La Fortuna Hanging Bridges and Volcano Hike: Night Wildlife Tour

Walk suspension bridges through primary forest, then track frogs and snakes after dark

This La Fortuna tour combines a daytime hike through the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges reserve with a night walk in search of nocturnal creatures, led by a local guide. The day starts at the 250-hectare primary forest reserve with 10 walking bridges and 6 hanging bridges (the highest 48 meters, the longest 98 meters), where you'll spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchins, sloths, toucans and snakes. After the bridges, you hike the foothills of Arenal Volcano through 1968 lava fields while learning the volcano's history. The night walk follows, then a soak in the free Tabacon River hot springs. Transport and water are included; children from age 6 are welcome.

The Experience

The tour starts at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, a 250-hectare reserve of primary forest where the canopy work takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. You cross 10 walking bridges and 6 hanging bridges—the tallest reaches 48 meters above the forest floor, the longest stretches 98 meters—moving through a habitat where three species of monkeys live alongside sloths, toucans, and a large number of snakes. The biological diversity here is what makes the wildlife spotting possible; you're not watching animals in a pen but moving through their territory on a fixed route.

After the bridges, you head to Mirador El Silencio for a 1-hour hike through the foothills of Arenal Volcano, walking across the 1968 lava fields. Your guide explains the volcano's history and geology as you move through the landscape it shaped. This section anchors the day's geography—you're standing in the aftermath of a real eruption, not a scenic overlook.

The night walk lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and targets nocturnal creatures: frogs, snakes, insects and whatever else emerges after dark. A flashlight and a guide who knows where to look are what make this possible; the forest changes entirely once the sun sets. After the night walk, you spend about an hour soaking in the Tabacon River hot springs, which flow free and warm from the ground. Transport from your hotel, water throughout the day, and the guide are all included; the tour runs small groups to keep the pace manageable and the wildlife sightings genuine.

What’s included

Transport from your hotel, water throughout the day, entry to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, the volcano foothills hike with guide commentary, the night walk with a local guide, and access to the Tabacon River hot springs are all included; tips are not.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Arenal Expeditions-Tours and Transfers

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want canopy, volcano, and nocturnal wildlife in one full day with transport and guide included—no need to coordinate separate bookings.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What monkeys will I see on the Hanging Bridges hike?

Three species live in the Mistico reserve: howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. The capuchins are the most intelligent and often the most active on the bridges; howler monkeys are louder and easier to hear than to spot. Sloths also live in the canopy, moving slowly enough that you can watch them for as long as you want.

How high are the suspension bridges at Mistico Arenal?

The highest bridge reaches 48 meters above the forest floor; the longest bridge spans 98 meters. You walk across all 10 walking bridges and 6 hanging bridges during the 2 hour 40 minute section at the reserve, moving through the canopy at varying heights.

What happens on the night walk, and what will I see?

The night walk lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and focuses on nocturnal wildlife—frogs, snakes, insects and creatures that emerge after dark. Your guide uses a flashlight to locate animals and explain their behavior; the forest is completely different at night, with different species active and different sounds.

Is the Tabacon River hot spring included, and how long do we spend there?

Yes, the free Tabacon River hot springs are included at the end of the tour. You spend about an hour soaking in the naturally warm water after the night walk, which is a good way to cool down and relax before heading back to your hotel.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour, and what's the terrain like?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The Hanging Bridges section is on a fixed canopy route with railings; the volcano foothills hike is 1 hour at a steady pace through lava fields. The night walk is on foot but not strenuous. Children from age 6 are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with younger kids.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Transport from your hotel, water throughout the day, all park fees and taxes, and a local guide in English are included. Bring comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, a light rain jacket (it's a rainforest), and a swimsuit for the hot springs. The guide provides the flashlight for the night walk.