After stuffing our faces with chocolate, we took on the longest suspension bridge in Costa Rica at Tirimbina. The bridge stretches more than 260 feet across the Sarapiquà River, high enough that you can hear the water before you actually see it.
Because of weight limits, we had to break into small groups and space ourselves out. Only fifteen people are allowed on the bridge at once, which meant a slow, careful progression of half our group first while the others waited. And watched. And maybe got a little nervous hearing the first group shout as they swayed.
The second you step out, the whole thing starts to sway more than you expect. You’re standing on the first metal panel and watching the rainforest open up beneath your feet, hearing the rushing water, and feeling it rock back and forth as the line moves forward. Add the wind pushing through the valley and it becomes a full-body experience. You hardly know where to look first, or whether you should even look down!
The view was worth every shaky step. The river cuts straight through the forest, and from the middle of the bridge you get a full panoramic look at the canopy, the water, and the layers of trees on both sides. We even watched a rafting group shoot through the rapids underneath us.
I’m proud of our kids for crossing without a single meltdown. A few of them were nervous at first, but everyone kept moving, encouraged each other, and made it across like champs. It was the perfect mix of challenge, nerves, and reward.
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