Walk high above the rainforest on hanging bridges with panoramic Arenal views, then unwind in mineral pools at Los Lagos—all in one day from San José. This practical guide covers what to expect, logistics and the best small tips to make the most of the trip.
Walk high above the rainforest on hanging bridges with panoramic Arenal views, then unwind in mineral pools at Los Lagos—all in one day from San José. This practical guide covers what to expect, logistics and the best small tips to make the most of the trip.
Fog lifts off Lake Arenal as the microbus winds toward rainforest—leaves drip, birds call from the canopy and the distant cone of Arenal slices the sky. You arrive to a trailhead where wooden planks and cable bridges thread through the mid‑story; later, mineral‑steamed pools await at Los Lagos, steam rising like a slow exhale at the volcano’s base.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Summer Travel Costa Rica · La Fortuna, Alajuela
Fog lifts off Lake Arenal as the microbus winds toward rainforest—leaves drip, birds call from the canopy and the distant cone of Arenal slices the sky. You arrive to a trailhead where wooden planks and cable bridges thread through the mid‑story; later, mineral‑steamed pools await at Los Lagos, steam rising like a slow exhale at the volcano’s base.
Geology here is raw: Arenal’s lava and hot springs are gifts of subduction along the Central American arc. The hanging bridges sit on private reserve land cut through primary and secondary rainforest, where soil types, humidity and elevation combine to support over 300 bird species and a dense understory. Culturally, La Fortuna grew around the volcano economy—tourism, cattle and coffee—and local guides bring natural history and conservation context to each step.
Expect a 3.2 km loop across 6 suspension and 10 fixed bridges with canopy views up to 45 m high (rough footing on some approaches). The guided section lasts about 2–2.5 hours; Los Lagos provides more than 15 pools with varying temperatures for a 2–3 hour soak. The full experience is a roughly 8‑hour day including transport from San José, an à la carte lunch and bottled water.
Practical tips: wear grippy shoes and sun protection, carry a small daypack with swimwear and a waterproof layer, and plan photos early in the walk for the best light. Be prepared for humidity, sudden rain and jungle sounds that make the trail feel alive.
The guided circuit covers roughly 3.2 km and includes six suspension bridges and ten fixed bridges; allow about 2–2.5 hours for the walk with stops.
Yes — the full-day tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned microbus as well as bottled water and an à la carte lunch.
Los Lagos offers a variety of pools and the tour provides access; guests can select pools for private enjoyment but common areas are shared with other visitors.
The listing notes wheelchair and stroller accessibility for certain areas and transportation; however, some bridge approaches have uneven steps—check with the operator for specific mobility needs.
Summer Travel Costa Rica operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Fog lifts off Lake Arenal as the microbus winds toward rainforest—leaves drip, birds call from the canopy and the distant cone of Arenal slices the sky. You arrive to a trailhead where wooden planks and cable bridges thread through the mid‑story; later, mineral‑steamed pools await at Los Lagos, steam rising like a slow exhale at the volcano’s base.
Fog lifts off Lake Arenal as the microbus winds toward rainforest—leaves drip, birds call from the canopy and the distant cone of Arenal slices the sky. You arrive to a trailhead where wooden planks and cable bridges thread through the mid‑story; later, mineral‑steamed pools await at Los Lagos, steam rising like a slow exhale at the volcano’s base.
Geology here is raw: Arenal’s lava and hot springs are gifts of subduction along the Central American arc. The hanging bridges sit on private reserve land cut through primary and secondary rainforest, where soil types, humidity and elevation combine to support over 300 bird species and a dense understory. Culturally, La Fortuna grew around the volcano economy—tourism, cattle and coffee—and local guides bring natural history and conservation context to each step.
Expect a 3.2 km loop across 6 suspension and 10 fixed bridges with canopy views up to 45 m high (rough footing on some approaches). The guided section lasts about 2–2.5 hours; Los Lagos provides more than 15 pools with varying temperatures for a 2–3 hour soak. The full experience is a roughly 8‑hour day including transport from San José, an à la carte lunch and bottled water.
Practical tips: wear grippy shoes and sun protection, carry a small daypack with swimwear and a waterproof layer, and plan photos early in the walk for the best light. Be prepared for humidity, sudden rain and jungle sounds that make the trail feel alive.