Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall & Hanging Bridges Day Trip

Summary

La Fortuna waterfall mist on your face, Arenal’s trails underfoot, rainforest bridges swaying above the green

You’ll hike down to feel La Fortuna Waterfall’s spray on your skin, walk ancient lava fields near Arenal Volcano with a local guide, cross rainforest canopy bridges (if your legs don’t shake too much), enjoy lunch and two swims—including time soaking in a natural hot springs river before heading back relaxed and maybe a little changed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be out of breath before 9am, but those 500 steps down to La Fortuna Waterfall are no joke. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name—maybe wild ginger? Our guide, José, laughed when I hesitated at the water’s edge. He said locals swear it wakes you up better than coffee. I went in anyway. Cold enough to make me yelp (loudly—sorry), but after a minute, it felt kind of perfect. My shoes were already muddy from the hike back up. Worth it.

Next was Arenal Volcano. The trail over the old lava fields was rough underfoot—black rock, crunchy and uneven, with little lizards darting away as we passed. José pointed out where the forest is slowly taking back the land. We reached a lookout where clouds moved so fast they kept hiding the volcano’s top; I tried to take a photo but honestly, it looked better just standing there. Lunch came after—rice, beans, plantains—and then a swim in this green lagoon near Tabacon. Not as cold as the waterfall but still woke me up again.

The Mistico Hanging Bridges were my favorite part—I’m not great with heights but somehow being surrounded by all that green made it easier. Sixteen bridges in total (I counted because my legs were shaking). Birds everywhere; one looked straight at me like it knew I was nervous. The light filtered through in patches and sometimes you could hear monkeys far off. Last stop: a natural hot springs river. It felt like every muscle finally let go and I could’ve stayed there forever if José hadn’t called us back for drop-off. Still think about that view from the bridge sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfall, Volcano, Bridges, and Hot Springs

• Visit Fortuna Waterfall and hike stairs
• Swim at Fortuna Waterfall
• Hike Arenal Volcano viewpoint
• Have lunch near volcano
• Swim in Tabacon green lagoon
• Walk Mistico Hanging Bridges park
• Relax at Natural Hot Springs River
• Drop off at pickup or town

Top questions

How long is the day trip from La Fortuna to Arenal Volcano?

The full tour lasts most of the day, starting around 8:00 AM and ending late afternoon or early evening depending on group pace.

Is lunch included on this Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall tour?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included during the tour.

Do you need to be very fit for this day trip?

You should have at least moderate fitness—there are about 500 stairs at La Fortuna Waterfall and some uneven hiking around Arenal Volcano.

Are entrance fees covered for all attractions?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in the booking price.

Is hotel pickup provided for this combo tour?

Pickup is included from your hotel or central meeting point in La Fortuna area.

Can you swim at both La Fortuna Waterfall and Tabacon lagoon?

Yes, swimming is possible at both locations if you want to join in.

How many hanging bridges are there at Mistico Park?

You’ll cross 16 different hanging bridges during the walk through Mistico Park.

Are natural hot springs part of this day trip itinerary?

Yes, you’ll relax for about an hour in a natural hot springs river near Arenal before heading back.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or town meeting point, all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, a traditional Costa Rican lunch after hiking Arenal Volcano’s trails, plus time to swim at both La Fortuna Waterfall and Tabacon green lagoon before unwinding in a natural hot springs river prior to drop-off.