Arenal Full Day Tour: Volcano, Bridges & Waterfall
Rainforest, lava flows, suspension bridges and a waterfall swim in one day
A full-day guided tour from La Fortuna takes you through rainforest to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, then onto Arenal volcano's 1968 lava flows, lunch at a family restaurant overlooking the valley, and a swim at La Fortuna Waterfall. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours with private transportation, a guide in English or Spanish, and wildlife spotting along the way: children from age 5 are welcome.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore rainforest, volcano, and waterfall
- Spot wildlife in rainforest
- Walk Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Hike Arenal volcano lava flows
- Have lunch at family restaurant
- Swim and take photos at La Fortuna Waterfall
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Entry included 3h
- La Fortuna Waterfall Entry included 2h
What’s included
- Private transportation throughout the day.
- a guide in English or Spanish.
- bottled water and soft drinks.
- a spotting scope for wildlife photography.
- a local lunch at a family restaurant with valley views.
- entry to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, the Arenal volcano lava flows and La Fortuna Waterfall.
Times
- Every day 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Las pavitas tours and transfers
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you walk suspended trails through the canopy looking for monkeys, sloths, frogs and snakes. After 30 minutes of driving, you reach the volcano hike across the 1968 lava flows, where the guide explains Arenal's geology and history as you walk the blackened rock. The landscape here is stark and otherworldly. Nothing grows on those flows yet, and the ground itself tells the story of what happened decades ago.
Lunch comes at a family-run restaurant 20 minutes down the road, with views across the valley toward the volcano. The meal is local and substantial, eaten in a place built around the view. After eating, you drive to La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim in the pool at its base and time to photograph the cascade. A spotting scope is provided throughout the day for closer wildlife photography.
Private transportation means you move at your own pace without waiting for other groups, and the guide speaks either English or Spanish depending on what you book. The tour is moderately physical (you're hiking lava flows and walking suspension bridges), so it suits travelers with a reasonable fitness level. Infants and small children can come along, though the hike itself is better suited to kids from age 5 onward.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private guide and vehicle for the day. You move at your own pace without coordinating with other groups, and the driver handles all the logistics between the three sites. It suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable hiking lava flows and walking suspension bridges, and families with children from age 5 up.
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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 (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
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.
What wildlife might I see on the hanging bridges at Mistico Arenal?
Monkeys, sloths, frogs and snakes are common sightings in the canopy, and a spotting scope is provided to get a closer look at animals in the trees.
How much walking and hiking is involved in this tour?
You walk the suspension bridges at Mistico Arenal, then hike across the 1968 lava flows on Arenal volcano. The tour is moderately physical and best suited to travelers with at least a moderate fitness level.
Is lunch included, and where do we eat?
Yes, a local lunch is included at a family restaurant with views of the valley and volcano, served after the volcano hike and before the waterfall stop.
Can I swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, you swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall and have time to take photographs before the tour ends.
What's included in the price?
Private transportation, a guide in English or Spanish, bottled water, lunch, a spotting scope for wildlife photography, and entry to all three sites are included. Gratuities are not.
Arenal Full Day Tour: Volcano, Bridges & Waterfall
7h–8h · EN · ES
from US$ 185 per person
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