Hanging Bridges Arenal Waterfall: three stops in one day

Three ecosystems, one morning—then a waterfall, then the volcano

You start on suspension bridges high in a private rainforest reserve, spotting wildlife and volcano views with a naturalist guide. By midday you're swimming in the turquoise pool beneath La Fortuna's 70-meter waterfall. After lunch, you hike to Mirador El Silencio for a close-range view of Arenal Volcano's cone. Hotel pickup, bilingual guide, all fees and meals are handled—you just show up with comfortable shoes and a camera.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges
• Explore La Fortuna Waterfall
• Lunch break
• Hike Arenal Volcano trails

The Experience

Our guide Carlos met us at the hotel at 7:15am with coffee already waiting in the minivan, and by 8 o'clock we were stepping onto the first suspension bridge at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The bridges run high through a private rainforest reserve where the canopy opens just enough to see Arenal Volcano sitting in the distance, cone-shaped and solid. Carlos pointed out howler monkeys moving through the branches—you hear them before you see them, a sound like a chainsaw that echoes through the trees. The walk takes three hours, moving between six bridges at different heights, and the whole thing feels less like a tourist loop and more like being let into someone's backyard. The air is thick and green, and your legs start working right away.

By 11am we were driving toward La Fortuna Waterfall, and the trail down into the canyon is steep enough that you feel it in your knees, but nothing impossible. The waterfall itself is 70 meters of water dropping into a turquoise pool so bright it doesn't look real until you're standing in front of it. People swim in the pool—the water is cold and clean—and Carlos gave us an hour to either wade in or just sit on the rocks and eat the snacks he'd brought. The jungle closes in around the pool, and the sound of the water is so loud that talking feels pointless. We had lunch back at a shelter near the parking area, a proper meal with rice and beans and fresh fruit, nothing rushed.

The Arenal Volcano walk starts at 2:30pm, after lunch settles, and this is where the day gets quieter. The trails around the base of the volcano are easy to moderate—Carlos said we'd be heading toward Mirador El Silencio, a high lookout where the cone of the volcano fills your entire view. It's three hours of walking through forest that gets thinner as you climb, and by the time you reach the mirador, you're standing at eye level with the peak. The volcano isn't erupting anymore, but it still commands the landscape. We got back to the minivan by 5:30pm, tired in the way that feels earned.

What matters for booking: the day is long—you leave at 7:30am and return around 5:30pm—but it's structured so you're not rushing between stops. The guide is bilingual, which means you're not guessing at what you're seeing. Transport, all entrance fees, lunch and water are included, so there's nothing to negotiate or figure out once you're there. Bring a raincoat and good walking shoes; the trails are muddy even when it hasn't rained recently, and the weather in La Fortuna changes fast.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna.
• professional bilingual naturalist guide in Spanish and English.
• entrance fees to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano trails.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• lunch with beverages.
• snacks and cold bottled water throughout the day.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SEVEN TOURS COSTA RICA

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see the three main natural attractions around La Fortuna in a single day without arranging transport, guides or timing yourself—the fixed schedule is what makes fitting all three stops possible. Plan for a full 10 hours out, with moderate hiking and some steep sections, which is what lets you experience the hanging bridges, waterfall swim and volcano views without backtracking.

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Top questions

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup is at 7:30am, return around 5:30pm. The hanging bridges run 8am–11am, the waterfall 11am–1:30pm with lunch included, and the volcano walk 2:30pm–5:30pm.

Is swimming at the waterfall included?

Yes. La Fortuna Waterfall has a natural pool where you can swim. The time there is built in, and it's part of the tour—bring a swimsuit or change of clothes.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional bilingual guide, all entrance fees, transport by minivan, lunch, snacks and bottled water.

How difficult are the trails?

The hanging bridges are moderate; the waterfall trek is steep downhill but short. The volcano walk is easy to moderate. You need at least moderate fitness and comfortable walking shoes.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes, with an adult. Infants can ride in a stroller or be held. Children's rates apply when two paying adults are present. It's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

What should I bring?

Camera, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, insect repellent and a swimsuit or change of clothes. The weather changes quickly in La Fortuna.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes. The guide is bilingual in Spanish and English and is a trained naturalist who explains the ecosystems and wildlife you encounter.