Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is one of the most popular spots to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. I’ve been here twice and both times was blown away by how lovely and fascinating the park is.
If you don’t know the secrets of this stunning yet mysterious park, it might not look like much—but beneath the relatively simple-looking exterior lies stunning biodiversity and one-of-a-kind views of the rainforest canopy.
What Is Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park?
Located within view of the massive Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a privately owned reserve committed to preserving the country’s rich ecosystem.
The park is set in the gorgeously lush rainforest with incredible views all around. The park’s six famous steel-cabled hanging bridges provide an immersive experience floating above the rainforest canopy. You can also cross small streams, walk through colorful flowers and medicinal plants, and a few waterfalls along the way.
🦥 Read more: The Ultimate Guide to the Gorgeous La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park was originally established to help protect the area’s flora and fauna. Because of its original aim, it’s become one of Costa Rica’s top eco-tourism destinations and a great location for wildlife spotting!
Do You Need A Tour To Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park?
While it’s not mandatory to take a guided tour to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, I highly, highly recommend taking one if you can. One of the main draws of Mistico is its incredible wildlife scene, but it can be near impossible to spot birds, sloths, and insects on your own without a trained guide.
To put it into perspective, I’ve been to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park twice.
On my first visit, I took a guided tour and our guide was amazing! He pointed out sloths, birds, monkeys, frogs, insects, and even things like specific plant species and mushrooms. I learned so much about the history and biodiversity of the La Fortuna area.
The second time, I just went to enjoy the beautiful hanging bridges and take photos in the golden leafy lighting. However, I basically saw no wildlife the entire time besides one frog that I spotted on my own and maybe a butterfly or two. We heard some birdcalls, but without a guide to help us, we couldn’t see them or recognize what species they were.
So, if you’re looking to make the most of your visit, I recommend taking a guided tour! You can even take night tours if you want to explore the forest’s nocturnal side, like the famous red-eyed tree frogs.
Wildlife Encounters: What Animals Might You See?
As I mentioned, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is positively teeming with wildlife.
For the best wildlife sightings, I recommend planning your visit early in the morning. The park opens at 6 AM and that’s when the animals are the most active, and the trails are much quieter! It pays to have solitude to enjoy the sounds of birdcalls and have more intimate encounters with nature.
Plan Your Visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Opening Hours, Fees, and More
- Hours: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. If possible, I recommend picking an early morning visit (before 9 AM). Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park can get extremely crowded with tour groups and the animals tend to be more “shy” in the afternoons. (Or maybe they’re just taking a nap!)
- Entrance Fee: The general entrance fee is $26 USD for adults. Children under the age of 10 may enter for a reduced rate, while toddlers under age 4 enter free of charge.
- Booking Tips: Please remember to book your ticket online in advance! The park actually limits the number of visitors to protect the environment and won’t sell you a ticket if you arrive after reservations have sold out.
What to Bring to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for a Comfortable Visit
While the park isn’t particularly large, it’s worth prepping a day pack so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife. Here are some items that you should definitely include when visiting Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The trails are generally easy to navigate, but a good pair of walking shoes will help a lot. The hanging bridges are also composed of grates, so make sure to wear flat shoes!
- Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated as you explore, and pack a light snack if you plan to stay for several hours. I recommend taking a reusable water bottle to leave no trace.
- Binoculars and Camera: Enhance your wildlife spotting with binoculars, and capture memories with a camera. I have the Sony Alpha 6600, which is great for taking landscape photos! However, if you want to take wildlife photography, you’ll want to invest in a better lens with at the very minimum 200mm zoom.
- Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the elements, as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun. There are also plenty of active mosquitoes in the park, so make sure to spray up!
- Light Rain Jacket: The rainforest climate is unpredictable, and sudden showers are common. Either an umbrella or rain jacket can help with either rain or strong sunshine.
☔ Read more: Rainy Season Vs. Dry Season in Costa Rica: When Should You Go?
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Costa Rica is a country strongly centered on eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives. Do your part to keep the park clean and operational for years to come!
- Stay on the Trails: The plant life in Mistico Park is completely natural and very delicate. Keep to designated paths to avoid harming the plants or disturbing animal habitats.
- Pack Out Your Trash: Ensure any waste you bring leaves with you. The park has a strong commitment to conservation, and keeping it clean is part of that.
- Respect Wildlife: Only admire animals from a distance, and avoid making loud noises to respect their natural behavior. Never touch or feed any wild animals!
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is one of the most beloved places to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica for a reason! If you’re heading to this ecological paradise, keep an eye out for wildlife and have the most wonderful time.
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