Exploring Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

I’m slowly getting back to writing about our trip to Costa Rica. It has been just over two months since we returned from our month-long vacation in Costa Rica, and I have to admit that I haven’t had much time to write since then. In the article linked above, you’ll find an overview of all the places we visited during that month.

We began our journey by exploring the Bajos del Toro area, not far from Costa Rica’s capital, San José. We all fell in love with the region, even though the weather wasn’t exactly on our side.

Today, I’m continuing the story of our trip. After visiting this first region, we headed toward La Fortuna and the famous Arenal Volcano area. This is a highly volcanic region located at the foot of the volcano, which is still considered active.

After settling into our lovely Airbnb just outside La Fortuna, we decided to explore the surrounding area. Unfortunately, everyone was feeling a little under the weather, especially Téo, who still hadn’t fully recovered. We therefore decided against hiking around Arenal Volcano. Instead, we had heard excellent things about the famous Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

The park is best known for its suspension bridges hanging high above the rainforest floor. It is located around 20 km west of La Fortuna, not far from Lake Arenal. We decided to visit one afternoon when the weather wasn’t particularly good anyway.

When we arrived, the park was still fairly busy, although the weather wasn’t too bad. From the parking lot, there is a fantastic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. Even with the summit partly hidden by clouds, the surrounding scenery was magnificent.

After paying the entrance fee, we proudly set off with our cameras in hand to explore this famous park. Looking back, it might have been worthwhile hiring a guide. They undoubtedly have sharper eyes than we do, and I suspect we missed many of the small animals and insects that would have been fascinating to discover with the kids. Still, it wasn’t the end of the world.

We followed a very well-maintained trail through the heart of a truly magnificent tropical rainforest, quite similar to the forests we know in Guadeloupe. The entire path is paved with concrete and covered with a non-slip surface, which is a thoughtful and practical feature.

We continued quietly along the trail and soon reached a lovely first stop, Rufous Garden, set around a waterfall and several small pools. Here, we spotted a fascinating fluorescent-green caterpillar. The air was incredibly muggy, and the heat beneath the forest canopy was quite oppressive. We felt a few drops of rain, but fortunately, nothing more.

I took the opportunity to test the lens we had just bought, a Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD. To be honest, using a lens without a particularly wide aperture in such a dark forest quickly became challenging. I therefore alternated with my other telephoto lens, the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD. Its much wider maximum aperture made it far easier to use in the dim light beneath the trees.

The kids were having a wonderful time, and a little farther along the trail, we came across a snake curled up against a tree. It was difficult to spot and even harder to photograph.

Although there had been plenty of cars in the parking lot, we didn’t actually come across that many people along the trail. Eventually, we reached the first major suspension bridge, Puente Vista Arenal, which stands 45 meters above the ground and stretches for 75 meters. Needless to say, this was the highest bridge we had ever crossed. We had previously walked across smaller suspension bridges, but never at that height. Even if you aren’t afraid of heights, it’s difficult to feel completely relaxed when you are standing 45 meters above the forest floor. You simply have to trust that the engineers responsible for the bridge got all their calculations right, haha. It is, in fact, the highest bridge in the park.

Unfortunately, this was also when we realized that we weren’t alone. We had passed a few tour groups, but most of them moved very quickly, giving us the impression that many visitors come mainly to cross the famous bridges. That said, the rainforest itself is lovely to explore. However, if you have already spent time walking through tropical rainforests, the scenery may feel relatively familiar rather than completely exotic. There was a short line at the first bridge, as only four or five people were allowed to cross at a time. It didn’t matter, though. We waited patiently and, after a few minutes, were able to enjoy our first bridge crossing together as a family.

The kids were incredibly excited, and we had to keep reminding them not to run or jump around. Of course, everyone knows you shouldn’t do that on a suspension bridge, but they are children, after all! It was a wonderful experience, and even though the view was mostly blocked by the vegetation, looking 45 meters down toward the forest floor was still very impressive. The bridge appeared extremely well maintained, and the crossing wasn’t nearly as frightening as you might expect—which was reassuring! Near this first bridge, we were lucky enough to spot a sloth in the distance, thanks to the binoculars we had brought with us.

With a little more time and fewer visitors, I could have taken some wonderful photographs of these suspension bridges, especially during the rare moments when no one else was crossing.

We continued along the trail, crossing several other, less dramatic suspension bridges, including Puente El Pilón, which is 53 meters long and 21 meters high, and Puente La Catarata, the longest bridge on the route at almost 92 meters long and 45 meters high. It was genuinely impressive. I walked down with Louis to see the waterfall while Mélanie continued along the trail with Téo. Unfortunately, I can’t find the photograph I took there. I may have accidentally deleted it. Still, the 10-minute walk down is definitely worthwhile. At the bottom, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall around 20 meters high.

Louis and I climbed back up and crossed the famous bridge, which is almost 100 meters long. Once again, the sensation was impressive, and walking at that height was initially a little unsettling. Unfortunately, the view was still partly obstructed by the trees, but this seems to be fairly common throughout the park. We simply enjoyed crossing the bridge together while Mélanie and Téo waited for us at the other end.

The remainder of the route was fairly similar to the beginning, with a succession of smaller and less impressive suspension bridges followed by a long final walk through the forest. I have to admit that the kids were beginning to tire, and the end of the route felt slightly less interesting than the first part. We didn’t spot much wildlife, although it’s entirely possible that we were making too much noise with the children. Once again, I think we would probably have seen more with a guide.

Nevertheless, this is a fantastic and adventurous hiking trail. The admission price seems reasonable considering the overall experience and the sensations you get while crossing the bridges. The bridges remain the main attraction, especially if you are already familiar with tropical rainforests.

I hope this short photographic tour has inspired you to visit the park during your stay in La Fortuna.

As usual, here is everything you need to know before visiting Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

Of course, your journey will depend on where you are traveling from. If you are searching for affordable flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. It is a comparison website we regularly use to check airfares and available routes. You do not necessarily have to book through the platform, but it gives you a useful overview of the different options available from your departure city. For example, you can compare the cheapest flights from Paris to San José.

Once you arrive in Costa Rica, renting a car is by far the easiest and quickest way to get around. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised by the rental prices. To give you an idea, we paid around €1,900 for a one-month 4×4 rental. That felt quite reasonable, especially compared with the cost of renting a motorhome for our future trip to Canada for the same length of time.

Once you are in the area, there is a good chance you will be staying in La Fortuna, the nearest major tourist town. It is the main starting point for most outdoor and nature-based activities in the region. From La Fortuna, simply take Route 142 toward Lake Arenal. The park is around 20 km away, and the drive takes approximately 30 minutes. Here is the route on Google Maps.

I still recommend checking the official website for the latest information before your visit.

The first thing to know is that although the park is mainly famous for its suspension bridges, several other activities and guided experiences are available:

• Arenal Bird-Watching Tour: This guided tour gives you the opportunity to observe the many bird species found in the park. Reviews appear to be excellent.
• Mistico Night Walk: As in Monteverde, you can book a 2.5-hour guided night hike beginning at 6 p.m. With a little luck, this is a great opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife.
• Natural History Tour: This guided experience introduces you to the history of the park and the hidden secrets of the sanctuary. This is probably the type of tour we should have booked. It lasts around 2.5 hours.
• Pacos Horseback Riding: You can also book a two-hour horseback ride around the park, another very popular activity. This can be combined with a visit to the hanging bridges.
• Twilight Walk: Finally, visitors can explore the park around sunset. Apparently, the experience is well worth considering.

Prices are subject to change, but when we visited, the entrance fees were as follows:

• Adults: US$32
• Visitors aged 11 to 18: US$21
• Visitors aged 65 and over: US$26
• Children aged 6 to 10: free

The park opens at 6 a.m., with the last admission at 3:30 p.m. We returned in the middle of the afternoon, and I have to admit that visibility was already becoming limited toward the end of the walk, as it gets dark very quickly beneath the dense rainforest canopy.

The hiking trail through the rainforest is around 3.2 km long. It is not particularly difficult, as most of the route is relatively flat. However, the heat and humidity can make the walk more tiring than expected, so make sure you bring enough water.

The best place to stay will depend on your preferences and budget. In our case, we visited from La Fortuna during the day, so we didn’t need to find accommodation closer to the park. However, we are often asked for recommendations, so here are a few reliable options.

There are far too many accommodation options in La Fortuna to list all our recommendations here, but below you’ll find a few appealing choices for different budgets. We have also written a complete guide to the best places to stay in La Fortuna.

• Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga: This property offers an eco-friendly stay in the heart of the rainforest, with views of Lake Arenal and the volcano. Facilities include comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving a variety of vegetarian dishes. Wellness activities include yoga, spa treatments, and massages.
• Sunset Inn: Enjoy a peaceful stay with spectacular views of both the lake and Arenal Volcano. Accommodation includes family rooms and an outdoor fireplace, while the location is ideal for activities such as cycling and hiking.
• Casona Rústica & Bungalow: This property offers family rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, along with a convenient location for activities such as cycling and hiking.

• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails: Nestled within the protected Arenal area, this is an exceptional place to stay. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it offers comfortable rooms, a wide range of facilities, bird-watching opportunities, hiking trails, and beautiful views of Arenal Volcano.
• Hotel Campo Verde: Located at the foot of Arenal Volcano, this eco-hotel offers spacious lodges with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy a peaceful setting, a rustic restaurant, and easy access to the nearby hot springs.
• Arenal Xilopalo: This lodge enjoys an exceptional setting with magnificent views of Arenal Volcano. Guests particularly appreciate the peaceful surroundings, close connection with nature, and quality of the breakfast. The spacious rooms offer modern facilities, and numerous activities are available nearby.

• Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs: This resort offers an exceptional experience, with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, spacious rooms, a warm welcome, and a generous breakfast. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, spa, and international restaurant. The location is also ideal, just 10 minutes from Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Noah’s Forest Hotel by Tifakara: This hotel offers a memorable stay, with spacious, private, and exceptionally clean rooms. Its central location, high-quality facilities, and excellent concierge service for arranging excursions and activities make it a particularly appealing option. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful setting, swimming pool, lush gardens, and welcoming staff.
• Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis: Enjoy spacious rooms, a swimming pool, lush gardens, and excellent cuisine. The warm welcome, delicious food, and beautiful natural setting all contribute to an unforgettable stay.

You can also use the following link to browse other accommodation options in and around La Fortuna that may suit your needs.

There are fewer accommodation options near the park than in La Fortuna, but you’ll still find a few real gems nearby. Here is a small selection.

• Sangregado Lodge: With breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, this property offers a truly special experience. Guests particularly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, spacious rooms, and private terraces, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the nearby Blue Hibiscus. Facilities are excellent and include a swimming pool and free parking. The property also follows several eco-friendly practices for a more responsible stay. Its location, comfort, and amenities make it stand out.
• Arenal Roca Suites: This property offers magnificent, unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious suites with terraces, and convenient access to breakfast at the nearby Blue Hibiscus. Facilities include a swimming pool, free parking, and sustainable initiatives. Guests often praise the warm welcome, comfort of the villas, spectacular volcano views, and quality of the continental breakfast.
• Hotel Arenal Lodge: Located 200 meters north of the Lake Arenal dam, Hotel Arenal Lodge offers a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, majestic views of the volcano, and a delicious continental breakfast. Guests particularly appreciate the friendly staff, spacious rooms with unobstructed views, and swimming pool. Close to numerous activities, the hotel provides an immersive experience in Costa Rican nature. Although the access road can be challenging and a good 4×4 is recommended, the spectacular setting and panoramic views make the effort worthwhile.
• Lost Iguana Resort and Spa: This enchanting retreat is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers spacious rooms with magnificent views of Arenal Volcano. Highlights include the peaceful atmosphere, attentive service, heated outdoor pool, and restaurant serving international cuisine.
• Wellness Park CR: This property offers a distinctive experience, with hiking trails, a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by wildlife, and the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna near a waterfall. The original accommodation is well equipped, while the park’s hiking trails and magnificent views of Arenal Volcano are major advantages. The warm welcome, tranquility, and feeling of complete isolation in the heart of nature make it an appealing choice.

That brings us to the end of our visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It is a beautiful place in Costa Rica, a Central American country renowned for its wildlife, including snakes, sloths, colorful frogs, howler monkeys, quetzals, toucans, countless insect species, and hummingbirds. If you are visiting the area, the park is definitely worth including in a day trip. Afterward, we continued our journey toward Tenorio Volcano National Park.

See you soon for another article about Costa Rica.