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. Sky Walk Costa Rica.
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
regular car could make the trip is driven slowly.
|
