mountain – Snapping The Globe

Beginning in Bogota

Mardi Gras is a huge celebration, especially in Louisiana, but amidst the beads and floats, some people forget that Mardi Gras is the precursor to the Lenten season for the Catholic religion. Partying and feasting are the norm during the Mardi Gras season, but all that comes to an end on Ash Wednesday, the day after Fat Tuesday, when Catholics begin their abstinence for six weeks.

Having attended Catholic school, I remember being off of school for the Mardi Gras holiday, but the thing I remembered most was attending mass on Ash Wednesday with my school so that we could receive ashes on our foreheads. For the Lenten season, it was as important to us as Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Recently, I found myself in Bogota. Since I had not been to Colombia in many years, I was excited to revisit some of the places that I had in the past and some new ones. At least one of those places was a church and since it happened to be Ash Wednesday, I was excited to see if any of the traditions in Bogota Catholicism were different than I expected.

Early in the morning, two of my friends and I decided to take an Uber to one of Bogota’s most famous natural landmarks, Monserrate. Rising more than 10,000 feet above the city center, the mountain boasts a 17th century church and shrine devoted to El Señor Caído (“The Fallen Lord”).

I recalled visiting many years ago, but I didn’t remember much except for the photo of a beautiful flower that I took there (that now hangs on my living room wall) and that we had taken a teleférico (cable car) to the top of the mountain.

Arriving at the teleférico station, we discovered that the teleférico was not in operation, only the funicular. So be it! It was either that or a long hike (almost two miles) with a steep grade! Purchasing our tickets, we took our place in line and awaiting our turn to board the railway car to the mountaintop. As we were packed like sardines, it made it easy to make friends and I practiced my Spanish while we enjoyed the scenery during the climb.

At the end of the line, we exited the funicular and made our way along the pathway admiring the beautiful statues of the Stations of the Cross as well as the stunning views of the city below, in between the low clouds and light rain showers. On the adjacent mountain, we spied the 45-foot tall statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe and its adjacent sanctuary, which appeared to be miniscule from our vantage point. Finally, we were face to face with the Basilica Sanctuary of Monserrate which houses the statue of the fallen Lord of Monserrate, representing Jesus falling for the third time on his way to Calvary.

Pausing for a moment to take a photo with the Bogota sign in front of the basilica, we then entered, realizing that Ash Wednesday mass was taking place. Walking quietly through the church, I made my way through its interior, investigating the chapels and its decorative features. At the rear of the building, in an enclosed room behind the altar, I discovered the Lord of Monserrate. It is said that this miraculous effigy of Christ has hair that grows and that when they try to lower it to the city, its weight increases, becoming an impossible task to achieve. It was difficult to get a good look as the viewing windows were small and many people were lined up, hoping to get a glimpse of the famous icon, but I did notice that hair on the statue appeared to be realistic.

Dating back almost 500 years, the basilica is built on the mountain that was once named Cerro de Las Nieves for its frequent cloudiness. A monastery dedicated to the Virgen of Montserrat was founded in this location and a path was created for pilgrims to climb the hill. The basilica houses a chapel dedicated to this Black Madonna and while I studied it, I thought it to look familiar. After some contemplation, I realized that it was because the origins of the Virgen Morena de Monserrate are of Catalonia, Spain and I had visited the monastery of Montserrat outside of Barcelona many years ago. In fact, it was so familiar to me because I had purchased a tiny replica of this Virgin which sits on my desk in my home office!

After my investigation of the basilica was complete, I wandered around to the rear of the church to where a large craft market is located. Small stalls offered up all sorts of handmade objects, clothing items and religious souvenirs. Hoping to add to my nativity collection, I figured that this would be the best place to find a unique piece. Surprisingly, however, it took quite a bit of asking around to finally find one…and then a lot more searching to find one that met my requirements. Happy at last and package in hand, we decided to catch the funicular so that we could head back down the mountain and catch a ride to the downtown area.

The ride to Plaza de Bolivar was only about ten minutes and we were dropped off right in front of the Catedral Primada de Colombia, better known as the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Bogota and Primate of Colombia. A lively square, standing before the basilica, it is filled with both locals and tourists, but its main occupants are pigeons! Lots and lots of pigeons!

The square is also surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Palacio de Justicia (Palace of Justice), Palacio Lievano (Palace Lievano), Museo Santa Clara (Santa Clara Museum), Museo Colonial (Colonial Museum) and the National Capitol among others. While we wished that we had had the time to visit everything in this area, it was the cathedral that we were most interested in, however.

Towering over Bolivar Square, the cathedral is the largest church in all of South America. The neoclassical structure has a striking façade, however, its interior, we soon found, was rather lackluster as are many of Columbia’s sanctuaries. We did take the time, however, to inspect the many paintings, sculpture and statues from the 17th and 18th century as well as the side chapels and other architectural features of the church.

*Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Bogota and Primate of Colombia*

*Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Bogota and Primate of Colombia entrance*

Noting that mass was not being conducted, we saw a line spanning the length of the cathedral down the central aisle. The three of us, all practicing Catholics, realized that the cathedral’s parishioners were receiving ashes, so we took our places and slowly made our way to the front of the line. What a special opportunity to receive ashes in the Bogota Cathedral on this day!

Lunchtime had already passed, so deciding to seek out a local restaurant, we headed down the pedestrian friendly Carrera 7. Vendors were plenty and it was fun to check out the some of the unique merchandise and watch the street performers, while seeking out Colombian cuisine. Since it was Ash Wednesday, we had to be mindful of our meat intake, but empanadas were plentiful and it was easy to order those filled with queso and dulce de leche churros for dessert!

Our meal complete, we realized that the afternoon was almost halfway finished. We still had a bit of a drive back to our hotel and there was that pesky thing called work that we had to do, but there was one more church at the end of Carrera 7, that I wanted to visit…the Church of San Francisco.

Dating back to the 16th century, this ornate church is the oldest preserved church in Bogota. Built between 1586 and 1611, it originally was part of a complex combined with a monastery that covered two city blocks and had three two-story cloisters. Its exterior once covered in white, was stripped in recent years leaving only the white bell tower to exhibit its original appearance. Today, the only parts of the original temple that survive are the church façade, the tower and the chancel.

Somewhat intimidating when we approached, with its unassuming façade, graffiti spray painting on the front wall and trash littering the walkway and within the entryway, my colleagues looked to me as though I was a bit mad to bring them here in a city where crime is rampant. Stepping gingerly into the darkened interior, we allowed our eyes to adjust as we gained our bearings. Met with a beautiful red screen separating the inside from the gritty periphery, we peered around up the central aisle toward the high altar. A beautiful wooden roof soared above our heads and a simplistic, double nave design spread around us. The confessionals were designed in an ornate gold and red composition as were many other features, however, the chapels were decorated chiefly in gold and the Stations of the Cross were of a wooden design.

The overall presentation was extremely dark, both in brightness and composition, and I am sad to say, maybe because of its location in the downtown area, it gave me a very eerie feeling. We did not notice many other visitors and no services for Ash Wednesday were being held. I think when I suggested to bid our adieu, my companions were quite relieved to move along.

Our day was coming to a close and other considerations were coming into play, including traffic and getting some rest before flying through the night. Scratching my forehead while on the ride home, I realized that my ashes were still prominently displayed. Removing my compact from my handbag and taking a glance, I noted the dark mark semi-hidden under my bangs.

It was the beginning of Lent. Beginning in Bogota.

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Monserrate

https://monserrate.co/
Address: Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia
Admissions and Hours: Accessing Monserrate: By foot, trail open every day, except Tuesdays, 0500-1300 to go up and from 0500-1600 to go down. Free of charge. By funicular, Monday to Friday, 0630-1145 and Saturdays, 0630-1630. 23,500 COP (about $5.40 USD) round trip. On Sundays and holidays, 0530-1800. 14,000 COP (about $3.20 USD) round trip. Discounts for Senior citizens (over 62 years). By teleférico, Monday to Saturday, 1200-2200, 23,500 COP (about $5.40 USD) roundtrip. On Sundays, 0530-1800. 14,000 COP (about $3.20 USD) roundtrip. Pets allowed for an additional fee. Basilica Admission: free

Catedral Primada de Colombia

Address: Carrera 7 10 80, Bogotá, CO 111711
Hours: 0900-1700, daily (unverified)
Admission: free

Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of San Francisco)

Avenida Jimenez de Quesada #7-10, Bogota, Colombia
Hours: 0900-1700 (unverified)
Admission: free

What Goes Up…Must Come Down, Part One

Our plans for the day included two things…

Mount Jacinto and the Palm Springs Air Museum. Fitting to combine them since both involve going high up into the atmosphere and then returning back to terra firma…and in the case of some of these aircraft…permanently!

If you are ever interested in heading to Mount Jacinto, REMEMBER…it is at a much higher altitude! Even if people are wearing shorts in the downtown area, when you get to the aerial tram parking lot, you’ll see lots of people in heavy jackets and snow clothes during the winter months. We had planned semi-accordingly, and I will say that because although I had brought a warm jacket, I had worn tennis shoes with short socks! When I stepped out of the car and walked to the aerial tram station, my ankles were asking “why” and we weren’t even to the top yet!

The idea for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was conceived in 1935 by Francis Crocker, a young electrical engineer. During the heat of the day on a visit to Banning, California, he looked up at the snow-capped peak of Mount San Jacinto and wished that he were able to go there “where it was nice and cool.” With the assistance of O. Earl Coffman, Francis Crocker set out to make this desire a reality. Construction of the tramway, in the rugged Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs, was finally started (after countless roadblocks) in 1961.

Engineers were challenged to overcome the jagged terrain by the use of helicopters in the erection of four of the five supporting towers, with only the first able to be reached by road. Twenty-three thousand helicopter missions, twenty-six months of construction and hundreds of workers resulted in the the completion of the towers and the 35,000 square foot Mountain Station, after two years of strenuous labor.

On September 12, 1963, local and state dignitaries and countless celebrities took the tram’s inaugural ride to the Mount Jacinto’s peak with Francis Crocker occasionally riding along, giving a narration of the construction process and of course, so that he could go “where it was nice and cool.”

Since we had not purchased our tickets online, we easily purchased them at the Valley Station ticket counter and then waited for our timed boarding process to begin. Stepping out of the rear of the station, we gazed up at the miniscule Johnson Falls cascading down on the rocky face before spotting the signs warning of rattlesnakes in the area…back inside for us!

In the small Tramway History Museum (after searching fruitlessly for socks in the gift shop), we watched a film on the tram’s construction process and regarded the photographs which documented this feat of engineering until an announcement was made regarding our boarding.

After a few minutes wait in an anteroom, the doors were opened and we were allowed to board the tram car. As in any case such as this, passengers jockeyed for position to be sure to get the foremost and lowest windows, but as the tram began its ascent, we realized that during the 1998 modernization project, the cars had been updated. These new cars became the largest rotating cars in the world offering all passengers the most spectacular views, regardless of where they stood in the car, during its two complete revolutions on its ten minute, 2.5 mile ride.

As we ascended toward the peak on this clear, sunny day, we were fortunate to have outstanding views of the rocky Chino Canyon and the desert plains of the Coachella Valley. An exhilarating ride, we delighted in the grand perspective and even the swinging of the car as its arm passed atop each tower…something my husband who is terrified of heights was dreading.

Exiting into the Mountain Station, at an elevation of 8,516 feet, we took some time to take in the views from two of its observation decks, while we stepped around the newly fallen snowdrifts. Yes, my ankles were extremely cold at this point!

*Mountain Valley Station* *Observation Deck Views*

Finally, a walk down the paved trail behind the station, led us to the trails of the state park. Deciding to follow Desert View trail into the park proved to be a bit difficult at times due to the snow and icy conditions, but we persevered, despite me falling down hard at one point. No broken bones, but we got some great photos, built a small snowman, watched families have a great time sledding down the small hills and learned about some of the trees and wildlife of the area through the park’s signage. It is easy to imagine that it must be quite lovely here during the summer months!

Once back inside the (much warmer) Mountain Station, we browsed the wildlife exhibits and watched another movie about the tram’s construction until it was time to make our way down to the Valley Station. Here, we realized how smart it was to make the start of our day an early one. Whereas we had entered the station and walked directly to the counter to purchase our tickets, we now discovered a line stretching from the counter, outside, down the steps and onto the sidewalk. And…while we had parked directly in front of the station, cars were then being directed to one of many parking lots only accessible by trolley.

Whew! Hard to get up in the morning, but worth the effort!

Best part of getting up so early…we had time to have lunch downtown and then head to the Palm Springs Aviation Museum! Another trip to the clouds…well sort of!

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Mount Jacinto Aerial Tram

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=74226&actid=50
https://pstramway.com/
Address: 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, California 92262
Hours: Monday through Friday, First Tram up 10:00 am, Last Tram up 4:30 pm, Last Tram down 6:00 pm. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, First Tram up 8:00 am, Last Tram up 4:30 pm, Last Tram down 6:00 pm
Admission: Adults, $28.95, Children (ages 3-10), $16.95, Seniors (65+), $26.95. Tickets can be purchased online, however, if online tickets are sold-out for any day, tickets are still available, but can only be purchased on the day of your visit at the Tram’s Valley Station.
Getting There: From Downtown Palm Springs, head east on E. Tahquitz Canyon Way toward E Tahquitz Canyon Way, turning left onto N. Calle Encilia. Turn left onto E. Alejo Road and then right onto N. Indian Canyon Drive. Turn left onto E. Stevens Road and then right at the first cross street onto N. Palm Canyon Drive. Pas by 7-Eleven and then take a left onto Tramway Road. Destination will be on the right.

No Sugar Tonight

Sugarloaf Mountain.

Honestly, I have to admit, I had never heard of it. I have seen pictures of the beautifully shaped, towering mountain, but I guess I never realized what a popular attraction it was in Rio de Janeiro. Maybe had I watched the Simpsons episode (Blame It On Lisa) where Lisa’s kidnappers met with the family for an exchange between two cable cars, I might have had it all figured out!

On my second morning in Rio, I was up early and Ubering to the cable car station at Praia Vermelha, ready to see what this place was all about.

Sugarloaf Mountain is actually one of several monolithic granite and quartz mountains rising straight from the water’s edge around Rio de Janeiro. Declared a World Heritage Site in 2012, the peaks of Sugarloaf…Morro da Urca and Pão de Açúcar…are reached by glass-walled cable cars (teleféricos) and are visited by thousands of visitors every day there to take advantage of the incredible hiking trails and unparalleled views.

After purchasing my ticket, I took my place in line hoping to get a good spot in the teleférico. Luckily, I was one of the first in and snagged a position in the front of the car, heading to the top of Urca Hill, 220 meters above sea level. This part of the ride offered me my first aerial views of Copacabana and Ilha Cortunduba just off the coast. After I disembarked, I walked around for a few minutes, inspecting the two cable cars displayed here…the first cable car from 1912 and a more modern version. There are a number of trails that run through the thick vegetation, however, I decided continue my journey upward after getting my first views of Niteroi Bridge and Guanabara Bay and my second viewing of the Christ statue standing proud on its peak.

Boarding the next, larger teleferico on Urca, I was once again lucky enough to have a good position in the cabin for the three minute ride. Upon my exit, the view from the top of Sugarloaf was incomparable to any other I had ever seen. With a 360 degree view of the area, I gazed upon the whole of Rio, Niteroi and the blue waters of the Atlantic and Guanabara Bay and inland to the tropical forested mountains, including the peak, Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger), located 50 miles from Rio. Spying a low-flying airplane, I followed its descent until I located the Santos Dumont Airport in the north.

Deciding to have lunch at the restaurant overlooking the ocean, I took a seat and prepared to order. After waiting a while, I noticed that the staff was a extremely busy and no one had yet to take my order, wasting precious time. Yet, all was not lost…having come down to this area, I discovered a trail. Walking among the beautiful trees and tropical growth on the well-paved path, I noticed that I was being followed. A marmoset was running on the handrail next to me! As I stopped to watch, two more joined him. An amazing spectacle, they preened and posed and then I was fortunate to hear them call to each other. Truly priceless!

After making a few souvenir purchases in the gift shop, it was time to make the journey down again.

Although my time in Rio was brief, there are many things to see and do and finding time to squeeze them all in was paramount. Without having prior knowledge of Sugarloaf, I may have timed my visit a little differently. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the jaw dropping views during the clear morning, I understand that evening is the prime time to visit for viewing the colorful sunsets.

Ah yes. Sunsets on Sugarloaf. That will have to wait for another time. But for this night…in the words of the song by the band, The Guess Who, there was No Sugar Tonight.

Next visit.

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Sugarloaf Mountain

http://www.bondinho.com.br/en/informacoes-gerais/
Address: Avenida Pasteur, 520 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ 22290-240
Hours: 0800-1950, daily
Admission: R$80 (about $21.50 US), Ages 6-21 R$40 (about $10.75), Children under 6 years, free.

The High Point

Name the highest point on Hong Kong Island.

The Peak?

Mount Austin?

Victoria’s Peak?

With an elevation of 1,811 feet, the highest point on Hong Kong Island is known as all of the above, but more commonly, Victoria’s Peak. When visitors to the city desire to see it from a different perspective, this is where they head.

In the early 19th century, Victoria’s Peak attracted prominent European residents for its panoramic view of the city as well as its temperate climate. Many, including the Governor of Hong Kong, built summer residences on the Peak to escape the sub-tropical climate of the city of Hong Kong. With no easy mode of transportation, the residents were carried up the mountain in sedan chairs.

Today, the sedan chairs are gone and most visitors utilize the Peak Tram, the 120 year old funicular railway, the city’s oldest mode of transport. Departing from the terminus on Garden Road, tourists line up for the most direct and scenic route to the summit.

Upon our departure from the ferry pier, we walked to the funicular station passing iconic landmarks such as Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the Jardine House, the iconic skyscraper with round windows and St. John’s Cathedral in the Central District.

Tourists crowded the entrance and ticket window and lined up under the overpass across the street moving when directed to do so. We took our place at the end of the line, enjoying the shade and respite from the Hong Kong heat. An hour later, we queued up to board the funicular, fighting to find a seat on the crowded vehicle. Despite the amazing views we expected to see, it was hard to get much of a glimpse through the windows, while traveling at such a steep angle and with dozens of arms raised, grasping cameras attempting to get pictures of the climb.

As we exited into the Peak Tower, we followed the masses making their way up the high rise filled with shops, restaurants, photo studios and even a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. We had not purchased entrance into Sky Terrace 428, which boasts the best panoramic views, opting to utilize the free terrace and walkways. With a sloping hillside and retaining walls, we found the views to be a bit obstructed, however, and decided to exit the building. Making our way to the Lion’s Pavilion, we were able to enjoy the same vista as those from the Sky Terrace 428 at no charge.

Once we had captured an adequate number of selfies and panoramas of the amazing skyline, we walked a bit on one of the walking trails, admiring the views of the Central District, Victoria Harbor, Lamma Island and the surrounding islands. The trail was shady and many birds were visible, including the black kite as well as numerous species of butterflies. Though we were informed that wild boar and porcupines frequent the area, we were thankfully left in peace.

Though many visitors arrive later in the afternoon so that they might enjoy both the views during the daytime hours and watch the city lights illuminate in multicolored brilliance at dusk, we decided to head back down the mountain so that we might be able to cross the harbor to check out the Temple Street Night Market.

Riding the crowded funicular backwards down the mountainside was a bit daunting and we were happy to make it back to the Central District at a much quicker pace than we had arrived.

Though we enjoyed the funicular experience, I think if I went back to Hong Kong, I would do things a bit differently. First, having the funicular experience under my belt, I would utilize the bus system or a taxi to reach the Peak in a timely manner and to offer myself a view of some of the homes of the super rich located on the way to and near the Peak. Next, I would try to experience both the daytime and nighttime views, by timing my arrival more appropriately. Having that said, however, although we enjoyed seeing the beautiful views of the city, I do think the entire Peak Tower experience is a bit overrated. With so many amazing shopping malls in the city, why come here to be bombarded with more shopping? Also, there are many other superior dining opportunities with the city.

I think that if you are in search of nature in addition to seeing the city from a different perspective, however, this is what it is really about. The Peak, Mount Austin, Victoria’s Peak…enjoy the view while utilizing the trails and try to envision a time when the residents were once carried up and down this steep elevation by more primitive means.

Your sore muscles will definitely remind you of the conveniences of modern day travel!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Peak Tram

https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/home.asp
Address: 128 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Hours: 0700 to 12 midnight (Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays). Sky Terrace 428 Opening Hours, 1000 to 1100, Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1100, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Admission: Peak Tram, Single and return peak tram tickets available. Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428, Adults, single journey, HK $84 (about US$10.70), return, HK $99 (about US$12.60), children ages 3-11, single journey, HK $38 (about US$4.85), return, HK $47 (about US$6.00). Peak Tram tickets only, Adults, single journey, HK $37 (about US$4.70), return, HK $52 (about US$6.60), children ages 3-11, single journey, HK $14 (about US$1.80), return, HK $23 (about US$2.90). All tickets are sold at Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus or from designated travel agents. Peak Tram Upper Terminus (The Peak Tower) sells Peak Tram tickets only. Sky Terrace 428 only, Adults, HK $52 (about US$6.60), children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and above, HK $26 (about US$3.30).
Getting There: From MTR Station on foot, make your way to the J2 exit and walk up to the ground level. Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen’s Road Central, and make your way up Garden Road. You will pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on your left and St John’s Cathedral on your right to Lower Terminus. By Bus to Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus, board the Peak Tram shuttle bus No. 15C at the Central(Near Star Ferry Pier 8) Bus Terminus. By bus to Peak, Route No. 15 (First Bus) Normal Central Pier 5 to the Peak or Route No. 15B (First Bus) Wanchai Convention Center to the Peak. Also by Mini Bus, No. 1, Central (Two IFC) to the Peak. By taxi to Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus or to the Peak. By walking up the steep Old Peak Road from near the Zoological Botanical Gardens or the Central Green Trail from Hong Kong Park. Another popular walk is the level loop along Lugard and Harlech Roads.

Hang’em High, Hang’em Low

Adventure…its everywhere in Costa Rica!

Just around the mountain from our hotel, outside La Fortuna, was a park full of adventure…Mistico Hanging Bridges Park.

The park’s main attraction is its swinging bridges, high above the rain forest, but the park also has other types of adventurous activities. Afraid of heights? You can stay closer to the ground…say, on horseback.

Mistico Hanging Bridges Park was once a vast area of farmland. At the beginning of the 20th century, the proprietors of the acreage, husband and wife, Landelina Rodriguez Sánchez and Adrian Castilla, realized the value of their land and its natural resources. Deciding to keep the wooded portion of the mountain intact, they decided to open the forest sanctuary to the public at the beginning of the 21st century. Development of the hanging bridges and trails followed which would allow visitors to enjoy the forest’s beauty comfortably and safely while protecting the flora and fauna.

As we arrived at the park, the rain was coming down at a steady rate, but it was to be expected…it is a rain forest after all and the area receives between 74 and 178 inches annually. Donning our rain jackets, we grabbed an umbrella, paid our admission and waiting for our admission time. (Admission times are spaced to avoid congestion on the trails and bridges).

By the time our admission time had arrived, the rain had stopped, leaving everything damp and fresh. We followed the wet paved trail into the park, admiring the delicate flowers and plants still covered in water droplets. Following the colorful map provided by the park, we first found ourselves in the Rufous Gardens, a level circuit with exquisite flowers, trees and places to rest and enjoy the view.

Leaving the gardens, we made our way on to the main trail, winding our way steadily up the mountainside, crossing a few fixed bridges along the way. A short time later, we found our way to the first hanging bridge. A bit of a back log had us waiting a while to pass over…workers monitor the bridge and allow a limited number to cross the bridge at one time. Unfortunately, there are those who are not as considerate of other’s time and paused one to many times to take selfies and pictures of the surrounding area.

Finally, we made our way as steadily as possible across the shaky span, marveling at the clouds swirling around the treetops. From the bridges and the higher parts of the trails, epiphyte plants, birds, mammals and butterflies can be observed up close. Some of the high altitude birds include the bell bird and the Emerald Toucanette, while at lower elevations, toucans and turkey hens can be spied along with migratory birds of prey during the months from November to February. High altitude trees include Yema Huevo, Cirri and Pilon trees and in the lower regions, Caobilla, Fruta Dorada and Maquenque trees. Keep an eye out for frogs, snakes, lizards and mammels such as kinkajous, raccoons, margays, ocelots, pumas, jaguars and tapirs.

The trail spans almost two miles and can be covered in about two hours. Six more hanging bridges are spaced out on the trail, along with a waterfall and viewing area and a tunnel. Each of the bridges vary in length and believe it or not, after the first bridge, the crowds thin. Maybe visitors decide that one is enough. Maybe they think they are too shaky or they run out of time, but at the end of the trail, the last few bridges have no one on them, allowing ample time to enjoy the views from the center of the bridge.

If the trail only whets your appetite for the area, there are many other tours and activities offered by Mistico Park such as horseback riding, and canyoneering in Spider Monkey Canyon. There is also a restaurant on the premises if you need a bite to eat between adventures!

There are other similar parks in Costa Rica offering hanging bridges and nature trails. Though we didn’t visit them and can not offer a comparison, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Mistico. With so many things offered in the well-manicured park, I would definitely consider visiting again in the future and sampling the other offerings.

For more pictures, check out Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Mistico Hanging Bridges Park

https://misticopark.com/
Address: 1.5 miles over the cobblestone road next to the Lake Arenal Dam in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Hours: 0730-1630, daily
Admission: Hanging Bridges Self-Guided Tour, $26 per person. Natural History Walk, $38 per person. Birding Tour, $49 per person. Night Walk, $49 per person. Arenal Volcano Expedition, $75 per person. Spider Monkey Canyon, $75 per person. Paco’s Horses, $55 per person. Hours for each activity vary, check website.