Hanging bridges conveniently link popular hiking trails, providing visitors with safe and easy access to exciting views and breath-taking vistas.

Enchanting hiking trails. Around Arenal volcano, in the La Fortuna de San Carlos area, there are tours for observing migratory and native birds. Tours start at 6 am and last around two and a half hours. Monteverde is another destination worth visiting, with multiple routes and bridges to choose from. Tour guides are a great way to learn the secrets of the local flora and fauna, while immersing yourself in the natural history.

Guidelines for not getting lost! Never veer off established trails. Radios, tape recorders, and loud speaking are not allowed, so as to not disturb the animals. Jumping, rocking, and running on the bridges are also prohibited.

Observing from above

An easy option. Hanging bridges are, without a doubt, the best way to observe the canopy in detail. In Jaco, on the Pacific side, there is a sky tram on private property with stunning views of small waterfalls and the ocean. The hour-long excursion covers 5,900 ft. (1,800 m).

About an hour from San Jose there is another option in a private reserve located next to Braulio Carrillo National Park. These bridges ascend the rainforest at various heights - from16 to 164 ft. / 5 to 50 m for 1.6 miles (2.6 km).

In Turrubares, some 2,034 ft. (260 m) long and about 262 ft. (80 m) high, the Grande de Tarcoles River and its abundant crocodile population can be safely observed.

Monteverde also has sky trams and on a clear day, you can see both the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal volcano.

High up in the forests. Zip lines through the cloud forest of Monteverde offer an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to see more than 400 species of birds. Cuidad Quesada, San Mateo, San Ramon, near the Pacuare River, the Tabacon hot springs and even the Poas volcano all offer similar high energy experiences.

In the Central Valley. There’s a high-speed, one minute zip line in the Central Valley that stretches almost a mile. Its highest point is 328 ft. (100 m) and zip liners achieve speeds up to 55 mph (90 kph).

Close to the ocean. In Drake Bay on the warm Osa Peninsula, zip lines run among lush canopy, with views of the rivers and flourishing greenery.

For safety

• Wear long pants or shorts comfortable shoes, and use sun block as well as insect repellent.
• Be sure to find companies with experienced guides and sound equipment.
• Be sure that the company you choose has certified guides and safety measures in case of emergency.
• You must be at least six years old to zip line, with a minimum weight of 50 lbs. (22 kilos) and 5 ft. (1.45 m) in height. There is no age limit for adults except for 300 lbs. (135 kilos) in weight and 7 ft. (2.15 m) in height.
• Every zip liner is required to sign a release form.