Selvatura Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica
May 7, 2024
After exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest in the morning, we drove over to the Selvatura Hanging Bridges. Luckily, there was no rain that day, so we were able to navigate the terrain in a 2WD Geely. The road leading up to the park is pretty wild, with a dirt road and steep inclines. I could imagine if it were wet, a 2WD vehicle might get stuck. But at last, we made it to the entrance. The entrance has plenty of parking, and we had no issues finding a spot in front of the onsite restaurant, El Jardin.
Selvatura offers plenty of tours and packages, many of them bundled together so you could spend the whole day at their location. There are canopy (zip line) tours, natural history walks, a butterfly garden, reptile and amphibian exhibitions, and the Selvatura Sloth Habitat. Due to time restrictions and a 3.5-hour drive to La Fortuna, we opted to do the Treetop Hanging Bridges, which is a self-guided tour which will run you about $49 USD/Adult, $44 USD/ 18 and under, $34 USD/ 4-12yrs. They are open 365/days a year and you can schedule your self guided tour at 8:30am, 11:00am, 1:00 pm, or 2:30pm.
Selvatura Hanging Bridges prioritizes environmental conservation and sustainability, contributing to the protection of the delicate ecosystems that make Costa Rica such a biodiverse hotspot. This commitment to eco-friendly practices adds an extra layer of value to the experience for environmentally conscious travelers.
The self- guided tour took about an hour and half to walk through all 8 bridges. The bridges themselves are well-maintained and offer safe passage through the forest canopy, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. While the height of the bridges may be intimidating for some, they are designed to be sturdy and secure, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the rainforest from above. We felt safe walking across the bridges, and had the extra advantage of walking them on a Wednesday when the park was not as busy. Our favorite bridge was #4. It was the longest and tallest with a great overlook over the canopy. We ran into a turkey at the end of the walkway.
After our tour we stopped by the gift shop right outside of the parking lot to look around, and stopped by the bathrooms right outside the entrance to the bridges. Then we were headed back down the dirt road on our way to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is a 3-3.5 hour drive from Selvatura because you must drive around Lake Arenal to get to the other side of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano. So plan accordingly! The road is winding and full of switch backs ( I took Dramamine!).
Overall, Selvatura Hanging Bridges offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, providing an opportunity to connect with the natural world in a truly remarkable way. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor to Costa Rica, this attraction is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Want to check out the Selvatura Hanging Bridges tour via video? Check out my Instagram reel and follow me for more stories!
xx BBVoyage
For travelers who appreciate the great outdoors, are comfortable with heights, and relish the opportunity for a lengthy stroll among the treetops, exploring a canopy walk might be the perfect adventure. These suspended walkways provide a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the forest from a bird's eye view. Whether navigating through lush rainforests or swaying above vast canyons, canopy walks offer a thrilling and memorable experience for those seeking a different vantage point of the world around them. The location is beautiful, but the drive there is not for the faint of heart- use a 4WD! :)
