Arenal Hanging Bridges, Suspension bridges in Arenal, Costa Rica.

Arenal Hanging Bridges is a 3 km self-guided interpretive trail through a 250 ha private rainforest reserve at 600 m above sea level. Walkers cross 15 bridges, 6 of them hanging, with views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. The forest lies on the Arenal fault, a transition zone between highland and lowland ecosystems.

The bridges were originally built as a tool for researchers to access remote forest areas between mountain ranges that were difficult to reach on foot. Over time, they were opened to the public and became a popular way for nature enthusiasts to explore the canopy.

The pathways connect visitors with how local people understand and relate to the rainforest, as guides share knowledge about plants and traditional ecological practices encountered along the way. This creates a direct experience of how communities view their natural surroundings.

Plan your visit for early morning when visibility is best and wildlife activity is highest, and wear sturdy shoes with good grip for walking on potentially wet surfaces. Staying on marked trails and following park rules is important for safety and to protect the forest environment.

The park is the only biological corridor letting large mammals such as pumas, jaguars and tapirs move between the Guanacaste and Tilarán volcanic ranges. Between November and February the bridges give clear views of the mass migration of raptors heading south.