Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.7 (25 reviews)
Explore a rainforest reserve on suspension bridges that lead you above the canopy for great views of Arenal Volcan.o

Overview

Set out on a guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Highlights

  • Take in scenic views of Arenal Volcano from a unique perspective
  • Traverse suspended or fixed bridges to discover different levels of the tropical forest
  • Appreciate the area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 340 avian species that live here
  • Benefit from expert insights as your guide leads you to the best spots to observe wildlife

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Tropical fruit snack, bottled water

What you'll do

The excursion begins with a transfer from La Fortuna to the starting point of the Arenal Hanging Bridges walk. 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. 

After hearing a short overview of the reserve and the hanging bridges, 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! 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.

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 fun, you'll be transported back to La Fortuna.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:20 am, 2:20 pm

What's included

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

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Great Guides

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)

K
“With guides help spotted poison dart frogs and an eyelash pit viper.”  — Ken H.
C
“I wouldn’t have gone here without a tour guide, he truly made the experience worth the visit.”  — Cameron b.
Angelica
“It is definitely necessary to use a guide since they are the ones that know the forest and spot all the animals and plants and are so very knowledgeable”  — Angelica P.
Wildlife Spotting

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)

K
“With guides help spotted poison dart frogs and an eyelash pit viper.”  — Ken H.
Dani
“Got to see monkeys, birds, and some other cool flora and fauna!”  — Dani R.
C
“we got to see a lot of different animals and nature with tons of information surrounding.”  — Cameron b.
Swinging Bridges

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)

Amy
“It was fun crossing the bridges.”  — Amy S.
Nancy
“The bridges did sway while walking on them, but I felt safe.”  — Nancy T.
S
“A couple of people in our group were afraid of heights and he was so patient in helping them overcome their fears of the swinging bridges.”  — Susan C.
Beautiful Views

Travelers noted the beautiful views of the rainforest canopy and surrounding nature, which were a highlight of the tour. (2 mentions)

K
“Great views over the rain forest canopy all the same.”  — Ken H.
C
“The views of course were beautiful”  — Cameron b.

Traveler reviews

25 total ratings, 20 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.9
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.9
Donna
Donna F.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
Fun Read more

Fun

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
B
Brigitte D.
Kanab, UT | Reviewed on Mar 14, 2025
Hanging bridges Tour is a must. Would have liked to learn how they were built. Maybe showing a video of the construction process, since it it so unbelievable! David was a great guide. Read more

Hanging bridges Tour is a must.

Would have liked to learn how they were built. Maybe showing a video of the construction process, since it it so unbelievable!

David was a great guide.

Tips for future travelers

You don't have to be afraid. It is fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
James W.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2025

Great walk through the rainforest. Lots of birds and animals. The hanging bridges are a fun walk!

M
Margaret D.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Jan 26, 2025
Enthusiastic guide who was quick to find things for us to see with her spotting scope. Loved the waterfall Read more

Enthusiastic guide who was quick to find things for us to see with her spotting scope. Loved the waterfall

Tips for future travelers

Dense canopy don't expect to see lots of wildlife

Quality of Experience
Beautiful views from the bridges
Guides, Drivers and Staff
great guide who was sensitive to members of group with anxiety about the bridges
Transport
accommodating
R
Richard M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Our guide was very knowledgeable and enjoyable to talk with. Read more

Our guide was very knowledgeable and enjoyable to talk with.

Tips for future travelers

Be well prepared with rain gear. It is a rainforest and it will rain!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
E
Elizabeth Koshy R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
Despite the rain which fortunately let up, wonderful experience. Friendly knowledgeable guide!!! Read more

Despite the rain which fortunately let up, wonderful experience. Friendly knowledgeable guide!!!

Tips for future travelers

Do it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pura Vida in practice!!!
Transport
Jan
Jan S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2024

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.

K
Ken H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

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.

Tips for future travelers

Be ready for hiking in the rain and very bouncy bridges.

Amy
Amy S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
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 the bridges. Read more

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 the bridges.

Tips for future travelers

Regular shoes are ok on this trip - hiking boots were not needed.

Quality of Experience
We learned so much about the area! The guides are knowledgeable and make the trip for for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Brad
Brad F.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
really great guide, Read more

really great guide,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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