Costa Rica Hello Again: Mistico Hanging Bridges

–My Costa Rican Adventure

Day 5 in my series Costa Rica Hello Again found us on the way to the Mistico Hanging Bridges. A place we never tire of–this marks our 4th time in Costa Rica and we’ve gone to the bridges on each trip. Different times of the year and even in the rainy season, we found it to be quite magical. This time on the way there, we even saw a sloth making its way on a tree limb at quite a clip for that animal! It was raining then but by the time we arrived to the park, no rain. The first time we didn’t have to pull out our raincoats!!

Not For The Faint of Heart

If you are afraid of heights and movable walkways, the Mistico Hanging Bridges in Arenal ain’t for ya–matter of fact, we encountered a young lady who was deathly afraid to the point that she left her group to hang out on the ground level. She said she thought she could do it, but alas, not. I felt for her ’cause her goal was to be able to conquer her fear that time. But she wasn’t quite ready and she acknowledged that that was okay. I was glad to hear it. We have to give ourselves Grace and Kindness. Then it’s a habit to share with others.

There have been other times when first-timers freak out when crossing the bridge, on this trip I coaxed a woman across. I held her hand until she started to feel more confident. I will admit, it is a bit disconcerting the first time lol. Oh gosh, just remembered the first trip, the couple we traveled with were also guests at Bio Thermales Hot Springs. The woman drove me kuh-RAZY she was so paranoid, even rushing us through the park because she wanted to get back before dark.

She was as tight as a balled up armadillo with each crossing, insisting that we all race across so she would be the only one walking across afterwards. We barely got to see much and definitely weren’t able to fully appreciate the sights and smells of magnificent nature. UGH. But we have gotten our fill in these last few go ’rounds.

Some Scenes from the Mistico Hanging Bridges

Costa Rica Hello Again: Mistico Hanging Bridges. Jacquie's Mindfulness Musings Blog

The view before the crossing.

About to cross but of course I had to stop to get a pic! The higher up you go, the larger the front of the bridge is.

Sly and I moving across a hanging bridge. What was I doing? Oh, taking a back stretch lol! Once you get past the feeling of the swaying, it’s mad fun being up in the tree canopy! Photo by Frank Herrera of Frank Tours CR-Aguas Zarcas.

Sly and I take a moment to get a shot before moving across a higher bridge. Photo by Frank Herrera of Frank Tours CR-Aguas Zarcas

I love this pie cause it’s so dramatic–“couple take a moment in time, suspended way up in the trees reflecting on what they see and on Life…”

Poison Dart Frogs are really pretty and quite tiny. Touching one of these guys can give you a reaction from mild numbness to paralysis and even death.

As mentioned above, Poison Dart Frogs are so toxic, the name says it all! Look at them and admire from afar…

There are so many beautiful things to see along the way, I was struck by how the yellow stood out among all that wonderful green. AI says it’s likely a Prestoea, Acai palm or Pinanga. The tree is known for it’s distinctive yellow flower.

AI identified this flower as a Lycianthes sanctaeclarae, a member of the nightshade family. I love its striking purple color.

A time for the 2 guys to have a screen moment. Sly with our wonderful guide and friend, Frank Herrera of Frank Tours CR-Aguas Zarcas. If you’re going to be in the area of Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos in the Alajuela Province, make sure you book his services. He also does airport transport. His info is linked at the end of this post.

This is a tradition for Sly. Everywhere we’ve been including the early days of being together, he always takes some silly picture of him holding up something like a tree or knocking it down! Hilarious!

Sometimes you catch the sunlight at just the right time, at just the right angle…

I happen to have a thing for mushrooms, they stop me in my tracks every time. AI thinks it’s Turkey Tail.

One of my favorite pics of my dude and I of all the countless photos we have. This is currently the wallpaper on one of my devices. Love this shot! Thank you Frank Herrera for the capture!

NEXT: Braulio Carrillo National Park

If you enjoyed this and want to start from the beginning of this series, click here

Links

Bio Thermales Hot Springs +506-8862-0926 (English & Spanish)

Frank Herrera Frank Tours CR Aguas Zarcas Whatsapp: +506-8377-6663 (he is fluent in English!)

Q’rico Restaurant

Matiz Restaurante & Café

The Iguana Cafe

Rancho de Ceci

La Fortuna Gastro Club

While You’re Still Here…

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