La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Hike with Lunch

Summary

Walk misty bridges spot wildlife then cool off by the falls

You’ll hike through rainforest canopy on hanging bridges near Arenal, spot wildlife with a local guide, then descend to swim or relax by La Fortuna Waterfall before sharing lunch at a countryside spot. Expect muddy shoes and moments you’ll want to remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Right after we got picked up in La Fortuna, I realized I’d totally underestimated how green everything would be. Like, not just “rainforest” green — I mean layers of moss on every branch, the air itself almost thick with it. Our guide, Diego, had this way of stopping mid-sentence to point out a toucan or some tiny frog I never would’ve seen. The Arenal Hanging Bridges are higher than they look in photos — you feel the sway under your feet and hear the low hum of insects everywhere. At one point I just stopped walking and listened. It’s not silent at all but somehow peaceful, you know?

The hike is about 3 km but it didn’t feel long because Diego kept finding things — a sloth curled up like a fuzzy ball (I tried to get a photo but failed), and these ants carrying leaves bigger than themselves. There was an extra little trail to a waterfall; honestly I almost skipped it because my legs were tired already, but Diego grinned and said “pura vida!” so off we went. The light down there was different — cooler somehow, and you could smell wet earth everywhere.

After that came La Fortuna Waterfall. You hear it before you see it: this deep roar that gets louder as you walk down the steps (my knees complained a bit). When we finally reached the bottom, some people jumped straight in but I just sat for a while with my feet in the water. Cold enough to make me laugh out loud. Lunch at La Finquita after — rice, beans, chicken and plantains — simple but tasted better than anything fancy right then. Maybe it’s all the walking or maybe Costa Rican food really is just that good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Hanging Bridges and Waterfall

• Walk 3 km circuit on hanging bridges
• Explore optional trail to small waterfall
• Hike 15 minutes to La Fortuna Waterfall
• Enjoy waterfall view or swim
• Have traditional lunch at La Finquita

Top questions

How long is the hike at Arenal Hanging Bridges?

The main circuit is about 3 km (2 miles) with 16 bridges of various lengths and heights.

Is swimming allowed at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes, you can swim at the base of the waterfall if you want.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included at La Finquita Restaurant.

Are hotel pickups available in La Fortuna?

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

How difficult is the walk to the waterfall?

The descent takes about 15 minutes with many steps; moderate fitness is recommended.

Will there be a guide during the tour?

Yes, a naturalist guide leads the hike and helps spot wildlife along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around La Fortuna, entrance tickets for both Arenal Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall, all transportation between sites, fresh fruit snacks along the way, guidance from a knowledgeable naturalist guide throughout both hikes, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back in the afternoon.