La Fortuna hiking tour: 3 hikes, hanging bridges, waterfall
Cross 16 bridges and hike to a waterfall base in a single morning, then climb volcanic terrain in the afternoon.
A full-day hiking tour near La Fortuna combines three separate trails: a 3 km circuit across 10 fixed and 6 hanging bridges through the rainforest; a 15-minute descent to La Fortuna Waterfall where you can swim; and an Arenal Volcano hike crossing solidified lava from the 1968 eruption, ending with views of Lake Arenal. A professional guide leads the route in English or Spanish, and the day includes lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, entrance fees and hotel pickup. The tour runs six hours total and suits hikers with solid fitness who want three distinct landscapes in one outing.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Professional guide in English or Spanish.
- entrance fees to all three trails.
- lunch at a local restaurant.
- bottled water throughout the day.
- transportation to and from the trailheads.
- hotel pickup.
Times
- Every day 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours
Prices and times updated 6 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts at the hanging bridges, a 3 km circuit that keeps you moving through the rainforest canopy without technical climbing. You'll cross 10 fixed bridges and 6 hanging ones at varying heights: the trail slopes at a maximum of 7 percent with no stairs, slip-resistant concrete underfoot and safety railings throughout, so the exposure is real but the footing is stable. The flora and fauna shift as you move through the different elevations, and the bridges themselves are the main event here, not a single viewpoint at the end.
From there you head to La Fortuna Waterfall and hike down to its base, a 15-minute walk that lands you at the pool below the drop. You can swim in the water or sit on the rocks and let the mist cool you down. The choice is yours. After that comes lunch at a local restaurant where you eat traditional Costa Rican food, and the guide builds in rest time before the afternoon push.
The final hike takes you onto the Arenal Volcano trails, where the ground itself tells the story: you walk across the solidified lava that poured out during the 1968 eruption, and the rainforest is slowly reclaiming it. Rock formations rise around you, and the plants and animals have adapted to this younger landscape. By the time you reach the top of the trail, Lake Arenal spreads out below, and you've covered three completely different terrains in a single day.
Is this one for you?Book the private option if you want to set the pace and rest when you need it. The shared tour works if you're comfortable with a group and want to split the cost. Either way, this tour is built for hikers who can sustain six hours of mixed terrain and want to see three different landscapes (rainforest canopy, a waterfall pool, and volcanic ground) without organizing the logistics yourself.
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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 (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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.
What are the hanging bridges like? Are they safe for someone who's afraid of heights?
The hanging bridges sit at varying heights and are the centerpiece of the first hike, so exposure is part of the experience. They're built with fixed railings and slip-resistant concrete, and the trail itself has a maximum slope of 7 percent with no stairs, so the physical footing is secure. Whether the height itself feels manageable depends on your comfort level, but the structure is designed for safety and stability.
Can I actually swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, or is it just a viewing stop?
You can choose to swim at the waterfall base or simply relax and take in the scenery. Both options are available once you reach the bottom. The 15-minute hike down gets you to the pool, and what you do there is up to you.
How difficult is the Arenal Volcano hike compared to the other two trails?
The volcano hike crosses rainforest and the lava fields from 1968, with rock formations and varied terrain. The tour is designed for hikers with a high level of physical fitness, and all three sections together make up the full six-hour day, so the volcano hike is the final push after the bridges and waterfall.
Is lunch included, and can you accommodate vegetarian preferences?
Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need one.
Does the tour price include transportation to the trailheads?
Yes, transportation is included, and hotel pickup is part of the booking so you don't need to arrange your own way to the starting point.
La Fortuna hiking tour: 3 hikes, hanging bridges, waterfall
6h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 204.53 per person
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