Arenal Volcano & Hanging Bridges Tour
Experience three unforgettable activities on this full-day tour from La Fortuna: hike the volcanic trails of Arenal Volcano witnessing dramatic lava rock formations and diverse wildlife including white-faced capuchin monkeys and exotic birds, swim in the refreshing natural pool beneath the stunning La Fortuna waterfall cascades, and walk through the rainforest canopy on 15 suspension bridges at Mistico Park offering breathtaking aerial views of the region’s magnificent landscapes, with a delicious traditional Costa Rican “Casado” lunch and hotel pickup included.
Overview
Arenal's lava fields are still warm from the 1968 eruption that buried villages and forged new landscapes. Hike the rocky paths around the volcano's base, where your guide with 15 years here spots capuchin monkeys or elusive deer in the brush.
You descend 537 steps to La Fortuna Waterfall, tricky when wet, and swim in the natural pool below, the rush of water cooling you off fast.
Cross 15 suspension bridges at Mistico Park next.
Look for sloths draped over branches or orchids in the cracks as the forest hums around you. But pack stamina for the full 9 hours, starting with La Fortuna hotel pickup, a Casado lunch midway, and drop-off at day's end.
Real talk: the group tops out at eight, so you're not stuck in a herd of 40. Book early, small groups sell out.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the La Fortuna area.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) live guide with 15+ years of local expertise.
- All entrance fees to Arenal Volcano National Park, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, and La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Bottled water to stay hydrated.
- Hearty Costa Rican lunch featuring fresh "Casado" with rice, beans, plantains, and local proteins.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Additional snacks beyond lunch.
- Gratuities for your guide.
- Personal expenses like souvenirs.
Itinerary
- Your guide picks you up from one of 29 La Fortuna-area locations, such as Tabacon Thermal Resort or Arenal Springs Resort. Wait in your hotel lobby or outside your rental 5 minutes early for a smooth start.
- Travel by bus about 30 minutes to Arenal Volcano National Park. Hike mostly flat trails with rocky lava parts, snap photos of the cone, spot wildlife like deer and birds with your guide, and take some free time to check out the scenery. Expect around 2.5 hours here.
- Head over by bus, a 25-minute trip, to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
- Walk the 15 suspension bridges and trails for 2.5 hours. Move through secondary and primary rainforest, watch for white-faced capuchins, and get panoramic views as your guide shows off interesting spots.
- Bus it 20 minutes to a local restaurant.
- Grab lunch for an hour, trying out Costa Rican dishes.
- Continue by bus 15 minutes to Catarata La Fortuna.
- Spend 1.5 hours going down and up the 537 steps, walk short paths, take photos, swim in the natural pool under the falls, and hear about the area's plants and animals from your guide.
- Bus back to one of 29 drop-off points in La Fortuna to finish.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to help your day go well, based on common experiences with wildlife, gear needs, and handling the elements. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Quick-dry layers and grippy shoes aren't optional. Several guests said lava paths get slick after rain, and the 537 steps at the waterfall push your knees hard without solid footing. One mentioned packing heavy on bug spray for shady areas where mosquitoes hang out.
- Wildlife spotting. Stay near the guide for better chances at seeing tough-to-find animals. One couple recalled getting thrilled by a rare jaguar on the volcano trail. Families noted small groups let kids ask questions without rush, like catching sloths or toucans on the bridges.
- Swimming tips. Change into your suit before arriving if possible. The pool current runs strong in the middle, so keep to the edges if you're not a strong swimmer. Guests suggested a towel and spare clothes since mist soaks you, and the return climb lasts 25 to 35 minutes based on your pace.
- Food and energy. Let them know about vegetarian options early. Folks said the Casado keeps you fueled with its local taste, but bring bars or fruit for snacks during hikes. One guest wished they'd packed more after heat drained them mid-way.
- Group setup. With a limit of eight, it suits people who prefer low-key vibes. Past visitors said this avoids big crowds and lets you stop on a bridge to listen to the forest sounds without pressure.
- Best time to visit. December through April works best for clear trails and solid ground. Guests from early 2025 said low rain in January mornings makes spotting wildlife easier. May to November means thicker green and stronger falls, though mud comes with it. Some like the jungle feeling wetter.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Clearer trails, easier spots for monkeys and birds | Busier sites, midday heat spikes | 8-9 AM to beat warmth and lines |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | Thicker foliage, roaring waterfalls, fewer people | Slippery rocks, possible swaps in schedule | 10 AM to skip dawn showers |
Skip this if you have heart issues. Guests called the volcano trail mostly level but rough on lava rocks, and bridges feel stable though they sway a bit for beginners. Schedules might shift with storms, but a wet bridge walk can be eerie but cool. Going guided means catching more animals than solo, plus it bundles everything to cut down on planning.
FAQ
Is this tour too strenuous?
Moderate overall, with flat volcano walking, bridge strolls, and the big challenge of 512 steep steps at the waterfall (down and up). Average fitness handles it fine. Guests said pacing themselves on the stairs and using lunch break helped—avoid if heart issues or low stamina.
What if it rains heavily?
Tour runs with possible order swaps for safety. Trails get slick but stay open; ponchos available. Guests who experienced showers said bridges felt magical in mist, and waterfall pool stayed refreshing without issue.
Suitable for kids?
Yes for 8+ who can manage steps and 9-hour day. Younger ones struggle with the waterfall climb. Families reported children loving monkey sightings and bridge heights, but pack snacks and patience for the duration.
Vegetarian food available?
Yes, request vegetarian Casado at booking. It swaps meat for extra beans, eggs, or veggies while keeping rice, plantains, and salad. Vegetarians called it filling after morning hikes, but notify early for smooth prep.
Why book this combo instead of separate visits?
Bundled transport and entries save time and cost versus self-driving each site. Guides boost wildlife finds dramatically. Guests said solo misses half the animals and logistics eat hours—this flows seamless from pickup to drop-off.
Best chance for wildlife sightings?
Early start and small group help most. Guides know hot spots for monkeys, sloths, and birds. One group counted 20+ bird species on bridges alone—quiet movement and patience pay off big.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.