Everything You Need to Know | Mistico Park, Costa Rica
Mistico Park Costa Rica — also known as Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park — is one of our absolute favorite things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. There’s something truly magical about walking through the rainforest layer by layer — starting from the treetops and making your way down past hanging bridges, howler monkeys, thick vines, and finally a waterfall deep in the jungle.
If you love lush landscapes, unique wildlife, and easy walking trails with big reward views, Mistico Park Costa Rica is a must on your La Fortuna itinerary.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Mistico Park: how to get there, ticket prices, best time to visit, and what to expect once you’re on the trails (straight from someone who has visited multiple times).
Entrance Fee | $32 USD adults / $20 USD children
Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 3:50 PM)
Hike | Short trail 1.9 km (1.1 mi) / Full trail 3.2 km (2 mi)
Hanging Bridges | 15 total (6 suspension bridges)
Waterfall | Yes – Blue Morpho Waterfall (on the long hike)
Time Needed | 2–2.5 hours
Facilities | Free parking, restrooms, café, gift shop
Guided Tours | Optional (birdwatching, natural history, night walk)
How To Get To Mistico Park
Located just outside La Fortuna, Mistico Park, approximately a 20–25 minute drive from the center. It’s positioned in the rainforest on the northern side of Arenal Volcano.
Tours & Tickets
Best Time to Visit Mistico Park
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park welcomes visitors daily, with entry times from 6:00 AM to 3:45 PM — the last admission slot. Once inside, you can explore until around 5 PM before staff begin gently rounding everyone up.
You must book your entry time in advance, as visits are organized by half-hour time slots starting at 6AM, with the last one at 3:45PM.
Our best advice? Go early! Shoot for one of the first three slots — 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00AM — for the quietest, most peaceful experience.
We’ve been twice — once under bright sunshine and once during a gentle rain shower — and both visits were equally magical. Because Mistico is a true rainforest, expect humidity and the chance of rain anytime, no matter the season.
If you want to avoid crowds, plan your visit for:
- Early mornings, between 6AM and 7AM
- Later afternoons, from 2PM onward
If spotting wildlife is a priority, dawn and the early afternoon are your best bets when animals are most active.
No matter the weather, Mistico Park delivers — so embrace the lush, unpredictable rainforest vibes and enjoy every moment.
TIP | Don’t forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes — sudden rain showers are common, and staying dry will keep your adventure comfortable and enjoyable.
Mistico Park Entrace Fees & Tickets
Getting into Mistico Hanging Bridges Park requires a bit of planning, but it’s totally worth it. The park opens bright and early at 6AM and closes at 4:30 PM, with the last entry allowed at 3:50 PM — though we don’t recommend arriving that late unless you like rushing through.
You can buy your tickets either online ahead of time or right at the gate if you’re feeling spontaneous. When you book, you’ll choose a 30-minute entry window anytime between 6 AM and 3:30 PM. They’re pretty flexible though, so arriving a little early or late usually isn’t a problem.
Here’s the current pricing:
Kids (6–11 years) | Free
Adults | $32 USD
Seniors (65+) | $26 USD
Teens (11–18 years) | $21 USD
TIP | Buy your tickets online in advance and lock in your preferred time slot. Mistico limits how many visitors can enter per slot, so if you want one of those prime early morning entries, booking ahead is a must.
Exploring Mistico Park
Arrival
After checking in at the visitor center, you’ll receive a simple map explaining the trails and bridges. There’s a gift shop and café on site, as well as bathrooms — use them before heading out as there are none along the trails.
Trails
Mistico Park offers two circuits:
- Short trail | 1.9 km / 1.1 mi
- Full trail | 3.2 km / 2 mi
Both are easy to moderate with a compact dirt and stone path, but we strongly recommend doing the complete trail if you can — it’s on this trail that you’ll reach the Blue Morpho Waterfall, one of our favorite surprises in the park.
Hanging Bridges
There are a total of 15 bridges, 6 of which are hanging suspension bridges. Each one takes you to a different vertical level of the rainforest — the higher bridges are surrounded by howler monkey and toucan territory, while the lower bridges become cooler, more humid, and quiet.
The Waterfall
The Blue Morpho Waterfall (named after the famous bright-blue butterfly) drops 21 meters into a misty pool surrounded by vines and mossy rock — a refreshing reward after your jungle walk.
Where To Stay Near Mistico Park
Base yourself in La Fortuna, which is the closest town to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and has a wide range of luxury and boutique hotels.
Our top picks:
Top Questions About Visiting Mistico Park
Is Mistico Park worth visiting?
Yes — Mistico Hanging Bridges is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in La Fortuna. The combination of suspension bridges, wildlife, rainforest trails, and waterfall make it perfect for both first-time visitors and nature lovers.
How long does Mistico Park take?
Most visitors spend 2–2.5 hours walking the full 3.2 km trail. If you’re a quick walker and skip photos, it can be done in 1.5 hours — but we recommend taking it slow.
Do you need a guide at Mistico Hanging Bridges?
A guide is not required. The trails are easy to follow and well-marked. However, if you want to spot more wildlife (sloths, toucans, snakes), hiring a naturalist guide at the entrance is a great option.
Can you visit Mistico Park in the rain?
Absolutely — light rain is common and often enhances the mystical forest atmosphere. Just bring waterproof clothing and shoes with grip.
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