Overview

Discover the most popular activities in Arenal with a bundle that wraps handpicked attractions. We've thought of these to allow you to see and do more in just one day. Get close to the rainforest by walking through hanging bridges or paddling at a river in a raft, amuse yourself at La Fortuna waterfall's base, take a peek at Arenal Volcano's past and present and enjoy its gifts at the hot springs.

Get warmed up with the first activity of your choice.

For the first activity, you can pick between the hanging bridges at Mistico Park or a raft Safari at Peñas Blancas river.

Mistico Park offers trails through a dense primary rainforest with exciting hanging bridges that cross canyons. Those bridges will provide you with a different point of view, one at the level of tree's canopy or even on above them. The hike is 2.5km (15.5mi) long, including 15 bridges, some of them up to 70m (330ft) high. It is possible to find coatis, howler monkeys, snakes, poisonous dart frogs, and an ever-changing possibility of bird species in the surroundings of the trail.

On the other hand, the raft safari takes place in Peñas Blancas river, located 20min away from La Fortuna. Here, wildlife finds a sanctuary among the cattle farms and plantations of the surroundings. This place exists in a delicate position allowed by a thin stripe of trees in the protected margins next to the river. As a result, birds, monkeys, sloths, and reptiles gather at the edges to feed and find refuge from the human activities nearby. Enjoy a peaceful ride with occasional class 2 rapids and keep eyes wide open to spot wildlife.

The jewel of the town: La Fortuna Waterfall

Right after the first activity, we'll drive you to La Fortuna Waterfall. An attraction owned by a local non-profit organization for the development of the community. Here you'll prove yourself worthy by taking a 500 steps descent to the waterfall base. A 70m height stream of water precipitates to an emerald green pool where you can swim. The refreshing water prepares you for the challenging ascent on the way back.

After such a feat, lunch is in order. A traditional meal held at a close farm will provide you the strength much needed to continue the rest of the day. Taste sweet plantains, smooth cassava, home-cooked black beans, or any other traditional ingredient or recipe of the occasion and take a glimpse at the Costarrican cuisine.

A Volcano that shaped a Destination

Up next in the itinerary comes a visit to Arenal Volcano. The iconic landmark of the region can be known the best by visiting a trail at its base. In 1968 Trail, a privately owned facility within the National Park* protected area, the vegetation and terrain changes as you get close to the section of the old solid lava flows. The guide will share with you some facts about the volcano's geology and past eruptions, including the one that threw the material you'll be stepping on.

*Note: Arenal Volcano National Park facilities and trails are not visited on this tour, instead we visit Arenal 1968.