Located
just outside of Santa Elena, approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from the famous
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Sky Walk is a complex of suspension bridges and
platforms constructed within a cloud forest. The principal objective is
to offer a different observational perspective of a tropical forest, as
a new alternative in tourism for nature lovers.
Consisting of five suspension bridges and over 1,800 meters (5,400 ft) of trails, more than 90% of which are constructed within primary forest, Sky Walk is a wonderful, peaceful experience. Permitting a maximum of only 30 people per hour, our goal is to maintain high standards of security within the park, guaranteeing the necessary space and time for visitors to feel the tranquility of the forest, and to effectively maximize Sky Walk's enjoyment value. The trail and bridge system is designed for one-way traffic, in an effort to reduce the frequency of passing other groups on the bridge and trail system.
The time necessary to complete the trail system depends on your interest level and success (luck) you have in finding interesting plant and animal life. A typical visit may last between one and two and one half hours, however, picture lovers may require more time. In order to fully appreciate the complexity of the cloud forest it is recommended that you hire a guide for your visit; guides can be hired for $12.00 per person for a maximum of three hours.
These suspension bridges (see image below, red color) are designed to reach all heights of the forest, including the canopy. While constructed to to support a maximum of 40 people, a maximum of people are permitted on any one bridge simultaneously. This quantity affords the greatest pleasure, as it facilitates better pacing and more opportunities to observe and photograph.
Bridge #1 (has no name)- length 97
m. (291 ft), maximum height 21 m. (63 ft)
Bridge #2 (Santa Elena) - length 117
m. (351 ft), maximum height 31 m. (93 ft)
Bridge #3 (Colibri)- length 102 m. (306
ft), maximum height 23 m. (69 ft)
Bridge #4 (Cecropia)- length 120 m.
(360 ft), maximum height 37 m. (111 ft)
Bridge #5 (Congo)- length 77 m. (231
ft), maximum height 25 m. (75 ft)
Sky Walk is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the high season (December to April) it is absolutely essential to make reservations at least 12 hours in advance to enter Sky Walk, in order to avoid potential inconveniences. Reservations that are made more than three weeks in advance should be reconfirmed three days prior to the reserved date. A map of the trail system is available at the front desk, which displays a map similar to this one above. The entrance fee is $8.00 US for foreigners
How to get there:
In the town of Santa Elena there is sign pointing to Sky Walk, which is
approximately 3.5 km (2.5 miles); there is a Banco de Costa Rica near this
sign. Follow this road and there are numerous signs leading you to the entrance
of Sky Walk. The road is a dirt road and would be much more easily tackled
with a four-wheel drive vehicle, however, a regualr car could make the trip
is driven slowly.
via e-mail at Sky Walk or,
P.O. Box 57 5655
Monteverde, Puntarenas,
Costa Rica, Central America
Tel: (506) 645-5697 or Tel/Fax: (506) 645-5238