Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Walk rainforest bridges swim below La Fortuna waterfall hike Arenal lava flows

You’ll cross rainforest bridges near Arenal Volcano, hike ancient lava fields with a local guide, swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall’s spray, and unwind in natural hot springs with a cocktail in hand. Expect moments of awe—and maybe laughter over lunch or language slips—that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the hanging bridge swayed under my boots—just a little, enough to make me grip the side. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is green in every direction, the kind of green that feels heavy after rain. Our guide, Daniel, stopped us mid-bridge to point out a pair of toucans arguing in the canopy (or maybe flirting—he couldn’t decide). The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. I kept looking for the volcano through gaps in the trees and then—there it was, just sitting there behind a sheet of cloud. Not sure why but seeing Arenal up close made me feel oddly small.

After that we drove closer to the volcano itself. There’s this trail over old lava rocks from 1968—jagged and black, nothing like any path I’ve hiked before. Daniel told stories about how people used to live right here before the eruption changed everything. We scrambled up to a lookout where you can see both the volcano and a patchwork of fields stretching north. Wind whipped around us; someone’s hat nearly flew off. Lunch was at a place nearby—rice, beans, fried plantain, some kind of chicken stew that tasted better than it looked (I went back for seconds). The owner smiled when I tried out my rusty Spanish.

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about the stairs down to La Fortuna Waterfall but they’re steeper than they look. My legs were shaking by the bottom—worth it though. The roar of water drowns out everything else. I jumped in (cold!) and floated on my back watching sunlight flicker through spray. Some folks just sat on rocks with their feet in; nobody rushed anyone here.

We finished at a small hot springs resort nearby—steam rising off stone pools as dusk settled in. Daniel mixed us cocktails with guaro (Costa Rican liquor) and pineapple juice; he laughed when I tried to say “salud” with his accent. My skin still felt warm hours later on the ride home. If you’re thinking about a day trip from La Fortuna or Cusco—wait, not Cusco, brain slip—I’d say this one’s worth it just for that feeling after sunset when your body finally goes quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arenal Hanging Bridges and Waterfall

• Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
• Hike trails with panoramic views
• Drive to volcano base park
• Hike lava rock trail
• View Arenal volcano and lava fields
• Eat local-style lunch
• Hike to La Fortuna waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall pool
• Optional visit to hot springs resort
• Enjoy typical style cocktails

Top questions

How long is the Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall day trip?

The full-day tour lasts around 10 hours including all activities and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels in the La Fortuna area are included.

Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall during this tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim or relax on rocks at La Fortuna Waterfall pool.

Are meals provided on this day trip?

A traditional Costa Rican lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, your professional bilingual guide accompanies you throughout.

How difficult is the hiking involved?

You should have moderate fitness; expect about 5 hours of hiking including stairs and uneven terrain.

Are entrance fees for parks and hot springs included?

All entry fees—including Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and hot springs resort—are covered in your booking.

Is transportation by public bus available?

No public bus is provided; private transfers are included for guests staying locally.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna, entrance tickets for Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, guided hikes across bridges and lava fields near Arenal Volcano, a hearty Costa Rican lunch at a local spot, access to relaxing hot springs with a cocktail served at dusk—all led by an experienced bilingual guide before returning comfortably that evening.