La Fortuna & Arenal: Hanging Bridges, Volcano Hike & Family Lunch

Summary

Explore rainforest wildlife hanging bridges volcano hike lunch

You’ll walk rainforest bridges listening for monkeys overhead, hike ancient lava flows beneath Arenal Volcano, share a home-cooked lunch with local flavors, then swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall’s spray. Expect laughter, muddy boots, real Costa Rican warmth — and maybe a story or two you’ll want to retell.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you’ll hear the toucans before you see them,” our guide José grinned as we stepped into Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. He was right — that weird croaking sound wasn’t frogs after all. The air felt thick and green, if that makes sense, and every so often I’d catch a whiff of something sweet and earthy. We moved slow at first, trying to spot monkeys (José had this way of just pointing and suddenly everyone saw it). The bridges swayed a little underfoot — not scary, but enough to make me grip the rail tighter than I’d admit. There was this moment when the clouds shifted and the volcano peeked through for a second. I didn’t expect it to feel so close.

The drive to the Arenal volcano hike took maybe half an hour? Hard to say — I dozed off for a bit, lulled by José’s stories about the 1968 eruption and his uncle’s cow that supposedly outran lava (he swears it’s true). The ground on the lava flow trail is rough in spots, crunchy under your boots. You can still smell sulfur if you stop long enough. Lunch came just when I needed it — José’s family restaurant sits up on a hill with this view that honestly made me forget to check my phone for once. His mom served us casado with chicken; I tried her homemade salsa and nearly coughed myself off the porch (she laughed and handed me more soda).

After lunch we headed to La Fortuna Waterfall. The steps down are no joke — my legs were jelly halfway but there’s this cool mist as you get closer that wakes you up again. The waterfall is loud, like standing next to a jet engine but somehow peaceful too? We swam for a bit (the water’s colder than it looks) and took those awkward group photos everyone pretends not to care about. On the way back up, some local kids raced past us barefoot. I still think about that view from below — all green walls and spray in your face.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore rainforest, volcano, and waterfall

• Spot wildlife in the forest
• Walk hanging bridges
• Drive 30 minutes to volcano hike
• Hike lava flows from 1968
• Drive 20 minutes to family restaurant
• Have local lunch with volcano view
• Visit La Fortuna waterfall
• Swim and take pictures at waterfall

Top questions

How long does the full day Arenal tour take?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including transfers between activities.

Is lunch included on the Arenal day trip?

Yes, a traditional local lunch at the guide's family restaurant is included.

What wildlife can I see at Mistico Hanging Bridges?

You might spot monkeys, sloths, frogs, snakes, toucans, and more in the forest.

Is swimming allowed at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes, swimming is possible at La Fortuna Waterfall during this tour.

Are transfers included from my hotel?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arrangements available.

Is this tour suitable for small children or infants?

Infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller if needed.

How difficult is the volcano hike?

The hike requires moderate physical fitness due to uneven terrain and steps.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup options nearby, entry fees for Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, use of a spotting scope for wildlife photos, bottled water and soda throughout the day, plus a home-cooked lunch at your guide’s family restaurant overlooking the valley and volcano before heading back in comfort.