I've been reading about the aerial tram that goes through the canopy and it sounds wonderful. Is it as good as it sounds? I'd be hoping to see birds, etc., while on the tram. Did you see much wildlife?

ttt. Any thoughts on this. I really need some advice. Thanks.

I have not done it personally .... My in-laws are going for 2 weeks and plan to do the Pacific one near Jaco , she feels it will be more enjoyable (for her )than the zip-line . Perhaps do a search in the search box for past posts ? Good Luck ! Faith .

I don't think you get to see much wildlife. If that's your primary goal, I think you might be disappointed. It's more like a cable car ride high in the treetops. For $49.50, I was expecting more.

That's good to know Jeff , thank You .

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm basically a coward and terrified of snakes. If it will allow me to see some birds and monkeys I'll probably be happy. I don't mind hiking if I can avoid snakes. Please let me know your thoughts.

My wife and I took an aerial tram tour in February 2000 (we were on a cruise with a stop in Limon) I can't remember the name of the park but it was about 1 hour north by bus. There are 6 people and a guide in each 'tram'. There is a narrow swath cut through the canopy. You gradually rise to about 100'. Along the way the guide informs you of the various plants, trees and spots wildlife (we saw a sloth and a myriad of birds). You go into the jungle for about 30 minutes then turn back. Following the aerial tour we then took a walking tour stepping over a long trail of army ants, then cutter (?) ants and the dreaded 'bullet' ant (if bitten you suffer for 2-3 days, sometimes requiring hospitalization). We quite enjoyed it.

nan 49, I can totally reassure you about snakes. When hiking you will be staying on the path. You won't be wacking your way through the jungle. Now, my hubby is a herpetologist and his fondest dream was to find snakes in Costa Rica. He knows how to find them...he tried to find them...(staying on the path)...and he didn't find them! Hope that reassures you. (They are hiding.)

When hiking, if you want to catch your balance, watch very carefully if you are putting your hands on a tree...lotta bugs on those trees. I DOn't like bugs but i found the costa Rican bugs very well-behaved...if you don't bother them, they mind their own business, honestly!

We took the aerial tram up to the zip-lines in Arenal (Sky tram/sky trek). The family enoyed the zip-line and the aerial tram is a short, pretty ride. But no, it's not a good way to see wildlife. At least, not this tram.

To see wildlife you will need to walk on the trails through the rainforest or cloud forest. You will need to be very patient, going very slowly and stopping often. Wherever you see movement in the trees, stop and stare at this spot. also listen for sounds of birds and monkeys. Bring binoculars. Go early in the morning, as soon as the park opens.

We had a blast at the Sky Tram at Arenal. You won't see much wildlife but the cable rides were great. When you are slinging along you will only be looking at the sceenery and the landing zone. We had women who had never did this sort of thing, and they had a great time. Truely a great once in a lifetime experience.

The 2 big aerial trams are close to Jaco , and then one on the Caribbean somewhere ...

I also went on the ariel Tram in Arenal AND LOVED IT!! but it wasn't for the wildlife. We did see some monkeys and sloths on the way up in the cable car (tram) but the zipline was really just a glorious fun ride through the trees. Don't worry about seeing wildlife. The best wildlife you'll probably see is from the road (stop if others are pulled over) and at hotels/restuarants that have bird feeders. If you're particularly interested in wildlife, search for my trip report (just search on my name) and I talk about where we saw the most.