Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.6 (18 reviews)
Walk suspension bridges above the rainforest canopy for volcano views, then visit La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim.

Overview

Explore Arenal with a guide as you take on hanging bridges and hike to a waterfall. You'll start with the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you'll navigate a trail system within a vast rainforest reserve that offers views of Arenal Volcano and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including over 350 bird species. Next, trek down to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim or relax amid the lush scenery. The day trip concludes with lunch at La Finquita. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this excursion offers a vibrant glimpse into Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

Highlights

  • Traverse suspended or fixed bridges to discover different levels of the tropical forest
  • Spot biodiverse rainforest wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and poison dart frogs
  • Descend 500 steps to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a swim in the refreshing river
  • Lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional Costa Rican fare, like "casado" or "arroz con pollo"

Know before you go

Duration
7h
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Food & Drink
Lunch Included. Tropical fruit and water

What you'll do

After getting picked up at your hotel, you'll transfer to Místico Park and begin your adventure with a visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges. As you trek the two-mile (3 km) circuit, you'll cross a series of 16 bridges, some of which soar as high as 196 feet (60 m) above the rainforest floor. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you may be lucky enough to spot various wildlife, including colorful birds, curious reptiles, and even some shy mammals. You'll have plenty of opportunity to snap pics of Arenal Volcano peeking through the dense canopy (and often clouds).

After soaking in the vistas from the hanging bridges, you'll carry on to La Fortuna Waterfall. Just a short 15-minute drive later, you'll hike down approximately 500 steps to reach the base of this 210-foot (64 m) cascade. Once there, you can take in the view or dive into the water of Río La Fortuna for a refreshing swim. Afterward, it's time for a traditional lunch at La Finquita restaurant. 

Please remember to wear sturdy footwear, such as tennis shoes or hiking boots, for comfort and safety while navigating the trails and bridges. Outside food is not permitted in the park, ensuring that the natural environment remains pristine for both wildlife and visitors.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:20 am

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
  • Naturalist guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch, water, and snack

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Traveler reviews

18 total ratings, 14 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.6
Food
4.7
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.6
Transport
4.7
N
Nadia z.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2025
Loved the meal and the waterfall. Nature hike was a repeat and way too long. Could have done the volcano hike and cooking class at the farm. Read more

Loved the meal and the waterfall.

Nature hike was a repeat and way too long. Could have done the volcano hike and cooking class at the farm.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Konrad
Konrad H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2024
Awesome - saw wildlife, beautiful, great intro to the area. Read more

Awesome - saw wildlife, beautiful, great intro to the area.

Tips for future travelers

Bring binoculars and get a smoothy at the end.

Quality of Experience
Daniella was a great guide - very knowledgeable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
Our naturalist guide Maloney made the experience. She pointed out toucans, monkeys, frogs, and other animals. So informative. Read more

Our naturalist guide Maloney made the experience. She pointed out toucans, monkeys, frogs, and other animals. So informative.

Tips for future travelers

The trip up and down to the waterfall is 600 steps.

Quality of Experience
Food
Very nice touch to have fresh fruit after our hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jen
Jen M.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
The rainforest hanging bridges tour was a chance to see poison dart frogs in their natural habitat. We learned about the primitive and secondary forests and the importance of tourism in Costa Rica. Read more

The rainforest hanging bridges tour was a chance to see poison dart frogs in their natural habitat. We learned about the primitive and secondary forests and the importance of tourism in Costa Rica.

Tips for future travelers

No bug spray needed.

Quality of Experience
A great experience. So much fun and informative
Food
The food provided was delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We learned so much about the history of Costa Rica!
Transport
Smooth and quick
S
Samantha S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
Mariano was great! We loved his tour and he was always showing us animals and pointing out things for us to see. Read more

Mariano was great! We loved his tour and he was always showing us animals and pointing out things for us to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
K
Kristin H.
Erlanger, KY | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2023
The waterfall was seriously unbelievable and so amazing that we could get in and swim. This was one of my favorite experiences while we were in Costa Rica. Read more

The waterfall was seriously unbelievable and so amazing that we could get in and swim. This was one of my favorite experiences while we were in Costa Rica.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zohra
Zohra H.
Sunrise Manor, NV | Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023
Amazing views! Got to see so many wildlife species. And the waterfall hike was worth it! Read more

Amazing views! Got to see so many wildlife species. And the waterfall hike was worth it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
Jan E.
Australia | Reviewed on May 05, 2023
An enjoyable trip with our guide Mariano. Beautiful scenery, a swim and great lunch. Mariano was knowledgeable, good company and flexible. Would definitely recommend. Read more

An enjoyable trip with our guide Mariano. Beautiful scenery, a swim and great lunch. Mariano was knowledgeable, good company and flexible. Would definitely recommend.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jeffrey
Jeffrey B.
Gunnison, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2023
We had a tour guide go with us -- highly recommend that. He was able to find creatures we would have never seen and gave great background. Read more

We had a tour guide go with us -- highly recommend that. He was able to find creatures we would have never seen and gave great background.

Tips for future travelers

Bring binoculars to see the monkeys!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jane
Jane R.
Newburgh, NY | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023
Outstanding experience! Such a beautiful hike along the bridges and then to the waterfall. We had an unexpected treat and had lunch at a local soda in La Fortuna. Read more

Outstanding experience! Such a beautiful hike along the bridges and then to the waterfall. We had an unexpected treat and had lunch at a local soda in La Fortuna.

Quality of Experience
Food
We had a traditional Costa Rican lunch and it was delicious! We were treated like special guests at the restaurant!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide and driver were both fantastic!
Transport

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Itineraries with Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch