Arenal Volcano National Park, the hanging bridges and an afternoon in the hot springs, then La Fortuna Waterfall and a night wildlife tour.
2 days, 10 stopsBalanced paceJan to AprApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Arenal Volcano National Park, hanging bridges and hot springs
Lava-flow trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, hanging bridges above the forest, then an afternoon in the hot springs.
1
8:00 AMArenal Volcano National ParkThe park opens at 8 AM and sells tickets by card only, not cash. Allow about 2.5 hours for the Coladas and Heliconias trails.About 2 hours 15 min here
Adult non-resident, VAT included: $16.95 · Pay at the entrance by card
10:45 AMOptionalMistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ParkWalk the 3.2 km loop over six hanging bridges in about 2 hours. Closed shoes are required; last entry is 3:50 PM.About 1 hour 45 min here
Book ahead, $[fee]
Drive about 25 min
3
1:00 PMLa Fortuna town centerHave lunch at a soda in town; a casado of rice, beans and meat with vegetable sides is the classic plate.About 1 hour 45 min here
Pay as you go
Drive about 15 min
4
3:00 PMBaldi Hot SpringsBuy a day pass at reception, no booking needed. Allow about 3 hours to try the pools; they stay open until 10 PM.About 3 hours here
Buy a day pass at reception, $[fee]
Walk about 2 min
5
6:00 PMBaldi Hot Springs restaurantsStay for dinner at one of the restaurants in the complex, with Costa Rican and Italian dishes.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadArenal Natura Ecological Park (day 2), Ecocentro Danaus (day 2): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Carry a cardArenal Volcano National Park sells tickets at the entrance by credit or debit card only; cash is not accepted.
Go early for clear viewsThe volcano is most often clear in the morning, so start the day at the national park when it opens at 8 AM.
Wear closed shoesMistico requires closed shoes on its trails, and the waterfall path has about 500 steps each way.
Book the guided toursNight tours at Ecocentro Danaus need an advance reservation, and Arenal Natura runs walks at set times.
Expect a service chargeRestaurant and hotel bills include 13% VAT and a 10% service charge, so an extra tip is up to you.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in or near La Fortuna town: the national park, the waterfall and the hot springs are all a short drive away.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
