Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Tour from La Fortuna
Hanging bridges suspended in the canopy, lava rocks from the '68 eruption, a jungle descent to a waterfall pool.
A full-day guided tour from La Fortuna takes you through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, across lava fields at Arenal Volcano's base, and down to La Fortuna waterfall for a swim. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional bilingual guide, traditional lunch, and a cocktail at the hot springs are included. About 5 hours of hiking across the day. The itinerary may shift due to weather or trail conditions.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Arenal Hanging Bridges and Waterfall
- Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
- Hike lava fields at volcano base
- Enjoy typical local lunch
- Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
- Swim and relax at waterfall pool
- Relax in hot springs with drinks
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Entry included 3h
- La Fortuna Waterfall Entry included 2h
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the La Fortuna area.
- professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- air-conditioned vehicle transportation.
- entrance fees and taxes.
- traditional Costa Rican lunch at a restaurant.
- one cocktail at the hot springs resort.
Times
- Every day 07:00
Before you book
Operated by Red Lava TSC
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you cross a series of suspended bridges woven through the rainforest canopy. Your guide walks with you, pointing out the ecosystem and the forest layers around you. The bridges offer clear views of Arenal Volcano and the lake beyond, and the trails between them let you move at a steady pace without technical climbing.
From the park, a short drive takes you to the volcano's base, where you hike through the raw landscape of lava rocks left by the 1968 eruption. The guide explains the geological history as you pick your way across the field and reach a viewpoint overlooking the volcano, the lava expanse and the Northern Valley. After that comes lunch (a traditional Costa Rican meal served at a restaurant), which breaks up the day before the waterfall section.
A 20-minute hike through a jungle staircase descends into a deep canyon to La Fortuna waterfall. The trail is steep and wet in places, which is why the tour notes you need at least moderate fitness. Once you reach the base, you can swim in the pool beneath the cascade or sit on the rocks to rest. The final stop is a small hot springs resort where you soak and the guide provides a typical-style cocktail. Additional drinks are available if you want them.
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to cover three distinct landscapes (canopy bridges, volcanic geology, and waterfall swimming) in one day with a guide managing the route. The moderate hiking and steep jungle descent to the falls require comfort on wet, uneven terrain.
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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 (10 to 17 years); Child (6 to 9 years); Infant (under 6): free.
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.
How much hiking is involved in this La Fortuna tour?
About 5 hours of hiking spread across the day: the hanging bridges and forest trails at Mistico park, the lava field walk at Arenal's base, and the 20-minute jungle descent to the waterfall. The pace is steady but not technical.
Can I swim at La Fortuna waterfall?
Yes. You reach a deep pool at the base of the waterfall where you can swim and cool off. The rocks around the pool are large enough to sit on and rest between swims.
What kind of lunch is served?
A traditional Costa Rican meal served at a restaurant partway through the day. Vegetarian options are available if you request one when you book.
Is the hot springs visit included?
Yes. After the waterfall, you visit a small hot springs resort where you can soak. A typical-style cocktail is provided. Other drinks can be ordered at your own cost.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna, a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), air-conditioned vehicle transport, entrance fees and taxes, traditional lunch, and a cocktail at the hot springs.
Who should not book this tour?
The operator does not recommend it for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, since the day involves sustained hiking and elevation change. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available in the vehicle.
Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Tour from La Fortuna
10h · EN · ES
from US$ 131.75 per person
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