address: Selvatura Park, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde
- Cost: $49 for adults and $34 for children
Selvatura Park has the most famous hanging bridge walk in Monteverde and for a good reason. The 2-mile trail has 8 bridges with the highest almost 200 feet from the forest floor, offering amazing views of the Monteverde cloud forest.
The trails are well paved and there is minimal elevation, making the hanging bridges walk a great choice for anyone who isn’t a big fan of hiking. The hanging bridges are very sturdy, and I never felt unsafe walking on them at any point.
From the bridges at Selvatura Park, we were able to look out for exotic birds and animal species. We got lucky enough to see the famous quetzal bird land just steps away from us on a tall branch at eye level with the suspension bridge.
The hanging bridges in Monteverde truly offer your best option of being immersed in the treetops of the jungle and experiencing Costa Rica wildlife up close!
Buy your tickets self-guided tickets here or search for different guided/combo tours on Viator!
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- Address: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde
- Cost: $26 per person
The cloud forest reserve in Monteverde is where you can see the famous red suspension bridge you’ll see online when you search for “Monteverde.”
You can’t miss visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on your trip to Costa Rica. The protected area contains 2.5% of the biodiversity in the entire world including over 3,000 species of plants, 425 species of birds, and 120 mammal species, according to the reserve website.
From the vantage point of the suspension bridge at the Monteverde Reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot diverse species of exotic birds, butterflies, or animals. Or you might want to pay extra to experience all the park has to offer with the assistance of a trained guide.
Check the Monteverde Reserve website for the most up-to-date information about how to book tours and buy tickets to the park.
Book guided tours on Viator (with free cancellation if plans change!)
3. Treetopia Park
- Address: Treetopia Park, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde
- Cost: $44 for an adult self-guided tour, $25.99 for children
The SkyWalk at Treetopia Park is a great choice for families who want a hanging bridges experience in Monteverde that is accessible to everyone in the family. There are 6 hanging bridges that you’ll experience on a 1.7-mile trail they advertise as accessible to all ages and wheelchair users.
The tour is approximately 2 hours in length and there is an option to do the tour with a nature guide to get the most in-depth learning experience. If you have time after, you might be interested in their unique TreeTram experience where you can see the Monteverde cloud forest from above in their 1-mile round-trip cable car.
4. El Tigre Waterfalls & Hike
- Address: El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde, Guanacaste Province, Los Olivos, Costa Rica
- Cost: $66 per person (includes lunch)
At El Tigre Waterfalls, you won’t find the towering metal suspension bridges like what you’ll find at the Monteverde Reserve or Selvatura Park. Instead, El Tigre offers an adventurous hiking and waterfall experience that involves a hike with 10 hanging bridges.
This is a great activity for hikers and adventure lovers. The hanging bridges at El Tigre are made of rope and they are 1-person at a time only. Rather than experiencing the rainforest from above, at El Tigre, you’ll be totally immersed in it.
The hike is approximately 4 hours and is moderately difficult, with opportunities for swimming along the way in the four amazing waterfalls you’ll encounter. At the end of the hike, you can also elect to take a horseback ride back to the reception area!
Monteverde Hanging Bridges FAQs
- Are there any hanging bridges in Monteverde that I can visit for free?
Unfortunately, the hanging bridges in Monteverde are only accessible by paying for access to one of the parks. Your best option if traveling on a budget is to visit the Monteverde Reserve and do a self-guided hike to the red suspension bridge there.
- I don’t want to hike, can I still walk across a suspension bridge in Monteverde?
Even if you aren’t big on hiking, you can still experience the bridges in Monteverde. Either Selvatura Park or Treetopia Park are good options if you prefer not to hike. Their trails are flat and paved, and Treetopia advertises their SkyWalk as handicap accessible.
- Will I see any wildlife while checking out the hanging bridges?
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to see some of the amazing wildlife housed in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Your best chance at seeing wildlife is to do a guided tour. Guided tours are available either at the Monteverde Reserve or at Treetopia Park. You can also find many privately operated guided tours on Viator!
- I only have time for one, which hanging bridge tour should I visit?
If you only have time to go on one hanging bridges tour, I recommend you go to Selvatura Park. They have an amazing bridge walk, with 8 bridges at a height far above the forest floor, while also being reasonably priced and easy to hike.
- What else should I do while in Monteverde?
While a hanging bridges tour should definitely be on your list of things to do in Monteverde, you can also choose from an array of other fun and adventurous activities while you’re here. You might want to do a coffee tour, zipline, or a nighttime wildlife tour. You should also check out coffee shops and restaurants that serve locally sourced coffee and authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
The hanging bridges in Monteverde are symbolic of the beauty and biodiversity that Costa Rica is known for. Besides offering a great photo op, experiencing the cloud forest from above will be an immersive experience you’ll never forget.
Psst! Let us help make your Monteverde trip planning SEAMLESS with the help of this complete 3-day itinerary!
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
