Arenal Suspension Bridges, Waterfall & Hot Springs from San Jose

A waterfall swim, two hours in the treetops, then mineral pools with volcano views

A full-day tour from San Jose to Arenal combines three distinct stops: La Fortuna Waterfall (70 meters high, swimmable at the base), the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park (suspension bridges up to 135 meters above the forest floor), and an exclusive thermal spa with 15 pools of varying temperatures overlooking Arenal Volcano. The tour includes air-conditioned transport, a professional guide in English or Spanish, lunch, and entry to all attractions. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the day runs 12 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. La Fortuna Waterfall2h · entry included
2. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park2h · entry included

Waterfall, suspension bridges, and hot springs

• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
• Hike Arenal Suspension Bridges
• Relax at thermal hot springs

The experience

The day starts at La Fortuna Waterfall, where a trail through dense jungle leads to the base of a 70-meter drop. Your guide points out the local flora and fauna as you walk, then you swim in the river pool beneath the cascade. The water is cold and clear, and the waterfall itself is the backdrop for the first major stop of the day.

From there, you move to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for a two-hour hike across suspension bridges that climb as high as 135 meters above the forest canopy. The bridges connect trails through the rainforest, and from that height you can watch sloths, monkeys, toucans and other wildlife moving through the trees below and around you. The Arenal Volcano rises above the jungle throughout this section, visible from the bridges themselves.

The final stop is a thermal spa resort next to the volcano with more than 15 pools fed by natural mineral springs, each at a different temperature. Unlike crowded public hot springs, this one is exclusive and quieter. Pools include ones with waterfalls, hydrotherapy areas and whirlpool chairs designed to ease muscle tension. You can soak as long as you want before the drive back to San Jose. Lunch is included at the resort, and bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from San Jose with a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to La Fortuna Waterfall, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and the exclusive thermal spa.
• lunch at the resort.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish06:30

Guide in English or Spanish06:30

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Summer Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book the Combo option if you want all three sites in one day. Choose the Premium Hot Springs Experience if you prefer to spend more time soaking in the mineral pools and less time on the bridges or waterfall hike. Children from age 3 can join, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years). Under 3: they 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 24h before the start.

How high are the suspension bridges at Mistico Arenal?

The suspension bridges reach heights up to 135 meters above the forest floor, connecting trails through the rainforest canopy where you can spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys and toucans.

Can I swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes. La Fortuna Waterfall is 70 meters high, and you have the opportunity to swim in the river pool at its base before moving on to the next stop.

What animals might I see on the suspension bridges?

The rainforest around the bridges is home to sloths, monkeys, toucans, birds, rodents, snakes and other species. Your guide will point them out as you walk the two-hour hike.

Is the hot springs resort crowded?

The thermal spa is exclusive and private, with more than 15 pools of different temperatures. It is designed to feel quieter and more relaxed than public hot springs elsewhere.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport from San Jose, entry to La Fortuna Waterfall and the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, the thermal spa, a professional guide, lunch, and bottled water throughout the day.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs 12 hours total, with roughly two hours spent on the suspension bridges, time to swim at the waterfall, and the remainder split between transport and the hot springs.