Not exactly the adventure it is advertised as. However, it is a beautiful walk on well-maintained paths with beautiful scenery. It’s not necessary to use a guide unless you really want help finding wildlife (which even some of the guides seemed to have a hard time finding). The price was a bit high ($26 USD per person) but we figure it goes toward maintaining the location. Definitely wear sneakers and bring water. It’s not too rigorous of a hike but some areas are uneven.
It was our first full day in Costa Rica, we were up-and-at-em bright and early. Our guide Erica was waiting for us at our hotel ready to show us native plants and animals at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. She gave us some background information on the ride to Mistico and by the time we arrived we were ready for the adventure. The gardens and plant life in the park are amazing and well looked after. Trails are pleasant with lush plant life and something new to see around each turn. While the park is busy, it is large enough to accommodate all the guests and not feel crowded. The bridges are cool and quite amazing how high some of them are over the forest floor. While somewhat overcast, we were fortunate to see most of the volcano as we traveled through the park.
I think this place is fantastic for families but it’s not for someone looking for challenge or impressive hike. A guide might not be a bad idea if your into discovering the animals. Otherwise, the trek is a very easy 1-2 hours. With that said, what they’ve created is incredible and reasonably priced. The view of the volcano is truly inspiring and with visiting.
Nice walk, maybe a bit to arranged but I guess that is also for protecting the forest from all people visiting. Amazing work to have done and keep the walking paths and bridges in the god condition they are. Stunning views when walking on the hanging bridges. The guides are knowledgeable about animals and plants. Our group of 10 was a bit to large in my view and make it hard for the guise to reach all. All in all I'm happy I took the guided tour as it is easy to miss animals if you walk by yourself, our guide could find and point out, hummingbirds, a sloth, a wiper, tarantulas, bats various birds and of corse many different planes and trees.
This park was truly a highlight of our trip.
GET A GUIDED TOUR!
I had to get that out early so that everyone sees it. I cannot stress that enough. It is a beautiful park with splended viewing and a great hike, but you will miss out on 90% of the wildlife if you tromp through without a knowledgeable guide from Mistico.
Our guide, Indira, was so helpful and enthusiastic to show us the sights. Her knowledge was profound. She also brought along a telescope for remote viewing. Because of her we saw, tarantulas, vipers, monkeys, bats, lizards, and numerous birds, that I know we would've missed without.
A great trip for sure and one that should be on the top of your itinerary for Costa Rica.
Definitely fun! Be aware that it is a rain forest so chances are you will get rained on. The hanging bridges provide beautiful sights. The walking may be difficult for less fit individuals and anyone who has difficulty walking. At the end is a beautiful sight of the volcano if it isn't cloudy you could see the whole thing. Chances are high that you will see all types of animals.
Awesome day! Victor was our guide and we were out for over two hours (prob closer to three). We even went back in after the tour and took more pics on our own. Had a nice coffee. Got a t shirt for our granddaughter.
It was a nice time. Note: Its not a zoo. You see what nature provides.
Lots of fun! You will get to see tons of wildlife! Bring your camera because there are tons of great spots to take pictures. We only did the bridges the route to the first bridge is all uphill but is a relatively short distance so it should be manageable. Although we did not take a guided tour if you are interested in nature photography I would highly recommend it as I noticed those on tours had more things pointed out to them.
Amazing! Nice easy hike for about 2mi and breathtaking views. You do walk across a few hanging bridges so if you have an issue with heights and slightly rocking bridges you might want to skip or just take a deep breath, hang on tight and walk quickly. The views are worth it, assuming it doesn’t rain.
I have High Praise for the people who have developed these walking path and bridges without damaging the rainforest. It is an absolutely magnificent way to experience the life of the rainforest without damaging it. And I got a Elmer gave us so many wonderful details about the various animals and plants we saw.
Great adventure park for the whole family. Beautiful views, wild life and cool experience crossing the hanging bridges! It is a safe place for kids, I highly recommend you visit this park.
Prices are fare, the staff is really friendly.
We arrived at Mistico Hanging Bridges with a tour group, and I am SO glad we did. Having a guide allowed us to see so many animals I'm sure we would have missed otherwise!
The park is really easy to get through, with limited hills, it's all paved and the "hike" is very nice. I did not expect the bridges to be wobbly, but they did move quite a bit!
Being that high up was sort of exhilarating! A few of the bridges reach over 250 feet above the rainforest floor. The views are gorgeous. The different type of plants and flowers are just so pretty.
With the help of our guide, we spotted howler monkeys, an eyelash pit viper, bats in a hollow log, a toucan, and a number of cool insects and lizards.
The bridges are definitely an adventure you should not miss while in Costa Rica!
Horseback Riding - In the early Spring my family travelled to Costa Rica and simply drove around for a week. On a brief stay in the area of La Fortuna we went on a horseback trip booked with Mistico at the park. It was very nice and my two young sons very much enjoyed it. The guide spoke English well and took a lot of time ensuring that we saw a lot of wildlife such as local birds and monkeys. It was well worth the money.
The kids also did the giant balls down the hill. I think they are called Zorbes. This was over rather quickly, but again, it was worth the money in the long run.
Definitely worth it, trails are paved, easy. Although didnt see animals except for a baby snake. Lush green, has an amazing view of the volcano Arenal. Very well kept & maintained, has clean restrooms. There is a restaurant on site, but didn't try it.
Amazing and beautiful nature reserve. Incredible views from the tall hanging bridges, and beautiful scenery through all the park. Easy walk with wheelchair accessible pavements through most of the course. Recommended to do a tour with a guide, although not required.
This park is beautiful and well kept. The service is amazing and the staff is very kind and helpful. We did the self guided walking tour. The guides on the private tours would point out animals if we walked by them. This is not a zoo so it is hard to spot the animals. Next time we will do it with a guide.
It's an okay place to visit. The view of the volcano from here is amazing only when it's visible of course usually there's a fog getting in the way. It does let you experience a bit of the Forest type feel.
Wasn't sure what to expect but this was a great experience and well worth the admission. Great views, the bridges are spectacular, and we even saw a pit Viper. Note they don't let you in wearing sandals (must be shoes with closed toe). Maybe not for you if you don't like heights and wobbly bridges!
Very nice park. Lots of birds, and other wildlife. Saw some monkeys as well. The pathways are well maintained and easy to navigate and the vistas opening up from the bridges are just grand. Having a guide pointing out things on your first visit is very helpful and definitely worth it.
Enjoy the overwhelming richness of animals and plants you will see. Definitely invest in a guide. Ours (Donald) was one of the best guides we ever had. You will see so much more, where other people just pass by. (Sloths, monkeys, snakes, spiders, birds )
Definitely aimed at tourists, both local and international but it didn't get in the way of a great experience. Good quality hanging bridges with great views, abundant wildlife and well maintained and groomed trails. Having been to Manuel Antonio and Monte Verde I mist say this was the most pleasant of them all. Also, have to chime in with others and stress a guide. Whether one comes with a prebooked tour or hire one at the gate they are worth an extra $10-20 (depending on your generosity) to see what is hiding right around you.