Sky Walk - Costa Rica Suspension Bridges
Sky Walk / Skywalk is a spectacular combination of suspension bridges with easy and well maintained walking trails build in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and above the tropical forest canopy. Also see: Sky Trek Canopy Tour and other Monteverde Tours.
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest plants abound which are specially adapted to absorb moisture directly from the mist. It is from these huge, misty forests that Costa Rica's abundant water sources derive.
Epiphytes (plants which live on trees in order to reach the sunlight) also abound in these forests, adding to the water-gathering ability of the trees. The epiphytes are not parasites; they feed off water and dust and nutrients which accumulate around their roots.
Costa Rica has roughly 1,500 species of orchids, almost all of them epiphytes. Costa Rica, in fact, provides much of the world's supply of orchids. Other epiphytes include bromeliads (over 200 species, much more commonly seen than the orchids.) The epiphytes, treetops and vines create a canopy that preserves the moisture within the forest, and also provides a home for many small animals and insects that live their whole lives in the canopy, never touching the ground. The cloud and Costa Rica rainforest comprise some of the world's most complex ecosystems. Sky Walk gives a chance to everybody to easily see up close the beauty of the Costa Rica Canopy.
Until recently, little was known about life in tropical forest treetops, because getting up there was nearly impossible. Early explorers used ropes and pulleys or ladders carved into tree trunks. Today, biologists explore the canopy via towers, suspension bridges like Skywalk, rafts lowered gently onto treetops by dirigibles, and even construction cranes.
Biologists now know that about 90 percent of all organisms in a rainforest are found in the canopy. The sun that barely reaches the forest floor strikes treetops with full force, fueling the photosynthesis that results in leaves, fruit, and seeds. Since there's so much good food way up there, animals abound in the canopy.
The Sky Walk tour includes 2.5 kilometers of trails and 6 suspended bridges across deep canyons at the level of the treetops. The longest bridge is about 243 meters (800 feet) in length. Anybody that can walk for 2 hours can live this experience. There is no strenuous climb or mud and the trails are very well maintained. It takes an average of 2 hours, much more if you pay attention to all the different plants, trees and wildlife along the way. The temperature can be cool in these mountains so wear pants, good walking shoes and bring a light jacket or sweater. Insect repellent is not necessary but suntan protection lotion is. Binoculars and poncho or umbrella are recommended. After all, this is a Cloud Forest. At the entrance, you can find a restaurant & souvenir shop. There is also a hummingbird garden where you can watch dozens of these amazing creatures flit around. Because there is a 12 person maximum capacity per bridge, RESERVATIONS are recommended, especially in July, August and from December till May.
Round trip transportation is available, please go here make reservations online and view schedules. Please note on the reservation page that you can also book the Sky Tram (coming soon) and Sky Trek Canopy Tour separately or as a bundle.
For questions and info please e-mail: skywalk@monteverdeinfo.com or take advantage of our special combo offer combining the Sky Trek Canopy Tour + the Sky Walk: Awesome quiet observation of our majestic forest + action pack on the Online Reservation Form!
See all Costa Rica Zip Line and Canopy Tours ~ General info and comparisions of the Monteverde Costa Rica Canopy tours or earch all tours in Costa Rica