Costa Rica is home to many surprises and even more secrets, among them several bridges that boast the unglamorous name of mule bridges. Near the town of Atenas, located about 30 minutes outside the capital of San Jose is one such bridge that spans the Río Grande. Getting there requires nothing short of an adventure involving trekking through a nature preserve.
Over the years, time has certainly exacted its influence on the mule bridge. In fact, the bridge no longer crosses the river. Even so, the strong supporting columns are still in place and have been declared part of the Patrimonio Nacional, or National Heritage. As a result, the columns cannot be altered or demolished.
This particular mule bridge can be traced back to the 1840s. Constructed of earth, cement, and rocks, the bridge was built to replace an older wooden bridge that dated back to the 17th century. That bridge was built to serve as part of the Camino Real that allowed Guatemala to be connected to far flung provinces. Beginning in the early 1600s, the industry of raising mules and shipping them to the province of Panama was a vital commercial venture. Mule drives began in Cartago, situated east of San Jose, and continued to Panama. Comprised of little more than paths and trails, the section of the Camino Real near San Jose was known as Camino de Mulas because it was specifically used for the mule drives. Along the way, the mules transported raw materials and delivered imported goods to colonists living in the area.
In order to reach the bridge today, it is necessary to traverse a series of trails that wind their way through the nature preserve. Several parts of the trail are rugged and difficult to navigate, particularly when approaching the river. For those who may find the trail too difficult, there is an emergency cutoff available. In total, the trail is approximately one mile, and the scenery encountered along the way is well worth the trek.
It is this mule bridge that played a vital role in the history and development of Costa Rica some four centuries ago. If you are planning to make the trek, it is advisable to make certain you wear a pair of quality hiking shoes and bring along ample insect repellent. Due to the rocky nature of the trail as it descends toward the river, it is also a good idea to bring along a walking stick. While the reserve is actually located on private property, the owners are welcome to having visitors and have even provided a ranchito where you can rest or even stop to have a picnic. It's a good idea to check with the owners of the reserve for permission before you begin your trek to visit the mule bridge. Contacting the family is fairly easy. Simply take the bus from the Atenas station, which stops at the Train Museum, where the family can be reached to ask permission and request directions.
