Can you hire a guide when you arrive at the Arenal Hanging Bridges or do you have to make a reservation for the Natural History tour? We are driving in the morning from San Jose to Arenal and wanted to go to the Hanging Bridges when we arrived. Not sure what time we are going to arrive there. If you have to take the Natural History tour offered at the Hanging Bridges, do they have different times for the tours during the day?

We went to Hanging Bridges last year. We just paid the fee and did a self guided tour. I took just over an hour and was worth it. We took our time and saw quite a few Howler Monkeys. Also saw great views of the volcano. Good luck and have fun.

slofan

I agree. We did the self-guided tour, and had a great time, even when it started pouring haflway through. Leave yoursefl about an hour 45 to get through. Not for those with extreme fear of heights.

So you don't think we need to get a guide to take us thru the hanging bridges? I figured that a guide would help us see the wildlife better.

We went by ourselves in the afternoon and didn't see any wildlife besides ants and one bird. But I don't think you see a lot there no matter what time of day. It was a great hike though, especially for our first day in the rainforest with two young kids.