Near the border with Nicaragua, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge encompasses an area of about 10,000 hectares. On this guided nature boat tour, you will ride peacefully in a covered motorboat along the calm Rio Frio (Cold River) to appreciate the beautiful nature and wildlife of this unique area of Costa Rica. Caño Negro is considered to be one of the richest areas in biological diversity in Costa Rica.

Bird watchers will especially appreciate the area’s spectacular wildlife. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can see exotic Jabiru Storks, the tallest flying bird found in Central and South America. You also will likely see wood storks, cormorants, and many other varieties of birds. Plus, everyone loves to spot sloths, crocodiles, caimans (like mini-crocodiles), Jesus-Christ lizards, black river turtles, and enormous iguanas that inhabit this lush area.

Other animals that live in this nature reserve include three species of monkeys: spider, white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, along with jaguars, pumas, tayras, ocelots, tapirs, and white-tailed deer.

The Costa Rica legend about Rio Celeste (Sky Blue River) says that after God was done painting the sky, he must have washed his paintbrushes in this river that magically takes on a celestial sky blue color.

Located a scenic 1.5 hour drive from the Arenal Volcano, the Rio Celeste is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Your nature guide will lead you on park trails hiking through lush tropical rainforest that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including sloths, tapirs, monkeys, birds, iguanas, and plenty of interesting insects. There are viewpoints where you can admire the Tenorio Volcano.

You’ll be amazed at the bright turquoise color of the Rio Celeste waterfall and the area known as “Los Teñideros”, or the “dyeing pools”, where two clear rivers come together and miraculously change color to sky blue.

This is an unforgettable tour! After your hike, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and then head back to La Fortuna.

The Arenal Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park is a beautiful, environmentally-friendly nature project located near Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. This is a perfect day tour for nature enthusiasts and families with children because there is always plenty to see and you can choose the trails you’d like to do.

The trails and hanging bridges are designed for all ability levels and cover a total of about two miles through beautiful rainforest. During your walk, you have the opportunity to see many different animal and plant species. The views of Arenal Volcano are simply spectacular from some of the bridges.

Note: If you have your own vehicle, it is possible to drive to Mistico Park on your own. You can buy your entrance tickets for $26 per person and walk the trails without a guide. However, we highly recommend going with a guide because you will learn so much more and it is often difficult for the untrained person to spot wildlife in the rainforest.

Hanging Bridges – La Fortuna Waterfall – Arenal Volcano Hike

This Arenal Nature Combo Tour lets you see three important attractions in one day: the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour, La Fortuna Waterfall, and hiking by the Arenal Volcano.

Hike through the rainforest and see the jungle from high above the forest floor on hanging and suspension bridges at the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour. Trails at this environmentally friendly project located near the Arenal Volcano span a total of two miles and are designed for all abilities. Your naturalist guide will teach you about Costa Rican nature, culture and history, while pointing out different species of plants and animals along the way. The views of Arenal Volcano are breathtaking.

Next, you will visit the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall. At the entrance, you will have time to change into your swimsuit in case you want to cool off in the waterfall pool. You’re in for a good workout as there are 300 steps to get down to the waterfall … and the same 300 to get back up! When you reach the bottom, you can take lots of pictures and swim in the cool waters of one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Arenal.

Afterward, you will head to a local restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rican lunch (vegetarian options available).

Enjoy the best of Arenal on this combo tour to the Arenal Volcano and the Baldi Hot Springs.

Hike through the vibrant rainforest by the Arenal Volcano National Park with an experienced naturalist guide who will point out interesting plants and wildlife and tell you all about Costa Rica’s most-famous, iconic volcano.

After your hike, relax and soak in the hot springs at Baldi Resort and Spa, which has over 20 different pools, waterfalls, swim-up bars, locker rooms, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. You will enjoy a delicious dinner before being transported back to your hotel.

This is the quintessential Arenal Volcano tour to do when you’re in La Fortuna!

Hike through lush rainforest around the Arenal Volcano with an experienced naturalist guide who will point out interesting plants and wildlife and tell you all you want to know about Costa Rica’s most-famous volcano.

After your hike, soak in the relaxing mineral pools at EcoTermales Hot Springs. Facilities include two hot springs pool areas with a bar, locker rooms, a restaurant, and easy-going atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious dinner before being transported back to your hotel.