cable bridges on Costa Rica canopy tours

[djterp]

Has anyone ever taken one of the Sky Walk forest tours in Costa Rica that include walking along trails and over "cable bridges" on a HAL cruise? We are taking the Rotterdam on a trans-Panama Canal cruise in December and are trying to decide whether to sign up for one of these tours. I am leery of swinging bridges or bridges that bounce too much. What are these "cable bridges" like?

Thanks for any information you can provide. They sound like super tours but my fear might prevent me from taking them. If the bridges are fairly solid, no problem.

DJTerp

[0verboard]

Originally Posted by djterp

I am leery of swinging bridges or bridges that bounce too much. What are these "cable bridges" like? They sound like super tours but my fear might prevent me from taking them. If the bridges are fairly solid, no problem.

You just need to sit back and enjoy the trip. I mean, come on, what are the chances of... oh, wait: http://www.top10costarica.com/2009/1...ould-collapse/

[djterp]

Seriously, though, the bridges I am concerned about are pedestrian bridges through the forest, not a road bridge like the one that collapsed.

I would like to know if anyone has taken the particular tours that use those pedestrian bridges.

Thanks.

[serendipity1499]

Originally Posted by djterp

Seriously, though, the bridges I am concerned about are pedestrian bridges through the forest, not a road bridge like the one that collapsed.

I would like to know if anyone has taken the particular tours that use those pedestrian bridges.

Thanks.

Only once, in Costa Rica when the road was flooded with a sudden storm..We had to use the cable bridge to get back to our bus..My Friend & I walked across first as they would only let us go two at a time..Our DH's thought it was great fun to try to make the bridge sway! We got even!..

Even my Friend who is afraid of heights actually thought it was fun..Nothing happened to us..

Sure we would all do it again! I believe you have more of a chance being in an auto accident than having one of those bridges collapse...As long as I'm physically able to handle something I will do it..However, I'm not able to handle zip lining, so will not attempt it..

Go ahead & have fun it's a wonderful tour..

Betty

P.S. Don't wear Jeans,wear fast drying pants.. I got soaked & had to sit in an Air conditioned bus for at least an hour & just about froze to death..Dh could not sit with me as I made him cold too..

[Grandma Gilly]

DH and I took this tour in February this year but not with HAL but Azamara. However I am sure they are very similar. I was very dissappointed as there were very few 'bridges' (3 or 4 from memory). Most walking was on paths. We saw very little life as by the time we had arrived it was too hot for most animals.

[0verboard]

Originally Posted by djterp

Seriously, though, the bridges I am concerned about are pedestrian bridges through the forest, not a road bridge like the one that collapsed.

Oh! You're interested in the bridges that aren't part of a federal inspection/safety program. Got it!

[catl331]

Did a canopy tour in Dominica with a great botanist. There was a bridge over a small river way the heck down there but we had the option of taking the trail that went over the bridge or riding back on the tram. It started pouring as I walked over the bridge and the wind picked up which made me move a little faster to get out of there. But I did it!!

[HattieCR]

I live in Costa Rica and have often volunteered at a local Ecolodge that has rainforest trails and canopy bridges. I have even been pressed into being a guide! I do have a problem with heights and with some of the longer bridges which move more, started getting a little skittish. But they all have a good cable at about waist high to hold onto and mesh between the cable and the floor so you are quite safe. I find it is easier to go with a friend or family and just hold their hand. Once you get onto the bridge, the spectacular view will take your mind off all else. I would try it if you get a chance. You probably won't see much wildlife other than birds and butterflies and if you go in the middle of the day, there won't be many birds moving around. But you never know! We saw a beautiful Ornate Hawk Eagle one day, soaring just above us around noontime.

[djterp]

Thanks for all the helpful responses! I was, and still am tempted to try it, but the thought that I might change my mind as I set foot on the first bridge made me realize I should be smart and sign up for another tour, which I have done. My DH on the other hand has signed up for the walk over the bridges. I'm sure he will have a wonderful time and I will regret not going. Oh, well... Better that than being left behind in the jungle.