Day trip San Jose to Arenal Hanging Bridges & hot springs

Walk the treetop canopy, then soak in volcanic hot springs

A 13-hour day trip from San Jose to Arenal Hanging Bridges and Baldi Hot Springs combines two distinct stops: first, crossing a series of suspension bridges through Mistico Park's transitional forest to spot highland and lowland bird species from the canopy. Then, soaking in the mineral-rich thermal waters at Baldi Hot Springs Resort with dinner served overlooking Arenal Volcano. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, bottled water, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and dinner are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park2h · entry included
2. Baldi Hot Springs5h · entry included

Arenal Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs

• Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
• Observe diverse bird species and trees
• See views of Lake Arenal and Volcano Arenal
• Relax at Baldi Hot Springs Resort
• Optional massage or spa treatment
• Enjoy dinner with volcano views
• Return to San Jose

The experience

The day starts with a drive from San Jose to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you cross a series of suspension bridges suspended above the forest floor. The park sits at the junction of two ecosystems (highland and lowland), so the canopy holds both bellbirds and toucans, yema huevo trees and caobilla, epiphytic plants and butterflies. Walking the bridges gives you a perspective of the treetop that ground-level trails cannot reach. Buffet lunch is served during the day.

After the bridges, the tour moves to Baldi Hot Springs Resort, located north of Arenal Volcano. The resort's thermal pools are fed by mineral-rich waters warmed by geothermal activity. You have time to soak and relax. Massage and spa treatments can be arranged in advance if you book them ahead. Dinner is served with views of Arenal Volcano, giving you the chance to watch for the volcanic activity the cone is known for on clear nights.

A professional guide in English or Spanish leads the entire day. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. The tour runs 13 hours total, ending with your return to San Jose after dinner.

What’s included

• Buffet lunch and dinner.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (when selected).
• access to all areas of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and Baldi Hot Springs Resort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destiny Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The day is long and involves walking the suspension bridges at canopy height, so it suits travelers comfortable with a full schedule and heights. Soaking in the thermal pools requires water entry, though the resort is wheelchair accessible and all surfaces are paved.

Traveler reviews

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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: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3).

What will I see from the Arenal Hanging Bridges?

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park sits where highland and lowland forests meet, so the canopy holds both species: bellbirds and toucans, trees like yema huevo and caobilla, and epiphytic plants and butterflies. Walking the suspension bridges gives you a view of the treetop environment from above, a perspective unavailable from the ground.

Is Arenal Volcano active, and will I see eruptions?

Arenal Volcano has not erupted recently, but it is considered one of the world's most active cinder cones. On clear nights, volcanic activity can resemble intermittent explosions of ash and incandescent light. Dinner at Baldi Hot Springs is timed so you can watch for this activity with views of the volcano.

What happens at Baldi Hot Springs?

Baldi Hot Springs Resort has thermal pools fed by mineral-rich waters warmed by geothermal activity. You soak in the pools, and massage or spa treatments can be booked in advance. Dinner is included and served with views of Arenal Volcano.

How long is the drive from San Jose?

The full day trip runs 13 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including travel time, the suspension bridges at Mistico Park, lunch, time at Baldi Hot Springs, and dinner.