Aerial tram, Costa Rica

Taking the aerial tram with Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic (phone, in the US/Canada, 866/759-8726, www.rainforestadventure.com) was a great way for my wife and me to spend a few hours during our February 2014 visit to Central America.

Starting at Guapiles (about 50 kilometers east of San José), the tram traveled slowly eastward through the canopy for about a mile and a half, then reversed itself for the return trip. A guide traveled with us in the tram car, pointing out the sights. We saw vines and other parasitic plants plus orchids and other symbiotic air breathers as well as birds and butterflies. Some tram riders will even see “the Visitor Center sloth.”

While still on the rainforest floor, we had been told about the various levels of life in the forest canopy, but that was hard to appreciate while we were on the ground.

Overall, it was a great experience.

GEORGE ANDERSON

Minneapolis, MN