The history of Mistico Park, home of Costa Rica’s renowned suspension bridges, dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, with husband and wife Adrián Castillo and Landelina Rodríguez Sánchez, both born and raised in La Fortuna, San Carlos. They diligently worked the land they inherited from their parents, located in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. At the time, this land of great natural wealth was neglected due to its remote location and difficult access. However, the vision of the Castillo Rodriguez family was broader, recognizing the true value of the land in its natural treasures. Therefore, they chose to preserve the portion of the mountain covered by forest.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the family decided to share the forest sanctuary with the world and hired a company to oversee the development of the ecotourism project known as the Arenal Hanging Bridges, offering people from all over the world the opportunity to admire the beauty of the forest in a safe and comfortable way. Twelve years later, as initially agreed, the development company hands over the operation of the project to its owners, who continue to manage the reserve today, through their grandchildren.

Exploring the Rainforest: The Hanging Bridges of Mistico Park

A series of suspension bridges suspended high above the rainforest floor. The bridges range in length from 5 to 100 meters, with some exceeding 60 meters in height. Some of them are more than 60 meters high. They offer breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest and its inhabitants, such as exotic birds, monkeys and other wildlife. The visitors can explore the park at their own pace, enjoying the sounds and beauty of the rainforest as they walk the trails. In total, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges circuit is approximately 2.7 km long and can be covered in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Along the way, tourists will learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest and how it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem.

Mistico Park’s Suspension Bridge Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and admission includes a self-guided tour of the park.

Advice and Recommendations

  • What to wear?

Visitors should wear closed shoes suitable for hiking and comfortable clothing. Also, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of water.

  • Why book a guided tour?

Booking a guided tour not only allows you to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat, but also provides you with the experience and passion of expert guides. The guides will help you spot and understand animals, as well as provide valuable insights into their behavior, habitat, and conservation. Make the most of your experience with the help and guidance of our guides.

This trip will take you through the dense rainforest, where you will experience the thrill of crossing a series of suspension bridges suspended high above the forest floor. Guided by an expert, you will learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest and their role in the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As you cross the bridges, your guide will introduce you to birds such as toucans and parrots, howler and spider monkeys, and other animals such as sloths and reptiles.

Sensorial Sunsets