10 Things to know before visiting the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde
Pura Vida!! Nestled in the lush tropical rainforests of Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, you’ll find one of the most unique and exhilarating attractions in the country, hanging bridges. These suspended walkways offer an unforgettable experience as you traverse above the dense canopy of trees. Whilst doing so, you’ll take in the breathtaking views of verdant forests and exotic wildlife. Each step on these bridges is an adventure in itself. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in nature while feeling a sense of awe at its raw beauty.
In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde and why it should be on your bucket list when visiting Costa Rica.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
1. How to get to Monteverde
No matter where which major destination you’re starting your journey from, we have you covered. We used 12go to book and compare transfer prices in Costa Rica but we always tried to use public buses and drivers when we could.
How to get from San Jose to Monteverde
The cheapest way of travelling from San Jose to Monteverde is via public bus. This bus leaves twice a day, costs 3,800₡ ($7) and leaves twice a day from Terminal 7-10 station or the public bus station at SJO airport. The morning bus leaves at 6:30am and arrives into Monteverde at 11am. The afternoon bus leaves at 2:30pm before arriving at 7pm. This bus takes longer as there is significantly more traffic on the road at this time.
Another method of travelling is by shuttle bus. This is an excellent interim choice between a public bus and a private shuttle, which is incredibly expensive. Despite costing between 7,900₡-24,300₡ ($14.5-$44.5) depending on whether you take a bus or a van, this is the best way of getting from San Jose to Monteverde. It provides the best balance between saving money and time for travellers, it has A/C throughout and takes just three to four hours of travel time.
How to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde
The public bus is again the cheapest way to get to Monteverde from La Fortuna. However, as there’s no direct bus to La Fortuna, you’ll have to change buses twice and the journey takes between five and eight hours. If you’re looking to keep costs minimal and you have the time to then this is a great option. If you don’t have that time to spare, this may not be the best choice for you!
The option we chose was a shuttle bus which is referred to by locals as a taxi, boat, taxi. You can choose to leave at either 8am or 2pm but we opted for the earlier time just to get it over with. We got picked up directly outside our accommodation in La Fortuna and were transported to the west side of Lake Arenal. From here you’ll wait with loads of other vans before the ferry boats arrive to transport you across. On the other side of Lake Arenal, another van will be waiting for you and take you directly to your next accommodation. Despite the small increase in price, it was the most direct option which we preferred. If you’re making the journey, we’d highly recommend this option!
How to get from Jaco to Monteverde
Even though you have to get two buses, our recommended method to get to Monteverde from Jaco is by public bus. The first bus you need to catch is from Jaco to Puntarenas which costs just 1,100₡ ($2) and takes 1.5 hours. The bus leaves from Jaco Beach at 6am, 9am, 12pm and 4:30pm. From Puntarenas, the bus leaves directly to Monteverde at 8:30am and 2:15pm everyday. A third bus leaves at 1:15pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Similarly, On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays another bus leaves at 3:30pm from Santa Elena bus stop in Puntarenas. Bus tickets cost just 2,200₡ ($4) from Puntarenas to Monteverde. In total, the travel time is roughly 4 hours and costs 3,300₡ ($6).
The other option is a direct shuttle bus from Jaco to Monteverde. This bus will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you at your next. Whilst this journey does only take 2.5 hours, it does cost 24,000₡ ($44) so it may be out of your price range. This is another journey where you’ll have to decide whether time or money is more valuable.
How to get from Tamarindo to Monteverde
As the distance between both towns is so great in Costa Rican terms, travelling to Monteverde by public bus is a great task! The whole journey takes between 10 and 11 hours in total with the bus departing from Tamarindo at 7am. You will then have a five/six hour to get to La Irma where the next bus is a three-hour wait. To further complicate matters, you’ll need to purchase your 5,000₡ ($9) ticket at least one day in advance from the Parada Tamarindo bus station.
Given the above, we’d highly recommend booking a group shuttle from your accommodation to Monteverde. The journey time is much shorter at just 4.5 hours and far more convenient in terms of getting there. You simply have to get on one bus and just relax. Another big plus is that it also has A/C which is a lifesaver in the Costa Rican heat! Admittedly, it is more expensive, but it’s definitely worth the extra money in our opinion!
2. Where to stay in Monteverde to visit the hanging bridges
Selina Monteverde
Like the many other Selina’s located in Costa Rica and Panama, Selina Monteverde was incredibly popular and had everything you needed. The rooms were well-kept, the beds were comfy and the hot showers were perfect after a long day of activities.
Whilst it admittedly isn’t the closest to the centre of Santa Elena (the nearest town), the atmosphere certainly makes up for it! As you’re likely to eat here a lot, it’s thankful that the restaurant has a range of options for both breakfast and dinner which are super yummy. Selina puts on a whole host of activities throughout the week including karaoke and movie nights which is really enjoyable! This particular Selina is really beautiful and quiet which is perfect for taking in your surroundings. It even has two hot tubs located outside which is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the evening!
Cabañas La Pradera
If you’re looking for accommodation with a great view, look no further than Cabañas la Pradera! You have the option of renting your own cabin with kitchen facilities and its own balcony. This will allow you to spend some relaxing evenings gazing into the distance after having a hot shower.
Cabañas is also a family-owned business are all incredibly helpful and super friendly and will happily answer any questions you may have about the area. Despite being situated just outside Santa Elena, the town centre is still easily accessible on foot. It’s far enough away that you’re outside the hustle and bustle but can still walk to the great range of cafes and restaurants.
Hotel Belmar
Hotel Belmar is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever get the chance to stay in Monteverde. All you need to do is look at the pictures to understand how incredible this location is! Complete with breathtaking views over the cloud forest, the whole site runs on a farm-to-table concept. This meant the food was of really high quality and we loved eating at the restaurant every day. In addition, Hotel Belmar has its own brewery which produces a great selection of craft beer and appetizers to accompany it.
You will also get the opportunity to use the on-site hot tubs as well as the tour desk to book activities in Monteverde. The location also allowed us to go on mini-hikes in the area, which was thoroughly enjoyable, and nearby restaurants.
3. Where are the hanging bridges in Monteverde?
There are quite a few Hanging Bridges in Monteverde but each one is very unique which means there’s a site for you no matter what you prefer.
Selvatura Park
Selvatura Park’s treetop walkways provide an enjoyable way of experiencing the Monteverde cloud forest on an entirely new level. The 8 different bridges along the 1.9 mile trail range from a whopping 560ft to 170ft in length and provide mesmerizing views of the tree canopies.
Selvatura was the park we visited and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Despite visiting on a drizzly day, we were still about to see for miles and gaze around at all of the beautiful wildlife around us. You can take this trip on your own but we bumped into loads of groups with guides who seemed to really be enjoying themselves. If we were to do this again we’d definitely hire a guide as you can see and learn so much more about the area’s wildlife.
No matter what age or physical condition you’re in, Selvatura Park is for absolutely everyone. You can take as long as you’d like around the trail and it’ll give you a chance to take in the absolute beauty of the cloud forest. If you’re worried about the height or quality of the bridges as it’s so oven into the land you don’t feel high up at all! The condition of the bridges is continuously reviewed and was originally made using high-quality materials.
Sky Adventures
This Sky Walk will have you experiencing the cloud forest from a whole new level and it’s one of the most popular Hanging Bridge tours in Monteverde. The 2.5 mile trail consists of 6 unique hanging bridges as well as the largest Hanging Bridge in the whole of Costa Rica!! This makes it perfect for families in addition to the safety netting giving you that extra piece of mind.
It takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete, given the sights on the way, if you choose to take the tour at your own pace. However, should you opt for a guide then the tour will take roughly 3 hours. Local guides are well worth hiring as they can provide you with intriguing facts about the unique fauna and flora in the park. But if you’re short on time then you can always take the sky tram which has unrivalled views across the Arenal Volcano National Park!
You can book the Skywalk and Skytram tour here!
100% Aventura Hanging Bridges
Unlike the rest of the Hanging Bridges on this list, 100% Aventura Park is a young forest. This means that the landscape is developing new life and will become “fully grown” in some time. As a result, there is less scenery but there still is absolutely tons of wildlife to experience. But, this is a great opportunity to learn about why and how the reserve is embarking on such a project.
If you book via the 100% Avenutra website, a naturalist guide comes included in the price so you can learn all about the area. Don’t forget to look to the sky as you might catch people ziplining 100ft above your head. Don’t worry, they won’t fall as they’re tightly secured!
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Whilst it technically isn’t in Monteverde, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are extremely popular in the area and well worth visiting if you’re near La Fortuna.
If you do visit, it’s highly recommended you book a guide as they’ll be able to point out all the best bit about the park. The hike takes around 2 hours with several stops along the way to take it all in. You’ll be able to see everything from howler monkeys to toucans and miles into the distance. There are 6 hanging bridges in total and all are incredibly awesome. However, what makes this particular Hanging Bridge tour so unique is the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano which is stunning.
4. When is the best time to visit the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde?
By far the best time to visit the Hanging Bridges is during the dry season. This occurs between December and April and is when the days are at their sunniest meaning you have a great chance of seeing all the amazing wildlife the cloud forest has to offer! This will also give you the chance to get far better photos which you can remember your experience with.
Despite the hot weather, because you’re so high up you’ll get a nice cool breeze when you’re walking around. We’d highly advise you to go as early as possible when the hanging bridges are the quietest as you’ll enjoy it far more!
5. Do you need to book a tour to visit the Monteverde Hanging Bridges?
No, you don’t have to book a tour at all.
One of the best ways of experiencing this on a budget is by hiring your own scooter and buying a ticket once you get there. It is best to buy in advance on the relevant website and there’s a huge parking lot where you can park for free! Tickets cost between 13,600₡ and 16,400₡ ($25-$30) and I can assure you it was worth the price.
How to book
Having said that, if you want to book in advance it will make your life a lot more stress-free. We ended up booking through our hostel at Selina which included transport there and back. Selina sold their tickets for 13,600₡ ($25) which was a really good deal. We felt that given Selina was located further out of town and we weren’t renting a motorbike here, it was a very good deal. Don’t worry if you’re not staying at Selina as your accommodation is bound to offer a similar deal as the Hanging Bridges are famous in Monteverde.
If you want to get the best out of your visit to the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde, why not book your own tour?! This Hanging Bridge Tour of the Selvatura Park is incredibly popular as your very own guide will walk you through every inch of the forest! Your guide is super knowledgeable and will know where all the best spots are to see some amazing wildlife!
6. What to bring and wear to the hanging bridges
- raincoat
- camera
- binoculars
- good footwear
- hat
- sunscreen
- bug spray
- a good jumper
7. What Monteverde wildlife can you see from the bridges?
Costa Rica houses nearly 5% of the total species estimated worldwide with an incredible 500,000! This makes it one of the top 20 richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity. As a result, Monteverde’s cloud forest is absolutely bursting with wildlife.
Apart from all the plants you can see, hidden away are some beautiful animals. When you visit these treetop walkways, make sure to look out for Toucans, two-toed Sloth, Pacas and Monkeys. If you get insanely lucky, the Monteverde Cloud forest also hosts Pumas and Jaguars. However, they’re very shy and elusive and rarely seen by humans.
8. What facilities are there at the Monteverde Hanging Bridges?
You’ll be glad to hear there are toilet facilities at any Hanging Bridges in Monteverde so you won’t be caught short. At Selvatura Park there’s also a huge gift shop by the entrance which you must take a look around! As you can predict, the Selvatura Park gift shop has pretty much anything you can imagine. From pencils to cuddle toys, this is a great place to grab a small gift for the family, if you can fit it in your suitcase!
However, the main facility at Selvatura Park is the El Jardin cafe/restaurant across the parking lot. Apart from doing a tasty mocha, this is a great place to come and refuel no matter what your taste buds are asking for. Make sure to have a look at their fresh cake section if you want a light snack or go for some quesadillas if you’re hungrier!
9. Are the hanging bridges in Monteverde worth it?
Without a doubt yes!
Walking along the numerous suspension bridges enables you to see the cloud forest from a completely different angle which was so enjoyable! It’s also an activity so different from any other and there is no better place to do it than Monteverde. What isn’t there to love about spending a day walking around the tranquillity of the cloud forest and listening to nothing but the sounds of animals?!
10. What else is there to do in Monteverde?
Despite being such a small region, there are plenty of other activities to do in Monteverde!
Ziplining at Monteverde Extremo Park
The other main activity to do in Monteverde is to go zip-lining. Whilst there are numerous different companies, we highly recommend Monteverde Extremo Park as we had such great fun here! This park has 14 different cables and ranges from 246ft (75m) to 492ft (150m) in height. The longest canopy tour on this circuit is 4km and it feels like it lasts forever! This park is actually situated in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest which is just north of Monteverde.
There are two things that make this park so unique. The first was that two of the zip lines require you to take it superman-style (head first). Whilst it was slightly nerving to start with, it ended up being really enjoyable! The second is the Tarzan swing. Here you willingly sit on the edge of a platform before being unexpectedly rappelled 100 metres below. If you’re an adrenaline seeker then this is your activity as we’ve never felt anything like it!
The best part about this tour is that it includes transportation both to and from the park which makes your life so much easier!
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Tour
Another activity we really enjoyed doing was this 3-in-1 Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar tour. We found it extremely interesting as it was very educational and informative and something else you don’t get to do every day! Our guide took us around the beautiful farm and we got to see and participate in almost every step of the process. We also got to try different cocoas, sugarcane products and coffee which was great fun. The tour took around two hours and was the perfect length of time.
If you don’t fancy taking this tour during the day, you can always visit during the night and include a wildlife tour as well!
100% Aventura Monteverde
If you’re looking for an alternative to Extremo Park, then 100% Aventura Monteverde is another great option! Included in this popular tour are 10 different zip lines where you keep an eye out for local wildlife such as monkeys in the rainforest below. 100% Aventura Monteverde also has one of Latin America’s longest and highest ziplines, stretching 1.2 miles (1.9km)!! Don’t worry, you also can fly along the zip-line Superman-style and face your fears with the Tarzan swing!
However, what makes this tour so special is that it includes a fun ATV ride!
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There you have it, everything you need about visiting the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde. Outlining how to get there, where to stay and the other best things to do in the area. This guide will give you everything you need to know about exploring the Hanging Bridges so you can have the best experience possible!
If you’ve enjoyed this guide, why not check out our Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List and our Guide to Backpacking Costa Rica!
Have you ever been to the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde? Let us know your experience or what you think in the comments below and Pura Vida!
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
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I’ve got Costa Rica high on my list. Would love to check out these hanging bridges.
You absolutely should, it was such a great activity!
The bridges and the views look amazing! But to be honest I think I’d be a bit scared crossing such high and long hanging bridges 🫣
We were at first Tina but they’re very safe I can assure you!
This was one of my favourite things in Costa Rica! Especially as we had a bit of a foggy day which added some drama. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed it too Marga!Foggy days are always cool that high up.
Wow, how interesting that Costa Rica houses nearly 5% of the total species estimated worldwide! I will definitely keep my eyes peeled to see all the things! Haha! Great tips and insight!
Thanks so much Destiny! You can really tell when you visit as it’s a beautiful country!
Those hanging bridges are stunning aren’t they!? I would looove to visit them and hope to see some of the fabulous Costa Rican wildlife. The zip-lining sounds great too… but mostly I’d want to walk on those bridges to look down to the canopy.
They’re even better than they look Josy! It was so beautiful and you can spend hours there gazing at the wildlife below. Hope you get the chance to go at some point!
Costa Rica is one of the top destinations on my bucket list, and visiting the hanging bridges in Monteverde is definitely something I would like to do while I am there. Thank you so much for this helpful guide!
You really should Brittany! It was such a beautiful place to visit and so much to do. Thanks for your kind comment!