La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Day Tour

Summary

Early start from La Fortuna for volcano hike bridges and waterfall swim

You’ll wake up early in La Fortuna for a full day: hiking Arenal Volcano’s lava fields with a local guide, swimming below La Fortuna Waterfall after climbing down hundreds of steps, and walking Mistico Hanging Bridges high above the rainforest floor. Expect laughter, tired legs, good food—and maybe a sloth sighting that stays in your mind long after.

What’s the experience like?

Opened my eyes to the green outside our window and before I’d even finished my coffee, the van was waiting—our guide, Diego, grinning like he already knew we’d get muddy. The drive out of La Fortuna was quiet except for birds and those early clouds that hang low over everything. At Arenal Volcano 1968 Park, Diego told us stories about the old eruption while we picked our way over crunchy black rocks. The ground still feels a bit alive under your shoes—hard to explain. He pointed out a toucan (I missed it) and some tiny orchids growing wild in the cracks.

The climb down to La Fortuna Waterfall is a leg-burner—500 steps, give or take (I stopped counting at 200). You can hear the water before you see it, this deep roar echoing through all that green. It’s cold when you jump in but honestly, after sweating through the volcano hike, it feels perfect. I tried to float on my back but just ended up laughing with a couple from San José who were braver swimmers than me. Lunch after felt earned—rice, beans, chicken, nothing fancy but tasted good with wet hair and tired legs.

Mistico Hanging Bridges came last—the air thicker here, almost sweet with rain even though it wasn’t raining yet. We crossed bridge after bridge (six hanging ones if you’re counting), each one swinging just enough to make you grab the rail without thinking. Diego spotted a sloth curled up like a mossy pillow; everyone got quiet for a second just watching it breathe. There’s something about those moments—when nobody’s talking and you’re all looking up into the same patch of leaves—that sticks with you longer than any photo. I didn’t expect that part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal hike, waterfall, and hanging bridges

• Hotel pickup and 30-minute drive
• 2.5-hour hike at Arenal Volcano Park
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and swim
• Walk 3.2 km at Mistico Hanging Bridges

Top questions

How long does the La Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included on this day trip from La Fortuna?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the tour package.

How difficult is the hike at Arenal Volcano?

The hike is fairly easy with mostly flat ground except for rocky areas near the lava field.

How many steps are there to reach La Fortuna Waterfall?

There are about 500 steps down (and back up) to access the waterfall base.

Are hotel pickups available in La Fortuna?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in La Fortuna.

Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes, there are safe spots where swimming is allowed at the base of the waterfall.

What wildlife might I see on this combo tour?

You might spot monkeys, sloths, amphibians, reptiles, birds and more during walks.

Do I need special gear for Mistico Hanging Bridges Park?

A waterproof jacket is recommended as rain is possible in the tropical forest.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around La Fortuna, bottled water to keep you going between stops, entry fees for all parks visited on this combo tour, a hearty Costa Rican lunch (with vegetarian options if needed), an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers between sites and a local driver-guide sharing stories along every step.