Neither of us is brilliant with heights – I am incapable of standing near cliff edges and my husband has reputedly crawled on shaking hands and knees on a transparent walkway somewhere high up in the USA – so it was with some trepidation that we faced the 3 km of bridges and walkways suspended high above the Monteverde cloud forest in Costa Rica.
However, the sides of the bridges were fairly enclosed and quite high so as long as we didn't look down directly over the edge, we were OK. The bridges did wobble and sway when everyone started walking, forcing us to grab the side rails and it was important to keep a tight hold of your belongings as small items could slip and fall through the gaps between the bridge floor and sides. That aside, it was marvellous to be level with the tree tops and bromeliads; to look out across the hillside and the Continental Divide; to see the clouds scudding overhead.
Disappointingly, we did not see any wild life apart from a hairy porcupine; and birds could be heard but not seen. Unfortunately we were part of a large group led by our tour guide who was not an expert in the Cloud Forest. Also, it was mid afternoon: not a great time for birds. I would recommend visiting alone or as part of a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, early in the morning to gain maximum benefit from the walk. Several of our group bravely returned the following day to enjoy the zip lining experience, which they highly recommended. We felt that might just be a bridge too far!
