Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges: Guided walk through forest canopy

You walk three forest levels on the same trail, not just the canopy.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a guided walk across suspension bridges in a 600-acre tropical reserve, where you cross 10 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges ranging from 16 to 328 feet long to explore the undergrowth, sub-canopy and canopy levels. The trail is 2 miles with a maximum slope of 7 degrees, non-slip concrete surfaces and protection rails throughout, making it accessible to families and mixed fitness levels. Hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or Spanish, bottled water and fruit are included. Children from age 5 can join when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided walk on Arenal Hanging Bridges

• Enter 600-acre reserve
• Walk 2-mile trail
• Cross 10 fixed bridges
• Cross 6 hanging bridges
• Explore forest levels
• Observe wildlife species

The experience

The walk starts at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a 600-acre reserve where the trail crosses 10 fixed bridges and 6 hanging suspension bridges that range from 16 to 328 feet long and climb up to 180 feet high. The design is what makes the height manageable: the path has a maximum slope of 7 degrees with no steps, protection rails run the full length, and the walking surface is non-slip concrete. You move through three distinct forest levels (undergrowth, sub-canopy and canopy) on the same route, which is why the species observation changes as you climb. The trail is 2 miles total, and a professional guide leads you through it, pointing out wildlife and explaining the ecosystem as you cross.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with transportation to and from the park. You get bottled water and fruit during the walk. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference. Children from age 5 can join as long as they're accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing younger children. The operator notes that the trail suits mixed fitness levels, though moderate fitness is recommended, and it's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

Four purchase options let you add hot springs to the bridge walk if you want to extend the day: Bridges plus Paradise Hot Springs, Bridges plus Hot Springs PuraVida, Bridges plus Ecotermales Hot Spring, or the Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour on its own. The bridges themselves are the core experience. The hot springs are optional add-ons you choose at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• fruit.
• transportation to and from Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

Options for this experience

4 options

Hanging Bridges of Arenal TourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:20 and 14:20Pickup is included, without hot springs

Bridges and Paradise Hot Springs combinedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:20 and 14:20Includes pickup, plus one meal, either dinner or lunch, at Paradise Hot Springs

Ecotermales Hot Spring BridgesGuide in English or Spanish · 08:20 and 14:20Includes pickup, plus one meal, either dinner or lunch, at Ecotermales Hot Spring

Bridges combined with Hot Springs PuraVidaGuide in English or Spanish · 08:20 and 14:20Includes pickup, plus one meal, either dinner or lunch, at Hot Springs Pura Vida

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:20 and 14:20

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours

Is this one for you?The fixed route and guided pace mean you don't navigate or time the walk yourself. The guide handles the route, the timing and the wildlife spotting, so you focus on the bridges and the canopy instead of planning. Book this if you want the forest experience without building the day around logistics.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high do the suspension bridges go at Mistico Arenal?

The hanging bridges climb up to 180 feet high, with lengths ranging from 16 to 328 feet. The trail is designed with protection rails, non-slip concrete and a gentle maximum slope of 7 degrees, so the height is manageable even for families and mixed fitness levels.

What animals and plants will I see on the Arenal Hanging Bridges walk?

The 600-acre reserve holds a big variety of fauna and lush tropical vegetation. Walking through three forest levels (undergrowth, sub-canopy and canopy) gives you more opportunity to observe species at different heights than a single-level trail would.

What's included in the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide in English or Spanish, bottled water and fruit are included. Transportation to and from Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is part of the package.

Can I add hot springs to the Arenal Hanging Bridges walk?

Yes, four purchase options let you combine the bridges with hot springs: Paradise Hot Springs, Hot Springs PuraVida or Ecotermales Hot Spring. You can also book the Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour on its own without hot springs.

How long does the Arenal Hanging Bridges walk take?

The guided walk takes 3 to 4 hours. The trail is 2 miles long and crosses 16 suspension bridges total, with a professional guide leading you through the different forest levels.