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La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges, Waterfall & Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.74 (77 reviews) 86% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/13

Duration9h–10h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

La Fortuna’s wild bridges, waterfall swim and volcano hike in one

You’ll walk misty jungle bridges above La Fortuna, swim under a roaring waterfall, hike ancient lava fields at Arenal Volcano and end up soaking in natural hot springs by dusk—with local meals included and someone else handling all the driving. If you want one wild Costa Rica day that feels full but never rushed, this is it.

9h–10h

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Arenal Hanging Bridges trail
Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall
Have lunch at La Finquita restaurant
Hike to petrified lava block

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the sound—rain tapping on thick leaves as we stepped onto the Arenal hanging bridges. Our guide, Diego, pointed out a toucan perched above us (I almost missed it, honestly), and then we kept moving, the metal of the bridge humming under our boots. The air felt heavy but fresh, like you could taste green. I tried to count the bridges but lost track after seven—Diego laughed and said even he forgets sometimes.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing at the top of La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s loud down there—the kind of noise that fills your chest—and when I finally waded into the pool at its base, the water was colder than I thought it’d be. There were families picnicking along the rocks and a couple of kids daring each other to jump in. Lunch at La Finquita came right after; rice, beans, plantains—simple food but honestly perfect after swimming. Someone’s abuela must have been in that kitchen.

The afternoon hike near Arenal Volcano felt quieter somehow. The ground was dark and rough from old lava flows (you can actually touch them—jagged and sharp). Diego stopped now and then to show us tiny orchids clinging to branches or point out howler monkeys in the trees. We got this view of both the volcano and Arenal Lake just as clouds started rolling in—it looked unreal for a second. I still think about that view when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

We ended up soaking in hot springs as dusk fell—steam rising off the water, skin smelling faintly of minerals. Everyone went quiet for a bit; maybe tired or just happy not to be moving anymore. If you’re looking for a day trip from La Fortuna with all the big stuff—Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, waterfall swims—it’s all packed in here. And yeah, dinner is included too (I barely made it through dessert).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna hotels, bottled water throughout, entry fees for all attractions like Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, a traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Finquita restaurant plus dinner served at the hot springs before returning in the evening—all guided by a local expert who knows every shortcut worth taking.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours