Arenal Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs: Private Tour from San Jose

Walk 16 bridges across the rainforest canopy with Arenal Volcano in view, then soak in thermal pools until late afternoon.

A private 12-hour tour from San Jose combines a guided rainforest hike through Mistico Park (crossing 10 regular and 6 hanging bridges with views of a 60-foot waterfall and Arenal Volcano) with a full afternoon at Baldi Hot Springs. Hotel pickup, a professional guide, buffet lunch, and unlimited access to thermal pools, Jacuzzis and steam rooms are included. You return to San Jose by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park3h · entry included
2. Baldi Hot Springs3h · entry included

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

• Drive from San Jose to La Fortuna
• Guided sightseeing tour of La Fortuna
• View Arenal Volcano surroundings
• Hike Mistico Park hanging bridges
• Relax at Baldi Hot Springs
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Baldi Hot Springs
• Return to San Jose

The experience

The drive from San Jose to La Fortuna takes roughly two hours, and your guide uses the route to point out coffee plantations, sugar cane and citrus farms, and rural towns along the way. Once in La Fortuna, a short sightseeing stop introduces the town and its setting near Arenal Volcano before you head to Mistico Park for the main event: a guided walk along rainforest trails that cross 10 regular bridges and 6 hanging bridges. A 60-foot waterfall appears along the route, and Arenal Volcano rises in the background throughout.

After the hike, a short ride takes you to Baldi Hot Springs, where you'll spend the afternoon in thermal pools fed by natural hot springs, along with Jacuzzis, a steam room, water slides and swim-up bars. Buffet lunch is served, and you have free time to move between pools and relax until 4:00 PM. Towels and lockers are provided. The return drive to San Jose follows, arriving in the evening.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose.
• private round-trip transfer.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• guided rainforest hike with bridge crossings.
• buffet lunch.
• access to all thermal pools, Jacuzzis, steam room and water slides at Baldi Hot Springs.
• towels and lockers.
• beverages.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours

Is this one for you?A guide who speaks English or Spanish leads the entire day, so you follow the commentary comfortably whether you're crossing the hanging bridges or soaking in the pools afterward. The private format means no schedule pressure: your guide sets the pace for the hike and you control how long you spend in each thermal pool before the 4:00 PM departure.

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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 (4 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

How many bridges do you actually walk across at Mistico Park?

Mistico Park has 16 bridges total: 10 regular bridges and 6 hanging bridges woven through the rainforest canopy. A 60-foot waterfall is visible along the trail, and Arenal Volcano dominates the views throughout the walk.

What's included in the buffet lunch at Baldi Hot Springs?

A delicious buffet lunch is served at Baldi as part of the tour. The specific menu items are not detailed, but the meal is included in the price along with access to all thermal pools, Jacuzzis and steam rooms for the afternoon.

What happens during the drive from San Jose to La Fortuna?

The two-hour drive passes through the Costa Rican countryside, and your guide points out coffee plantations, sugar cane and citrus farms, roadside fruit stands, and charming rural towns along the way.