Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk & Tabacón Hot Springs Visit with Meal, Arenal/La Fortuna

5.0 (2 reviews)
Explore a rainforest reserve on suspended bridges, followed by a soak in volcano-heated hot springs surrounded by lush vegetation.

Overview

Enjoy a mix of active adventure and relaxation on this popular day trip to Arenal Hanging Bridges and Tabacón Hot Springs. You'll start with a leisurely hike through the rainforest along a series of fixed and suspended bridges, learning about the jungle's unique ecosystem and spotting rare birds in the wild. Then you'll head to Tabacón Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs (there are 20!) to soak in waters heated underground by the nearby Arenal Volcano, taking a break for a meal of traditional fare at the resort's Ave Restaurant.

Highlights

  • Walk high above the rainforest on a series of suspended or fixed bridges
  • Spot vibrantly colored birds (there are 340 avian species!) and wildlife in the jungle
  • Relax in waters heated underground by Arenal Volcano
  • Enjoy a three-course meal made with local ingredients at Ave Restaurant

Know before you go

Duration
6h 30m
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Food & Drink
Dinner Included

What you'll do

The excursion begins with a transfer from La Fortuna to the starting point of the Arenal Hanging Bridges walk in the company of an expert guide. The 600-acre (243 ha) reserve features a 2-mile (3 km) trail that weaves through 16 bridges—10 fixed and six hanging. With lengths stretching between 16 and 328 feet ( 5 to 100 m) and heights reaching up to 180 feet (55 m), these bridges offer unparalleled perspectives of the forest canopy, sub-canopy, and undergrowth, enabling you to explore various layers of the lush ecosystem. 

You'll make your way along the trail, following your guide, who'll bring the forest to life with stories and insights about the area's diverse plant and animal life. You can expect frequent stops as your guide points out birds, insects, and plants that travelers may otherwise not notice. The bird-watching is superb! Note that though the trail has a gentle 7-degree slope at times, there are no steps, and design details—including protection rails and a non-slip concrete surface—make the walk safe and more accessible. 

Following the hike, you'll head to Tabacón Hot Springs for a restorative experience. Part of a larger resort, the hot springs complex includes a large main pool with a swim-up bar and waterslides, a cold pool, and 20 "in-river" mineralized pools heated by Arenal Volcano. Gravity powers the hot springs—no mechanical systems move or heat the water—and the pools flow from one to the next like a river.

Enjoy exploring cascading waterfalls and the numerous river pools with varying temperatures and water flows. Some pools are vast and calm, and others are small and provide some privacy for those wishing to disappear in a secluded nook. The pools' temperatures range from 72ºF-105ºF (22ºC-41ºC). It's recommended to wear shoes, as the natural rocks around the pools can get slippery. Finish the day with an elegant dinner at the resort's restaurant, serving Costa Rican dishes and international fare.

You'll be picked up and transported back to your accommodations at the end of the visit.

Start times

  • Daily
    7:30 am

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
  • Entrance fee
  • Towel and locker (surcharge)
  • Welcome drink (nonalcoholic)
  • Meal (lunch or dinner)

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Traveler reviews

2 total ratings, 2 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Food
4.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.0
J
Joe K.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2024
Hanging bridges guides were great, helped see lots of wildlife. Got very lucky that it was sunny and you could see the volcano. Tabacon hot springs were incredible although meal was not provided. Absolutely worth the extra money for the Tabacon resort. Read more

Hanging bridges guides were great, helped see lots of wildlife. Got very lucky that it was sunny and you could see the volcano. Tabacon hot springs were incredible although meal was not provided. Absolutely worth the extra money for the Tabacon resort.

Tips for future travelers

Add the hot springs!

Quality of Experience
Food
Was not included as part of our tour
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Little mix up with the tour group and transit back from the hot springs not showing up until much beyond the agreed time.
Maxeen
Maxeen C.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2022
Alonso was our tour guide and it was so fun! Saw a lot of wild life and he was very knowledgeable about the area. Tabacon is an absolute must and the dinner was delicious. This might have been my favourite tour of the trip. Read more

Alonso was our tour guide and it was so fun! Saw a lot of wild life and he was very knowledgeable about the area. Tabacon is an absolute must and the dinner was delicious. This might have been my favourite tour of the trip.

Tips for future travelers

You do end up at Tabacon after sunset since this tour includes dinner, so bear in mind you will not get the same photos as you see on social media in the day light! It is a magical experience at night though.

Quality of Experience
Food
The ceviche was unreal and beef tenderloin - amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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