La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

Three major hikes in one day without arranging the transport or the stops

A full-day combo tour from La Fortuna covers three major attractions: a 2.5-hour hike to the base of Arenal Volcano across its 1968 lava field, a swim at La Fortuna Waterfall (70–75 meters tall, reached by descending and climbing back up around 500 steps), and a 2.5-hour rainforest walk crossing 6 hanging bridges and 10 regular ones at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, traditional Costa Rican lunch with fresh juice, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and departs early to avoid the largest tourist groups.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. La Fortuna Waterfall1h 30m · entry included
2. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park2h · entry included

Explore Arenal Volcano and Surroundings

• Hotel pickup and drive to Arenal Volcano Park
• Hike 2.5 hours to base of Arenal Volcano
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and swim
• Enjoy traditional Costa Rican casado lunch
• Walk 2.5 hours on Mistico Hanging Bridges trail

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a 30-minute drive to Arenal Volcano Park. The first hike is a 2.5-hour walk to the volcano's base: mostly flat ground, fairly easy, but the final stretch crosses the rocky 1968 lava field where you'll see the eruption's aftermath and hear the history of what shaped the landscape. This is where the volcano's scale becomes real: you're standing on what it left behind.

La Fortuna Waterfall comes next. The waterfall itself is 70–75 meters tall, and reaching the pool at its base means descending around 500 steps, then climbing back up. The effort is real, but the payoff is a safe swimming spot in fresh water surrounded by tropical forest. Lunch follows at a casual eatery: a traditional Costa Rican casado (a plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains and a protein) with fresh fruit juice, and vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

The final stretch is the hanging bridges. You'll spend 2.5 hours on a 3.2-km trail through rainforest canopy, crossing 6 suspension bridges and 10 regular ones. The views open up to the volcano and the forest ecosystem below. Rain is common in this zone, so bring something waterproof. The guide is bilingual (English and Spanish), and the group stays small: a deliberate choice to keep the experience from becoming a crowded procession through the same three stops everyone else is hitting.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• traditional Costa Rican lunch (casado) with fresh fruit juice.
• welcome shot.
• access to all three attractions (Arenal Volcano Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Green Vacations Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three major attractions in one day with an early start to beat crowds, and you're comfortable with full-day hiking across volcano, waterfall, and rainforest terrain.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

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 24h before the start.

How difficult is the hiking on this tour?

The Arenal Volcano hike is fairly easy, mostly flat ground with a rocky section at the end. La Fortuna Waterfall requires climbing down and back up around 500 steps. The hanging bridges walk is moderate and takes 2.5 hours on a 3.2-km trail. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the full day.

What is the 1968 lava field at Arenal Volcano?

The 1968 lava field is the rocky terrain left behind by Arenal Volcano's eruption that year. The hike takes you to the base of the volcano where you can see and walk across this landscape while learning about the eruption and the volcano's history.

Can I swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes. La Fortuna Waterfall has safe spots at the pool below where you can swim and cool off in fresh water. Reaching the pool involves descending around 500 steps and then climbing back up.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

The rainforest and volcano areas are home to monkeys, sloths, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The early departure time helps you encounter wildlife before the largest tourist groups arrive.

Is lunch included, and are dietary options available?

Yes, lunch is a traditional Costa Rican casado with fresh fruit juice. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your dietary requirements when you book.

How long is the tour and when does it start?

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off. It departs early in the day to avoid the largest number of tourist groups at each attraction.