Two adventurous and fun ways to dive and discover the cloud forest in the Central American country.
Costa Rica has many attractions and one of the most stimulating is its offer to get to know and enjoy the rainforests in depth and in a fun way. What’s more, the Central American country was one of the first to opt for ‘canopy’, the walkways and zip lines that allow you to discover the Monteverde cloud forest from the treetops in a unique network of aerial trails. It is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo, but it will be an unforgettable experience.
Monteverde, a protected area of the Central American country, offers a unique opportunity to admire the exuberant forest from a different perspective in the middle of a scenery with wild animals such as toucans, monkeys, macaws, butterflies or the elusive hummingbirds or quetzals. As the Costa Ricans’ most famous phrase goes, ¡pura vida! a greeting response that reflects the good humour with which they face things. In other words, Monteverde is just what you need if you plan to travel to Costa Rica with an adventurous spirit: you will enjoy the adrenaline of hanging bridges and zip-lines. There are several parks that offer this experience. Here are three possibilities:
1. Selvatura Park
The treetop trail in this park allows you to enjoy nature on a three-kilometre hike through the Monteverde cloud forest. The trail is interconnected by eight suspension bridges that offer exuberant views of the Costa Rican vegetation, a high altitude gift to disconnect to the fullest. The longest bridge is 170 metres long and the shortest is 50 metres. The tour can take between 1- 1.30 hours. There is the option of taking a guided tour, especially if you want to learn more about the wildlife.
Photo: Selvatura Park
For the more daring there is the Canopy Tour, a zip-line tour that lasts three hours. There are more than 3.5 kilometres that are covered by means of 13 cables that increase in distance as the excursion progresses. There is even a one-kilometre-long zip line. Adrenaline at the highest level! And if you dare, you can do the Tarzan Swing, which emulates the movement of Tarzan’s lianas, or you can also experience the possibility of crossing a kilometre-long cable flying horizontally in the famous Superman style. Of course, these last two experiences have an additional cost, but do you dare?
Foto: Selvatura Park
- Facts: The zip line tour costs €57 for adults, €52 for under 18s and €40 for children. The suspension bridge tour costs €39 for adults, €35 for under 18s and €27 for children.
2. Costa Rica Sky Adventure
How about combining a hike on high altitude trails with suspension bridges? The Costa Rica Sky Adventure park offers the Sky Walk experience where you can enter a 2.5 km circuit that winds up and down, including passing over six suspension bridges at heights of up to 70 metres with spectacular views of the highest part of the Monteverde cloud forest, connecting you with the magic of Costa Rica’s nature in an experience that can take between 1-2 hours. And if you go with children there is the option of doing the tour on only four of the suspension bridges.
Photo: Costa Rica Sky Adventures
The more adventurous can opt for the Sky Trek, a zip line circuit that allows you to unload all your adrenaline surrounded by the beauty of Monteverde. Before you do this, you’ll take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, where the fantastic views of the surrounding forests, the Arenal Volcano and the Gulf of Nicoya are priceless. Then the descent extends through canyons, going from mountain to mountain and through the treetops on cables 40 to 160 metres long and speeds of 40 to 60 kilometres per hour that will push your body to the limit. At the end, on the last 25-metre high platform, you can choose between a “mini bungee” descent or a “controlled descent” with a 12-metre high drop.
- Facts: The suspension bridge tour costs €45 for adults and €31 for children. The zip line experience costs €77 for adults and €53 for children.
3. Monteverde Extremo Park
If you are looking for adrenaline, height and strong emotions, this is the park for you. Monteverde Extremo Park specialises in zip-line tours where extreme adventures are mixed with the natural beauty of the Costa Rican forest, either alone or as a couple. One of its great attractions is the Superman-style canopy that can be experienced in two ways: the first passes over the forest canopy, while the second goes through a tunnel through the mountain, called “Underground Superman”.
On the other hand, there is the option to experience the Tarzan Swing, a kind of giant hammock, except that the person is attached to a harness around their waist. You make a jump from a platform, then swing back and forth until you stop.
- Facts: You can find out more information here
♦ Traveller’s guide:
- If you are planning your trip consult about restaurants, airlines, accommodations on Visitcostarica.
- Generally, the best months to visit Costa Rica are December to April.
