Arenal Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Private Tour
Walk above the canopy. Descend to the falls. A private full-day Arenal adventure from Papagayo and Guanacaste.
View pickup areas
Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Hot Springs
Experience Arenal from above, below, and beyond. Walk through the rainforest canopy at Mistico Park, descend to the powerful La Fortuna Waterfall, and, with the PLUS option, end your day relaxing in natural volcanic hot springs.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Explore the rainforest from inside the canopy on a series of suspended bridges, with tropical trees, orchids, birds, and wildlife surrounding you from every direction.
Wildlife at Eye Level
Look for toucans, tanagers, howler monkeys, and other rainforest species as your certified bilingual guide reveals details most visitors would miss.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Descend the famous staircase to one of Costa Rica’s most impressive waterfalls, where 70 metres of water fall into a clear natural pool. Guests may swim when conditions allow.
PLUS: Hot Springs
Choose the PLUS option and finish your adventure in soothing geothermal pools surrounded by jungle, the perfect way to relax after a full day of exploring.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Your private guide meets you directly at your hotel or resort in Guanacaste.
Scenic Journey to Arenal
Enjoy breakfast along the way while your guide introduces you to the Arenal region.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Walk through the rainforest canopy on suspension bridges ranging from 5 to 100 metres.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Descend the staircase to the base of the 70-metre waterfall, swimming when conditions allow.
PLUS: Hot Springs
With the Plus option, relax in natural volcanic hot springs before heading back.
Lunch & Private Return
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before your private return to the resort.
- Difficulty: Medium. The hanging bridges involve walking on suspended structures at significant height, some guests may find this challenging if they are sensitive to heights or movement underfoot.
- The La Fortuna Waterfall involves approximately 500 steps on a steep descent and equivalent ascent. Good mobility and a reasonable fitness level are required. Not suitable for guests with significant knee or joint limitations.
- Guests are welcome to walk the bridges at their own pace. Your guide will adapt the walk to your group's comfort level.
- The Arenal rainforest receives frequent rainfall. Light rain gear is strongly recommended regardless of season, rain on the bridges is an experience in itself, but dry layers for after are welcome.
- Bring swimwear for the waterfall and (if choosing the Plus option) for the hot springs.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or trail shoes. The waterfall staircase and bridge walkways require stable footing, sandals and flip-flops are not suitable.
- Pack a light rain jacket or poncho. Brief showers are part of the Arenal rainforest experience.
- Apply insect repellent before departure. The canopy environment is beautiful but active.
- Bring a change of clothing, particularly if you plan to swim at the waterfall or use the hot springs.
- A camera with a zoom lens or binoculars will enhance the bridge section significantly, the canopy perspective reveals birds and wildlife that are otherwise invisible from the trail below.
We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy for tours and day experiences: cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 48 hours and 6 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled experience are not eligible for a refund, although exceptional situations may be reviewed individually.
No-show reservations are charged in full. Guests are granted a complimentary waiting period of up to 1 hour after the scheduled pickup time; beyond this period, the booking will be considered a no-show.
Tour rescheduling must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
Guest safety is our priority. Experiences affected by severe weather or park conditions will be rescheduled whenever possible. If rescheduling cannot be arranged, a full refund will be issued.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Extra set of clothes
✓ Towel
✓ Water shoes / sandals
✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Arenal Hanging Bridges and a Waterfall in One Day?
Yes, you can comfortably combine Arenal's hanging bridges with a waterfall in a single day near La Fortuna, and here's how to pace it right.
Liberia Airport to Arenal & Papagayo: Drive Times & Stops
A practical guide to connecting Liberia Airport, Amor Arenal, and the Waldorf Astoria Papagayo, with drive times, worthwhile stops, activities near Arenal, and honest advice about September's green-season rain.
How to Find Small-Group Volcano and Rainforest Tours in Costa Rica
Looking for a more personal Costa Rica adventure? Learn how to choose local guides, smaller tour groups and authentic volcano and rainforest experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your Wild Papagayo experience is reserved exclusively for your group, private vehicle and private guide, no shared buses or other travelers added to your group.
Yes. Private pickup and return are included from Papagayo, Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. Pickup from other Guanacaste areas is available, exact pricing depends on your hotel location.
The full experience takes approximately 12 hours, including the drive to and from Arenal, depending on your pickup location and traffic.
Classic includes the hanging bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall. Plus adds the natural volcanic hot springs at the end of the day.
Yes, both breakfast and a traditional Costa Rican lunch are included.
Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages, though the waterfall staircase (approximately 500 steps) requires reasonable mobility and fitness.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes, a light rain jacket, insect repellent, swimwear and a towel for the waterfall (and hot springs if choosing Plus).
The Arenal rainforest receives frequent rainfall and tours normally operate in light rain. Safety always comes first, if conditions prevent an activity from operating safely, our team will contact you to discuss the available options.
Yes. Cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund, and cancellations made 48 hours to 6 days before receive a 50% refund. See our full reservation policy below.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Mistico
Private full-day Arenal Hanging Bridges experience at Mistico Park, canopy-level suspension bridges from 5 to 100 metres, La Fortuna Waterfall and optional hot springs. Breakfast and lunch included. Bilingual guide.
Private Guide Only
Travel in your own vehicle and meet your certified private guide en route to Arenal. Transportation is not included. Breakfast and lunch are not included in this option.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ Breakfast
✓ Traditional Costa Rican lunch
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, bridges from 5 to 100 metres
✓ La Fortuna Waterfall
✓ Thermal hot springs (Plus option only)
✓ Certified Naturalist Guide
⚡ Private availability is limited, especially during peak travel periods. Early reservations are recommended.
