A three-leg adventure over hanging bridges to the La Fortuna Waterfall and along the Arenal Volcano's base is an amazing way to spend a day in Costa Rica.
Your adventure starts with a pickup at your hotel and a drive into the heart of unspoiled countryside. Before you set off on foot, you'll meet with others at a hilltop with views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. From there, you will take part in a nature walk on a series of hanging bridges over the rainforest canopy. This is perfect for adventurers of all skill levels and families. There are trails of varying difficulty that span over the rainforest canopy, soaring above the forest floor and giving you a unique chance to view the natural surroundings.
These trails make their way through the homes of many rainforest habitants. Be on the lookout for spider monkeys, colorful tree frogs and even sloths hanging in the trees. Your guide will identify the trees that are surrounding you and point out tropical flowers and other native plants so you do not miss a thing.
Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds such as the bright keel-billed toucans and your ears open for the sounds of the howler monkeys. If some of the creatures are too far away, don't worry — your guide has a spotting scope to give you a closer view and an opportunity take photos with your phone!
The end of the first part of your adventure is marked by a fresh watermelon and pineapple in the lush and serene environment.
The next leg of your journey takes you to one of the most popular attractions in the area. Get ready to take some incredible images of the La Fortuna Waterfall, with its 250-feet cascade against a lush tropical backdrop. Prepare for a bit of a workout because the steps that take you down to the falls' base will have be climbed back up later. Luckily, there's time for a break in the natural swimming pools before you head back up!
Enjoy a Savory Break
At this point, you will likely be hungry, and there's no better place to go than the Hunters and Gatherers restaurant. This open-air eatery uses local ingredients and caters to everyone with five different spice levels of salsas. They also cater to different dietary needs, with lactose-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Explore the buffet and kick your experience off with plantain chips, garden salad and a fresh blend of papaya, pineapple and mango. Sample the grilled chicken breast with Curcuma rice and top it off with candied pumpkin, a local favorite. Refresh yourself with mint-infused spring water or fresh guava before going on the final leg of your tour. There's also the robust Costa Rican coffee available for a delicious pick-me-up.
The best way to get a close look at the majestic Arenal Volcano is by hiking through the Arenal National Park. These wooded trails are ideal for people of all skill levels. They also wind around the base of the volcano and let you get as close as you can under area laws. These trails go past dense greenery, over forested terrain and dart out to outlook points with stunning views of the Arenal Lake and the volcano. For this amazing adventure, wear some hiking shoes.
You will be going across diverse ground, with lava rocks all around the rugged landscape and some steep sloping areas. This trek is pretty tame and considered appropriate for everyone from novice to experienced hikers.
For a day full of wonder above and over the dense canopy of the rainforest, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better than this La Fortuna combo tour.