Arenal Hanging Bridges

A walk along trails and suspended bridges that reveals the rainforest from a wider, quieter, and brighter perspective

We’ll coordinate it with your current reservation or room.

About this experience

Some routes invite you to discover the forest at a different scale. Arenal Hanging Bridges offers exactly that: a walk along trails and suspended bridges that leads into the rainforest canopy and allows you to observe natural life from a distinct, open, and quiet perspective.

Along approximately 3.2 kilometers, the experience crosses 16 bridges — 10 fixed and 6 suspended — rising between 21 and 55 meters above the forest floor. Throughout the route, a naturalist guide accompanies the walk and helps interpret the richness of the surroundings, from birds and mammals to details of the vegetation that inhabits the different layers of the forest. On clear days, the silhouette of Arenal Volcano appears in the distance as part of the landscape. From Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, the concierge team can help incorporate this outing into a personalized itinerary, according to the pace of the trip, the interest in nature observation, and the type of experience each guest wishes to prioritize.

Mistico Park, La Fortuna

7:20 AM / 1:30 PM

Bilingual guide

5 years old

Highlights

Location: Mistico Park, La Fortuna
Main experience: Rainforest walk with hanging bridges
Route: Approximately 3.2 km / 2 miles
Circuit structure: 16 bridges in total
Distribution: 10 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges
Height of the suspended bridges: Between 21 and 55 meters / 69 to 180 feet
Level: Easy to moderate
Previous experience: Not required
Ideal for: Travelers who want to observe the forest from the canopy and walk guided nature trails
Wildlife sightings: Possible along the route, though not guaranteed

Your day, step by step

7:20 AM | Departure from the hotel toward La Fortuna

The day begins with a მშვიდ and unhurried departure from Chachagua Rainforest Hotel toward Mistico Park. Along the way, the landscape gradually opens into a morning shaped by rainforest stillness, soft light, and a deeper sense of connection with nature.

7:50 AM | Arrival at the park and preparation for the walk

Upon arrival, the setting immediately introduces the atmosphere of the rainforest. This first moment allows time to settle in, hear the guide’s initial orientation, and prepare to experience the landscape with a more attentive and contemplative gaze.

8:00 AM | Beginning of the walk along rainforest trails

The experience begins along trails surrounded by humidity, filtered light, and natural sounds. At this hour, the forest feels especially fresh and alive, creating the ideal rhythm for an immersive and gently paced walk.

8:40 AM | Crossing the suspended bridges above the canopy

As the walk continues, the hanging bridges bring the experience into a different scale. From above, the forest reveals itself with greater breadth and quietness, offering a luminous perspective shaped by height, silence, and layered green horizons.

9:20 AM | Wildlife observation, forest interpretation, and open views

Throughout this part of the circuit, the naturalist guide helps reveal details of the vegetation and possible wildlife sightings that might otherwise go unnoticed. On clear days, the silhouette of Arenal Volcano may also appear in the distance, naturally woven into the wider landscape.

10:00 AM | End of the experience and return to the hotel

The walk comes to a close with a light and lingering sense of having moved through the forest from a more intimate and elevated perspective. From Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, this experience can be seamlessly incorporated into a personalized itinerary, depending on each guest’s pace and interest in nature, observation, and soft adventure.

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Park entrance fee
Fruit
Bottled water

What to pack

Comfortable clothing
Hiking or walking shoes
Binoculars
Camera
Sun protection
Insect repellent
Rain jacket or poncho

Design your trip with the concierge

Want to combine this adventure with hot springs, gastronomy, and nights in the jungle? Our team creates a personalized itinerary at your pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arenal Hanging Bridges?

It is a guided walk along rainforest trails that includes crossing fixed and hanging bridges, allowing you to observe vegetation and wildlife from different levels of the ecosystem.

Is previous experience required?

No. It is an accessible experience for travelers without previous experience, as long as they feel comfortable walking on natural trails and elevated crossings.

What makes this route special?

One of its main attractions is the chance to move through the forest canopy across suspended bridges, with a wide perspective of the landscape and, in certain conditions, views of Arenal Volcano in the distance.

Can wildlife be seen during the walk?

Yes, it is possible to observe different species of flora and fauna along the route with the support of a naturalist guide. However, since this is wildlife in its natural environment, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can the hotel help me arrange this experience?

Yes. Chachagua Rainforest Hotel’s concierge team can guide each guest to incorporate this experience into a broader itinerary, smoothly and personally.

How long does the full experience last, including transportation?

The total duration may vary depending on the departure time and the pace of the walk, but the experience generally unfolds over several hours, including transportation, the guided walk, and the return to the hotel. The concierge team can help confirm the approximate timing according to each guest’s itinerary.

Experience route

From the starting point to the place where the experience unfolds.

Starting Point

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel · lobby pickup

Destination

Arenal Hanging Bridges

Transfer

included

Departure

7:20 AM / 1:30 PM

Other experiences

THE CHACHAGUA BLOG

Want the inside scoop? Our blog shares perspectives from our guides, concierges, local experts, and guests. Inspired by their first-hand knowledge of Chachagua and La Fortuna, you will find curated itineraries, travel tips, hidden gems, and cultural insights.