CRTSAERT-301 Aerial Tram (Caribbean)
$85.00
Aerial TRAM
CRTSAERT-301
The "Góndola"
(Aerial Tram) tour is a modified "Ski Lift" which covers a distance of
2.6 kilometers through the Costa Rican rainforest. The Tour lasts
approximately 90 minutes and travels at a speed of 2.6 kilometers per
hour.
The Rain
Forest Aerial Tram is a unique ecotourism and research facility which
opened in October of 1994. The Tram takes visitors on a fascinating
excursion through the rain forest canopy and its hanging gardens of
plants and animals hidden at the tops of tall tropical trees. Home to
two-thirds of all rain forest species, the rain forest canopy is a
little-known world of tremendous beauty and extraordinary biological
diversity. The site, adjacent to the northern border of Braulio Carillo
National Park, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the
world.
The difficulties of reaching the forest treetops have always inhibited
its explorers. Dr. Donald Perry, founder of the Rain Forest Aerial Tram,
pioneered the exploration of the canopy beginning in 1974. His
innovative methods of access include rope systems and an automated
remote control platform. Of his latest idea Dr. Perry states, "No system
in the world can offer this intimate proximity to such an extensive
volume of rain forest. Knowledge that will help save forests will
finally be within reach."
Dr. Perry began work on the Tram after becoming convinced that the only
way to stop destruction of the rain forest was by showing not only Costa
Ricans but people throughout the world the wonder of this unexplored
habitat and by creating an alternative to unsustainable exploitation of
the forest.
The canopy is full of both known and unknown plant and animal species.
The novice will be able to see canopy life close-up for the first time,
while the expert will discover new things about natural history. Little
scientific work has been done concerning life in the tops of tropical
trees. The tram, by being the best access tool in the world, promises to
be a center for canopy exploration and research.
LOCATION
The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located on a 1000 acre (450 hectares)
private nature reserve just 50 minutes from downtown San Jose. Visitors
will travel half an hour through Braulio Carillo National Park along the
main road that connects the capital with the Atlantic. After crossing
the Rio Sucio, one continues another five kilometers before exiting to
the right on our private road.
CAPACITY
Our site can handle approximately 40 people per hour. We regularly
handle larger groups by staggering arrivals to the site.
SPECIAL
EXCURSIONS
Like most wildlife areas, the early morning hours are the best time to
visit the Rain Forest Aerial Tram. We open at 6:00 a.m., and visitors
who arrive early find it well worth the extra effort. There is much more
bird life early in the morning, one is less likely to encounter other
visitors, and the low lying clouds of the awakening forest provide a
spectacular backdrop to the canopy.
A DAY AT
THE TRAM
Twenty minutes outside of San Jose visitors will cross the Continental
Divide and enter Braulio Carillo National Park. After a half hour trip
through the park, the bus will reach our private reserve. Open-sided
vehicles shuttle passengers from our parking area to the visitor's
center, where visitors receive a briefing on the project. The shuttle
trip provides an introduction to the forest, as visitors pass a small
river and numerous tree snags with nesting holes of various birds - the
white hawk is regularly seen in this region, as well as a fledgling
pale-billed woodpecker. There is a deeply rutted trail across the road
where fresh tapir tracks tell of the animals' daily pilgrimages to find
forage.
At the visitors center, visitors receive a briefing on canopy
exploration and the construction of the tram. From this point, visitors
divide into smaller groups for a 45 to 90 minute nature walk with one of
our naturalist guides. Our well surfaced trails provide visitors with an
introduction to the rain forest and give them a preview of the canopy
they will experience while on the tram.
The lower, outbound leg of the tram journey skims over hilltops and
introduces the sub canopy, a dark world of overburdened limbs dripping
with mosses, ferns, and orchids. Lianas and vines drape over branches
and traverse forest spaces, and act as highways for birds and insects.
The ride will stop several times as passengers board at either loading
station.
The return leg of the ride reveals the most dramatic portion of the trip
as the cars glide on a breath-taking journey through and above the airy
canopy. Upon returning to the boarding station, visitors can have a
refreshment or a meal at the restaurant. Shuttles back to the parking
area leave at frequent intervals.
TRANSPORTATION
We offer
morning bus service from most major hotels and other convenient pick-up
points around San Jose. During the high season, we often offer
transportation in the afternoons as well. Visitors may also arrive by
private car or by public bus. To reach the tram by public bus,
Empresarios Guapilenos offers buses every half hour for around $2.00.
One can catch the bus at Calle 12, Avenida 7 and 9, and the bus will
leave you at our front gate. Our welcome will be happy to stop the
return bus for the direct trip to San Jose.
SCHEDULE
We open at 6:00 a.m. 365 days of the year. On Mondays, we do
preventative maintenance on the tram from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
Nevertheless, we are happy to receive visitors at 6:00 a.m. with the
understanding that they will not be able to board the tram until 9:00
a.m. We receive visitors until 3:30 p.m. every day. We stop receiving
visitors at this time so that visitors are not rushed through the trip
before nightfall.
Visitors should plan to spend at least four hours at our facilities.
Most spend the better part of the day. Passengers traveling on our buses
from San Jose should plan on approximately six hours, including
transfers to and from San Jose.
Facilities
:
• Restaurant
• Gift Shop
• Coffee Shop
• Several Trails
• Educational exhibits about the rain forest
Additional
Recommendations:
Wear light clothes, tennis shoes, and a rain coat. Bring repellent,
camera and binoculars.
Tour
Includes:
• Aerial Tram Ride (90 minutes aprox)
• Trail Walk (45 minutes aprox)
• Introductory Video (15 minutes aprox)
• Transfer to and from San Jose main Hotels
• Lunch or Breakfast depending on the schedule.
For further information about reservations contact us at:
Contact Us
1-800-745-3135 (USA and CANADA TOLL FREE)
Costa Rica Phone : (506) 290-2878
Costa Rica Fax: (506) 290-2853
P.O.Box : 387-1200 PAVAS, Costa Rica
