Secret Tree Root Bridge in Monteverde

The Ficus la Raiz (Root Ficus, also called El Puente Raiz or Root Bridge) is an incredible and picturesque natural bridge formed by a lattice work of roots crossing about 15 feet high over a river with more roots reaching down to the water creating the pillars of the bridge. It's really amazing and not many people go there (yet).

It's not only a really cool thing to see, you can also get some satisfaction of going to an off the beaten path hidden gem in a town full of tourist attractions.

It's on private land, so tourist offices and hotels will not (should not) direct you to the tree's location. It's surprisingly easy to find and is close walking distance from downtown Santa Elena on the road on the south side of the MegaSuper center (the road with the Frog Pond on it).

If you're coming from the MegaSuper lot, you'll turn left on the road. Just after the sharp turn, there will be and unmarked dirt path doing down to your right just before Felix Room. If you're driving, there's plenty of room to park on the sides of the road. Here is the approximate location of the trail head.

That's the entrance to the trail right there bottom right of photo. That orange rock is Felix Room.

The path looking up from the bottom toward the road.

Parking near the trail entrance.

Down the unmarked muddy path.

View map

It's a short 10-15 minute hike to the bridge but the path is steep going down from the road and can get muddy and slippery. Once you go down the initial hill to the river, cross the water and go to your right downstream. How much the river is running, if at all, will depend on the time of year. When I went in early April, it was small and easy to cross.

There are a couple of little signs to guide you along the path. When you get to the big cement slab (an old wall?), go around it on the non-river side, not over it like I did.

Little signs have been added to assure you that you're still going the right way.

The path actually goes behind this cement slab.

Then you'll see the bridge and have your "wow" moment before deciding if you're going to make the climb or not. Of course you are! It's too good of a photo opp.

Climbing up on the right side looks daunting, but it's really quite easy. There are plenty of footholds and roots to hold on to. Even climbing down was easy. The actual bridge, however. Going out onto the woven roots 15 feet up made me a little shaky but it was easy enough to find a place to sit or even stand.