Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk, Arenal/La Fortuna
Explore a rainforest reserve on suspension bridges that lead you above the canopy for great views of Arenal Volcano
We saw so many animals on this hike. The guide (Jason) was great. He kept the kids in our small group engaged. It was fun crossing... Read more
Highlight of the trip! I wouldn’t have gone here without a tour guide, he truly made the experience worth the visit. The views of course were... Read more
Gerardo was such a wonderful guide. Was very accommodative to go slow as my wife was not 100% on this day. Highlight was the lunch at... Read more
The rain forest was everything I had hoped it would be!! Simply amazing! Our guide, Marco, made it even better. His experience and keen eye, really... Read more
Fantastic guide! Learned so much!! Beautiful!!!
Overview
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.
Highlights
- Walk through the treetops along a series of bridges
- Take in scenic views of Arenal Volcano
- Spot a variety of exotic birds in the jungle
Know before you go
4 hours
5 years old & up
Small group
A tropical fruit snack is included
What you'll do
After hearing a short overview of the reserve and the hanging bridges, you'll make your way along the trail with your guide. Though the trail has a gentle slope at times, there are no steps, and design details — including protection rails and a non-slip concrete surface — make the walk more accessible.
There will be frequent stops throughout the activity to view flora and fauna, and your guide will point out birds, insects, and plants that travelers may otherwise not notice. The bird-watching is superb! As you continue along the path, take note of the different levels of forest around you, including undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy, and the various animals that inhabit them.
Following the tour, you'll be transported back to La Fortuna.
Start times
-
Daily7:30 am, 1:30 pm
What's included
- Naturalist guide
- Transport
- Snacks
- Bottle of water
- Entrance to the private reserve
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedSee alternatives
Sky Adventures Hanging Bridges
Explore the forest from an elevated perspective on this excursion to Sky Walk, one of the first hanging bridges in Costa Rica. Follow a naturalist guide along a series of nature trails and five suspension bridges (some as high as 230 feet or 70 meters), stopping to appreciate various flora and fauna along the way. You'll see monkeys and snakes if you're lucky! During the 2-mile (3-km) hike, you'll enjoy views over the forest canopy and spot colorful birds, butterflies, and insects.
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a stunning variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. Follow a naturalist guide through the park's different ecosystems, including a new tree-planting zone, open pastures, regenerating forests, and small streams. The mix of terrain allows for optimal bird viewing. You'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbird flycatchers, black-cheeked woodpecker, and possibly the red-billed pigeon. An included breakfast follows the birding hike.
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this Arenal Volcano National Park adventure lets you experience Costa Rica's cloud forests from above and below. Step aboard an open-air gondola to reach the Mano del Arenal lookout, then descend along a series of seven thrilling zipline cables, soaring above the treetops as you spot flora and fauna and take in views of the eponymous volcano and neighboring lake. Conclude with a leisurely hike along nature trails, waterfalls, and hanging bridges as your guide shares insights into the park's biodiversity and points out its rare and resplendent wildlife.
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
See sloths in their natural habitat on this family-friendly excursion! During this two-hour tour in a private nature reserve just outside La Fortuna, you'll not only have the opportunity to view these slow-moving creatures hanging out in the trees, but you'll also learn all about the sloth's lifestyle, the history of the species, and the importance of sloth protection. Your expert guide will point out two- and three-toed sloths and bring your attention to other noteworthy flora and fauna as you walk along a 1-mile (1.5-km) trail. If you're lucky, you might even spot a mother sloth with her baby.
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Experience the rainforest after dark on this unique guided excursion to Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve near La Fortuna. As the sun goes down, you'll venture into the jungle, exploring this haven for plants, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal animals. Highlights your guide will point out along the way include bats, spiders, sloths, snakes, and some of the reserve's many native frog species, including the brightly-colored poison dart frog, one of the planet's most poisonous frogs. Since the reserve is closed to most groups by night, this is an exclusive opportunity to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk & Tabacon Hot Springs & Meal
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
A bilingual guide will lead you on a nature walk through the Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus on this half-day tour. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide on a nature trail. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site. Finish the tour with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.
Traveler photos
Travelers often mention
Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews
Many reviews highlighted the exceptional quality of the guides, who were knowledgeable, friendly, and helped enhance the experience by spotting wildlife and providing information. (11 mentions)
Multiple reviews mentioned spotting various animals such as monkeys, birds, and frogs. While some found the variety to be sparse, the presence of wildlife was a key feature. (6 mentions)
Walking on the swinging bridges was a significant part of the experience, with some travelers needing help to overcome their fear of heights. (4 mentions)
Travelers noted the beautiful views of the rainforest canopy and surrounding nature, which were a highlight of the tour. (2 mentions)
Traveler reviews
4.8
4.9
4.9
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk was a disappointment, with only two out of five or so bridges open due to maintenance. The experience wasn't as spectacular as expected, and we didn't feel we got our money's worth.
The rain took the gloss of this tour a little. Great views over the rain forest canopy all the same. With guides help spotted poison dart frogs and an eyelash pit viper. Also spider monkeys very high in the canopy. Animals and birds a bit thin on the ground though despite guides efforts to help us find them.
Be ready for hiking in the rain and very bouncy bridges.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries with Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Costa Rica Hiking Adventure - 10 Days
Checking off three key regions in Costa Rica, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. The trip starts with a visit to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano for...
Wildlife & Beaches in Costa Rica - 10 Days
This 10-day adventure allows you to experience Costa Rica from both coasts. Visit San José, check out Tortuguero National Park, marvel at Arenal Volcano, and lounge on the...
Relaxed Costa Rica Family Adventure - 10 Days
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 10-day adventure allows your family to experience the highlights of the country from the towering Arenal Volcano, to the...
Arenal & The Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
On this 15-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs. You'll visit the famous Arenal...
Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 16 Days
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling...
Arenal/La Fortuna Experiences
Show more Arenal/La Fortuna experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Uncover the wonders of EcoTermales Hot Springs in Arenal, an idyllic and economical hideaway ideal for adults and couples. Nestled within lush forests, indulge in mineral-rich...
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural...
Costa Rica Experiences
Show more Costa Rica experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312...
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Venture into the cloud forest for a thrilling day exploring the treetops at Treetopia Park Monteverde. You'll start by boarding the park's open-air cableway to ride up to the...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
Best of Arenal/La Fortuna
Best of Arenal/La FortunaHow Many Days to Spend in Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park (along with the gateway town of La Fortuna) is a highlight of any Costa Rica itinerary. In an afternoon, you can get a feel for the park from one of...
How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's best-known and most popular volcano, and travelers can experience it through hikes, horseback riding, and walking across hanging bridges. These...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famous Volcano
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Where to Eat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
After a day of trekking around the enormous Volcan Arenal, there are likely only two things you want: a soak in a nearby hot spring and a good meal. Luckily, La Fortuna is a...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...
Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip