La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Hike, Hanging Bridges & Waterfall

Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & a Waterfall Pool in One Day

You hike through a 1968 lava field with Arenal volcano rising behind you, walk nine suspension bridges 2 miles through the jungle canopy, swim in the pool at La Fortuna Waterfall, and eat lunch at a Maleku village with butterfly gardens. A bilingual guide handles animal spotting and all navigation, and pickup, transport, entry fees and meals are included. You just show up ready to move.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park2h 30m · entry included
2. La Fortuna Waterfall3h · entry included

Arenal hike, waterfall, and hot springs

• Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
• Hike lava fields near Arenal volcano
• Climb to panoramic volcano viewpoint
• Descend through tropical forest
• Drive to Peñas Blancas viewpoint
• Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
• Cross narrow hanging bridge
• Swim or relax at waterfall pool
• Return hike and visit Maleku village
• Enjoy lunch and explore butterfly and frog gardens

The experience

You don't expect the lava field to feel so alive. The 1968 eruption left a wall of black rock that still dominates the landscape around La Fortuna, and when you start climbing the trails that cut through it, the Arenal volcano rises behind you like something that could move again any moment. Your bilingual guide points out where the lava flowed, how the jungle is slowly reclaiming it, and then he stops to listen. There's a howler monkey somewhere in the canopy, and he's got binoculars and the patience to find it. The hike takes you up to a panoramic viewpoint where you can see the volcano, the lake below, and the lowlands stretching out, and then you come back down through forest thick enough that spotting wildlife becomes the real focus of the morning.

After that, the hanging bridges feel almost gentle by comparison. Nine of them, connected by about two miles of trails, strung through the jungle canopy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. You're high enough to see into the treetops where the animals actually live (birds, sloths, monkeys), and the volcano stays visible the whole time, which is the kind of backdrop that makes you understand why people keep coming back to this area. The bridges are solid, the guide knows which ones give you the best sightlines, and the whole section moves at a pace that lets you actually look instead of just rush through.

Then comes the waterfall. A bumpy three-mile ride takes you toward the Peñas Blancas viewpoint, where you can see two waterfalls in the distance before you even start hiking. The trail down to La Fortuna Waterfall passes through jungle and crosses a high, narrow hanging bridge (one more moment where the landscape reminds you it's not tame), and then you're at the pool. The water is cold and fresh, and you get about 45 minutes to swim or just sit on the rocks. On the way back up, the guide takes you through a Maleku Indian village in an ecological park where the community talks about their history and culture. Lunch happens here too, and it's a real meal, not a rushed thing. There are butterfly and frog gardens around the eating area if you want to wander between courses. Coffee and snacks come throughout the day, and everything (the guide, transportation, entry fees, lunch) is already included in the price.

The whole day runs long enough that you see the area properly, but organized enough that you're not scrambling to figure out logistics. The guide is equipped to spot animals and knows the trails well enough that you're not just following a map. If you've got moderate fitness and no spinal issues, the hikes are manageable, and the mix of volcano, canopy, water and culture means you're not doing the same thing over and over.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and private transportation to all three locations, a bilingual guide equipped for wildlife spotting, entry to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, a full lunch at the Maleku village with access to butterfly and frog gardens, coffee and tea, snacks throughout the day, and all park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Red Lava TSC

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Arenal's main highlights (volcano, canopy, waterfall) without arranging separate guides, transport and tickets, and who have moderate fitness for hiking and don't have spinal or heart conditions that would make a full day of trails risky.

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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: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs a full day with multiple hikes and stops. Exact duration depends on your fitness pace and how long you spend at the waterfall pool, but plan for 8–10 hours total including transport and lunch.

Is the hike difficult?

Moderate fitness is recommended. You'll climb stairs and trails on the volcano hike and walk the suspension bridge trails, but the pace is set by the group and the guide adjusts for fitness level.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes. You get about 45 minutes at the La Fortuna Waterfall pool to swim or rest. The water is cold but refreshing.

What's included in the price?

Guide, private transportation, all park entry fees, lunch, coffee and snacks, and taxes. You don't pay separately for any attraction or meal.

Is the guide bilingual?

Yes, the guide is bilingual and trained to spot wildlife and explain the environment as you hike.

What should I bring?

Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and water. The terrain is wet and uneven in places.

Are there age or health restrictions?

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do we visit the Maleku village?

Yes. On the way back from the waterfall, you stop at a Maleku village in an ecological park where the community shares their history and culture, and lunch is served there.