Visiting La Fortuna and its lush rainforests wouldn’t be complete without a walk through the famous hanging bridges. These suspended walkways offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tropical canopy, with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a serene adventure, the hanging bridges are a must-see experience.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit—from how to get there, costs, and what to bring, to tips on making the most of your time exploring this magical place.
- What Are the Hanging Bridges
- How to Get to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
- Cost of Admission
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Bring for the Visit
- What to Expect on the Trails
- Tips for Visiting the Hanging Bridges
- Is It Worth Visiting ?
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What Are the Hanging Bridges
The hanging bridges in La Fortuna are an absolute must-see! These suspended walkways give you a one-of-a-kind view of the lush rainforest below. Nestled in the stunning Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, the trail features 16 bridges, including six hanging ones that add a little thrill to your adventure.
Stretching across 3.2 kilometers of well-maintained trails, the park offers an incredible journey through the dense jungle, where you’re likely to spot monkeys, sleepy sloths, vibrant toucans, and beautiful butterflies fluttering all around.
And the views? They’re simply unforgettable. From the treetops to cascading waterfalls and even the iconic Arenal Volcano on clear days, the bridges give you the perfect point to soak in the beauty of La Fortuna’s breathtaking nature.
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How to Get to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
The park is conveniently located about 20 minutes by car from La Fortuna’s town center, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Here are the best ways to get there:
- By Car or Scooter: Renting a car or scooter gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other nearby attractions. The route is well-marked and straightforward, with parking available at the park for a small fee (around $3 USD). This option is ideal if you prefer to go at your own pace.
- By Taxi: A one-way taxi ride from La Fortuna costs approximately $15–$20 USD, depending on your starting point. For the best rates, you can check Uber availability, which often offers competitive pricing. Alternatively, negotiate with a local driver to drop you off and arrange a pickup time to ensure you have a ride back—especially during busy periods.
- By Tour Shuttle: Joining a guided tour is a hassle-free option for visitors without their own transportation. Most tours include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, saving you the trouble of arranging logistics. Plus, you’ll benefit from a guide to enhance your experience, often with insightful information about the park and its wildlife.
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Cost of Admission
- Self-Guided Tour: $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for children under 10.
- Guided Tour: $41 USD per adult, including a knowledgeable guide who will point out hidden wildlife and share fascinating information about the rainforest.
Guided tours are highly recommended if you want to make the most of your visit, especially for spotting elusive animals and learning more about the ecosystem.
Reserve Your Guided Tour Through GetYourGuide
Booking a guided tour is often the best choice for many reasons. It can simplify trip planning, eliminate the stress of organizing logistics, and ensure you don’t miss any highlights. When it comes to booking tours, we trust GetYourGuide. We’ve taken numerous tours with them and have always had positive experiences. For this activity, here are a few options we believe are among the best.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Half-Day Tour from La Fortuna – Click Here
La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour – Click Here
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Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Early mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife, as animals are most active during this time. Aim to start your hike by 6:00 AM to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Dry Season: The best months to visit are from December to April, when the weather is mostly sunny, and trails are dry. The wet season can still be enjoyable, but bring rain gear if visiting between May and November.
My Experience: I visited the park in August and decided to go right when it opened at 6 AM—and honestly, it was the best decision we made! Being the first ones there meant we had the trails to ourselves, which gave us the incredible opportunity to spot plenty of wildlife. Early mornings are when animals are most active, and with no crowds around, we saw more creatures before they disappeared into hiding.
Having the place to ourselves also meant we could take all kinds of photos without having to wait for other tourists to clear the shot. It was like having the whole park to ourselves, which made the experience even more magical.
Even though we visited during the rainy season, a light rain jacket was more than enough to stay comfortable. The forest was at its greenest, and the rain added a mystical vibe to the atmosphere, making the experience unforgettable. If you’re planning to visit, I can’t recommend the early morning enough—it truly made all the difference!
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To fully enjoy your visit to the hanging bridges, make sure to pack the following essentials:
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes: The trails are well-maintained but can be uneven in places.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your walk.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Especially during the wet season.
- Bug Spray: The rainforest is home to many insects, so protection is a must.
- Binoculars or Camera: Perfect for spotting wildlife and capturing the incredible views.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Even in the rainforest, the sun can be strong, especially on open bridges.
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What to Expect on the Trails
The walk through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is well-suited for all fitness levels. The 3.2-kilometer trail is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, making it accessible to families and even older visitors. Allow about 2–3 hours to complete the loop, especially if you stop frequently to admire the scenery or spot wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll cross six hanging bridges, each offering a different vantage point of the lush rainforest. Some bridges sway slightly, adding a touch of excitement to the experience, but they are perfectly safe and sturdy.
Wildlife sightings are one of the highlights of the walk. Look out for howler monkeys, sloths, coatis, and vibrant bird species like toucans and hummingbirds.
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Tips for Visiting the Hanging Bridges
- Book in Advance: Tickets can sell out during peak seasons, so reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment.
- Wear Layers: The rainforest can be humid, but mornings and shaded areas may feel cool.
- Go Slow: Take your time crossing the bridges and enjoy the views—it’s not a race!
- Join a Guided Tour: Guides can point out hidden animals and enrich your experience with their knowledge.
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Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The hanging bridges offer a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s stunning biodiversity and natural beauty. The combination of adventure, serene views, and wildlife encounters makes it an unforgettable highlight of any trip to La Fortuna. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, this activity is sure to leave you in awe.
So, grab your hiking shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of La Fortuna’s hanging bridges!
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