We've been to this place several times over the last decade. It's nice if you're not scared of mild heights and if you don't have any problems with walking a bit. There are some pretty spectacular views, but be sure to bring a jacket and a plastic bag for any belongings that you don't want to get wet. It can and does rain, even outside of the "rainy" season!
This is a moderately difficult walk. It has short cuts for early exit, if you get tired. The views are spectacular. The bridges are exciting. They do swing. Each bridge has a sign with length and height. It is a gorgeous walk through the jungle canopy. The trail is not difficult, but the footing can be. It is somewhat paved with masonry bricks. Not a lot of wildlife, but very lush. The falls, mid-way through the walk is worth the extra walking. Very beautiful.
Walked the hanging bridges just before leaving the Arenal area to return to the airport. Well worth the time and cost. The scenery and greenery is magnificent. I live in the desert so this was especially beautiful to me. Walked the entire trail. The bridges can be a little nerve racking if you are afraid of heights but the seemed very safe. I would definitely do this again.
Loved the rain forest but saw very few animals. It was hit during our visit and the hike is a bit much for seniors. I would recommend going to Monte Verde.
I believe you can enter the park on your own but I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a tour guide. There's no way we would have seen a large majority of what we did see without the trained eye of the guide, not to mention her telescope. I wish I could remember the guide's name (it was not a name I had heard before and started with a J if I remember correctly) but at any rate, she was phenomenal. She took her time with us and we learned so much. It did rain for about an hour of our trip but even so, we saw monkeys, sloths, poisonous dart frogs, several eyelash vipers, a couple tarantulas, and lots of birds. Our 8yo son especially loved the hike and all the wildlife. Even more spectacular was all the plant life. The hanging bridges were an exciting addition to the park as well. Overall, of the nine days we were in Costa Rica, this was a definite highlight!!
