Best attractions and places to see in Santa Isabel include natural features and landmarks. This region is characterized by its dense rainforests, significant rivers, and diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for exploration and nature observation. Visitors can discover a variety of natural attractions, from impressive suspension bridges over rivers to serene waterfalls and protected forest reserves. The area provides a setting for experiencing the natural environment and its ecosystems.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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Those staying at the Sarapiqui Lodge do not have to pay park entrance fees and can visit the reserve across the Sarapiqui River at less busy times. Guided tours can also be booked at the lodge.
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The suspension bridge over the Sarapiqui is 262 meters long and 22 meters high, according to information on the Internet. But regardless of the impressive figures, it is a breathtaking experience to walk across this bridge and across the river. The bridge disappears into the dense rainforest on the other side of the river (which can also be explored). Take your time crossing it; in the rapids and on the banks you can watch various herons hunting, in the branches of the jungle giants you might spot prehistoric iguanas or basilisks with their headdresses or maybe even a family of monkeys doing gymnastics.
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The waterfall can be reached on foot via a 900m gravel road and is a real insider tip. You pay the packing station guard 5$ locals only 2$ and the best way to communicate is via translate app because the lovely man only speaks Spanish. You thank him politely, because this fee is ok for this magnificent waterfall that you will enjoy and can also swim in it. (We had it all to ourselves)
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At the edge of the nature reserve, a horde of howler monkeys made their way through the treetops.
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To get to the nature reserve of Tirimbina, you first have to cross the longest suspension bridge in Costa Rica at 262 m.
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Santa Isabel is rich in natural beauty, characterized by dense rainforests, significant rivers, and diverse wildlife. You can experience the impressive Suspension Bridge Over the Sarapiquí River, which is 262 meters long and 22 meters high, offering breathtaking views as it disappears into the rainforest. Another notable spot is the Pozo Azul Waterfall, a serene insider tip where you can swim.
Absolutely. The region is excellent for wildlife observation. At Sarapiquí Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, you can spot countless Bluejeans poison dart frogs and other animals like howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths. The Costa Rica Nature Pavilion is another great place to find various species of toucans, local birds, and hummingbirds in a natural habitat.
Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, Santa Isabel offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, with routes like the 'View of the Volcano – View of Laguna Río Cuarto loop' being popular. There are also great options for cycling, including the 'San Carlos River loop' and the 'Pital loop'.
Yes, the Costa Rica Nature Pavilion is categorized as family-friendly, offering an accessible way for all ages to observe different species of toucans, local birds, and hummingbirds in their natural environment.
Visitors find the Suspension Bridge Over the Sarapiquí River to be a breathtaking experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to walk across the river, with the bridge leading directly into the dense rainforest. It's also a great spot for watching various herons hunting in the rapids and spotting iguanas, basilisks, or even monkeys in the jungle canopy.
The Sarapiquí Lodge and Rainforest Reserve is unique for its beautiful garden setting where you can observe countless Bluejeans poison dart frogs. A large hanging bridge provides direct access to the rainforest and its jungle trails, offering an unparalleled variety of animals outside of zoos, including howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths.
The Pozo Azul Waterfall can be reached on foot via a 900-meter gravel road. It's considered an insider tip and offers a magnificent natural setting where visitors can enjoy swimming.
If you plan to explore the jungle trails at Sarapiquí Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, it is highly recommended to wear rubber boots and be very careful on the trails, as there can be well-camouflaged, highly poisonous snakes like Lanzenottern.
The Pozo Azul Waterfall is considered a real insider tip. It's a serene spot that can be reached via a gravel road, offering a peaceful experience where you might have the waterfall all to yourself.
The Costa Rica Nature Pavilion features a secondary rainforest that has grown significantly since the 1980s, creating a rich natural habitat. This environment attracts and supports various animal species, including different types of toucans, local birds, and many hummingbirds, which feed on the fruits available.
Yes, a large hanging bridge from Sarapiquí Lodge and Rainforest Reserve leads directly into the rainforest on the other side of the Sarapiquí River, providing access to its jungle trails. Guests staying at the lodge may also have the benefit of visiting the reserve at less busy times and booking guided tours directly through the lodge.


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