Arenal: Hanging Bridges, Volcano Hike & Hot Springs Day Trip

Walk misty bridges hear jungle calls hike lava fields soak in thermal pools

You’ll cross hanging bridges above the rainforest floor near Arenal Volcano, hike historic lava fields with a local guide sharing stories along the way, then unwind in natural hot springs after a hearty Costa Rican lunch. Expect laughter on the bridges, bird calls echoing through the trees, and a few quiet moments you’ll want to keep for yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arenal Hanging Bridges and Volcano Hike

• Drive to Mistico Hanging Bridges
• Hike across six hanging bridges
• Enjoy panoramic views of Arenal Lake
• Drive to Arenal Volcano lava fields
• Hike through historic lava fields
• Have lunch at rainforest cafe
• Relax in thermal hot spring pools

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Entry included 3h
2. Lake Arenal passing by
3. Arenal Volcano National Park 4h

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and El Silencio Park, fruit snacks after hiking, an English or Spanish-speaking local guide throughout, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch with drinks before relaxing in several natural thermal pools at Relax Termalitas Hot Springs.

Times

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• Every day 07:00

Information

Feel the rainforest come alive at Arenal with hanging bridges, a volcano hike, and hot springs: includes pickup, local guide, and Costa Rican lunch.

Group Up to 13

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Pickup is included in the price. Ends back at the starting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 41 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you arrange it with the operator after booking. Pickup is about 15 minutes before departure. See the exact addressSee the pickup points

Ages Adult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 95 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.62 ★★★★★ Excellent 84 verified traveler reviews 77% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 65

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The experience

First thing I remember is how our guide, Marta, handed me a chunk of pineapple right out of her backpack while we waited at the Mistico Hanging Bridges entrance. She called it “the best energy for the trail” and honestly, she was right. The air up there near Lake Arenal was thick and sweet: like wet leaves after a night rain. We’d barely started when Marta stopped us to point out a sloth curled into itself above one of the bridges. I squinted forever before I saw it move. The bridges themselves felt a bit wobbly (in a good way?) and every time someone laughed or gasped you could feel it ripple underfoot.

I didn’t expect the sound, so many birds going off at once it was almost dizzying. There’s this one spot where you look out over the canopy and catch both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal in the same sweep. It’s not silent, but it’s that kind of noise that makes you feel small in a nice way. Marta told us about the 1968 eruption as we drove to El Silencio Park. Her uncle remembered ash falling for days. Walking over those old lava fields is rough under your shoes, all black rock and little tufts of green poking through. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “colada de lava” and Marta just grinned. She didn’t correct him.

Lunch came after that: rice, beans, chicken with some sauce I still can’t name (I should’ve asked). The restaurant sat right next to these steamy pools, the Relax Termalitas Hot Springs, which looked almost too perfect but felt real enough once you slid in. You could hear people trading stories in Spanish and English, steam rising around everyone’s faces. My skin smelled faintly mineral afterwards. I kind of liked it. Didn’t want to get out, honestly.

Top questions

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Pickup is included in the price. When you book, you choose your hotel from 41 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you arrange it with the operator after booking. Pickup is about 15 minutes before departure.

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

How long does the Arenal Hanging Bridges & Volcano tour last?

The day trip lasts around 8 hours including all activities and transfers from your hotel.

Is lunch included on this Arenal day trip?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch with drinks is included after the volcano hike.

How difficult is the volcano hike portion?

The hike is moderate. Suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated for lunch?

Yes, dietary accommodations are available if requested in advance.

Do I need to bring swimwear for the hot springs?

Yes, bring swimwear if you plan to enjoy the Relax Termalitas Hot Springs at the end of the tour.

Operated by Red Lava TSC. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago