Arenal Combo Tour 2025: Bridges, Waterfall & Volcano Review

So you’ve made it to La Fortuna, and frankly, the giant cone-shaped mountain in the background is kind of hard to miss. That is, you know, the Arenal Volcano, and it’s basically the main attraction around here. You will probably find that every shopfront seems to offer some combination of activities that get you up close with the natural world. It can be just a little overwhelming to figure out which tour gives you the most bang for your buck and your precious vacation time. We saw advertisements for a combo tour that puts together hanging bridges, a big waterfall, a local meal, and a volcano walk all in one day, which honestly sounds like a lot. As a matter of fact, we decided to give the 2025 private version of this popular day-trip a go, just to see what it’s all about. This is pretty much our story of that day, breaking down each part so you can decide if it’s the right kind of adventure for your own trip to Costa Rica.

A Morning Above the Trees: The Private Hanging Bridges

Our day started, you know, with a pickup from our hotel, which was super convenient. The guide introduced himself and right away, the “private” part of the tour made sense; it was just our group and him, which, to be honest, felt like a much more personal way to start the morning. The van ride itself was sort of a mini-tour, with our guide pointing out different birds and telling stories about the area. We arrived at the hanging bridges park, and it was just a little misty, which made the whole place feel pretty magical. The main idea here is that you’re walking through the treetops, or at least at the canopy level of the jungle. Actually, the first bridge you step on is a bit wobbly, in a way that’s exciting and not scary.

Our guide, well, he had eyes like a hawk. He would suddenly stop us and point to something we absolutely would have missed on our own, for instance, a eyelash pit viper coiled on a branch, looking like a green leaf. It’s almost crazy how much life is hidden in plain sight. We saw colorful birds, like a toucan, and even heard the very loud calls of howler monkeys somewhere in the distance. The bridges themselves are, of course, the main event. Some are very long, stretching across deep green valleys, offering a view you just can’t get from the ground. It’s a very different point of view, seeing the forest from the top down. We were told this specific private tour setup meant we could go at our own pace, stopping for pictures or just to listen to the forest sounds without feeling rushed, which was, seriously, a huge benefit.

The Roar and The Refreshment: La Fortuna Waterfall

Next up on the schedule was the La Fortuna Waterfall, which, apparently, is a must-do in the area. Our guide dropped us off at the entrance and gave us the rundown: there are roughly 500 steps down to the base of the cascade. As a matter of fact, he wasn’t kidding, and each step takes you deeper into the canyon. You can actually hear the waterfall getting louder and louder as you go down, which really builds the anticipation. The path is well-maintained, you know, with places to rest if you need to. And honestly, the walk down is quite beautiful on its own, with cliffs covered in green moss and tropical plants.

Then, you finally get to the bottom and, wow, the view is completely incredible. A giant stream of water just plummets about 230 feet into a stunning turquoise pool below. The spray from the falls feels amazing after the humid walk down, like your own personal air conditioning. Some people were just sitting on the rocks taking pictures, but, well, we came prepared to swim. The water is definitely chilly, there’s no way around it, but it’s so refreshing. The current near the main cascade is quite strong, so you have to be a little careful. Most people, like us, stayed in the calmer area to the side, floating around and just enjoying the amazing natural power of it all. The climb back up the 500 steps, of course, is a bit of a workout, but at the end of the day, it’s totally worth it for the experience.

Refueling the Costa Rican Way: A Typical Lunch

By this point in the day, we were definitely ready for some food. Our guide took us to what locals call a ‘soda,’ which is basically a small, often family-run restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican food. This particular soda was a really nice open-air spot, with views of the countryside, and it felt very authentic, unlike a tourist-trap kind of place. Lunch, obviously, was a classic *casado*. Our guide explained that ‘casado’ means ‘married man,’ because it’s the kind of complete, balanced plate a wife would traditionally pack for her husband’s lunch.

You really haven’t eaten in Costa Rica until you’ve had a proper casado at a local soda; it’s literally the taste of the country on a single plate.

The plate itself was generously filled with all sorts of good stuff. There was rice and beans, the foundation of nearly every meal here, and it was seasoned perfectly. Then you had a fresh green salad, some sweet fried plantains that were absolutely delicious, and a choice of protein. We went with the grilled chicken, and it was so tender and flavorful. It also came with a fresh fruit drink, like blackberry or passionfruit, which was just what we needed. Frankly, it was one of the best meals we had on our trip, a simple yet totally satisfying plate that felt like a warm hug after a morning of activity. It’s pretty much the perfect way to recharge for the afternoon’s hike.

Walking on History: The Volcano and its Lava Fields

The final part of our big day was the one we were probably most excited for: walking on the Arenal Volcano’s old lava fields. This isn’t about climbing the volcano itself, which isn’t allowed, but instead, it’s a hike through a park at its base over terrain shaped by its famous 1968 eruption. The guide, well, he did a great job of setting the scene, explaining the history of how the volcano was thought to be dormant for centuries before that massive event changed everything. It’s actually a pretty dramatic story and hearing it while walking on the evidence gives you a real sense of respect for nature’s power.

The trail starts in a pretty dense secondary forest and then gradually opens up as you begin to climb over the massive fields of black volcanic rock. You can literally see where the flow of molten rock stopped decades ago. The footing can be a bit uneven, so you have to watch your step, but the path is very clear. It’s a slightly challenging but not overly difficult hike, you know. The real reward comes when you reach the main viewpoint. From there, you get this absolutely sweeping panoramic view of the giant Arenal Volcano on one side and the expansive Lake Arenal on the other. On a clear day, the sight is just breathtaking. Our guide pointed out where the new vegetation is slowly reclaiming the old rock, which is really a cool thing to see. It’s sort of a direct look at how an ecosystem can recover over time.

So, Is This All-in-One Day Right for You?

Okay, so after a very full day of bridges, water, food, and lava rocks, the big question is whether this kind of combo tour is a good choice. To be honest, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you are short on time and want to see several of La Fortuna’s biggest highlights in a single, well-organized day, then yes, this tour is absolutely fantastic. You don’t have to worry about transportation, buying tickets for each place, or figuring out where to eat, which just makes things super easy. The private guide is also a massive plus, as you get personalized attention and can ask all the questions you want.

On the other hand, it’s a very active day with a lot of walking and a fairly packed schedule. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to spend hours lingering in one spot, you might feel a little bit rushed. For example, your time at the waterfall is limited. Likewise, the hanging bridges walk is at a steady pace. It is, basically, an efficient sampler platter of the best of Arenal. We felt it was perfect for us as first-time visitors, giving us a great overview of the area. It left us feeling like we had really accomplished something and seen so much of what makes this part of Costa Rica so special.

What to Bring on Your Combo Tour

• Comfortable walking shoes: Honestly, this is the most important item. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
• Swimsuit and small towel: So you can take a dip at the base of the waterfall.
• Rain jacket or poncho: You know, it’s a rainforest, so a sudden shower is always possible.
• Insect repellent: A good idea for any outdoor activity in Costa Rica, really.
• Sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be quite strong, especially on the open lava fields.
• Camera or phone: Because, you know, you’ll want to take a lot of pictures.
• A little cash: For instance, for tipping your guide if you felt they did a great job.
• A change of clothes: Might be nice to have something dry to change into after the waterfall, anyway.

Read our full review: Arenal Combo Tour 2025 Full Review and Details
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