Río Sarapiquí Whitewater Rafting Adventure (Class III-IV), Arenal/La Fortuna

Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling through rolling Class II and III rapids with names like Morning Coffee and Rock around the Croc. Enjoy wildlife spotting along the way—you'll even have a chance to swim while passing through calmer stretches of the river. 

Set out on a guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Set out on a privately guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Get your thrills at Sky Trek, a zip line circuit and aerial amusement park. You'll start in an open-air gondola, rising up over the rainforest and enjoying sweeping views across the mountains. Arriving at the end of the line, the exhilarating adventure of whizzing down the mountain begins. Connect to a zip line cable stretching over rainforest treetops and clifftops. After traversing seven cables and reaching heights of 660 feet (201 meters), you'll arrive back at the starting point of the adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Perfect for adventure seekers, this half-day jungle excursion introduces you to the thrill of rappelling down waterfalls and sheer canyon walls. Your guide will provide brief safety instructions and outfit you with a harness, then it's time to rappel down the side of three different waterfalls, feeling the cooling mist as you descend along a wall of rocky cliffs. Finish with a splash into a refreshing pool before drying off for lunch at a Costa Rican restaurant on the banks of the Río La Fortuna.

Explore Arenal with a guide as you take on hanging bridges and hike to a waterfall. You'll start with the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you'll navigate a trail system within a vast rainforest reserve that offers views of Arenal Volcano and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including over 350 bird species. Next, trek down to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim or relax amid the lush scenery. The day trip concludes with lunch at La Finquita. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this excursion offers a vibrant glimpse into Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

In this hands-on chocolate experience, you'll learn all about one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. Participate in the cacao harvest, see how the seeds are dried and ground to produce creamy cocoa butter, and sample freshly made chocolate. Your bilingual guide will share insights into chocolate's cultural and economic importance in ancient Mesoamerican societies and show you how to make a traditional Costa Rican drink that dates back centuries. Don't miss the chance to taste the cacao beans' fruity pulp straight from the pod, offering a fresh and delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Cruise Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, at sunset for unparalleled views of Arenal Volcano's west flank aglow from the setting sun. As you glide across the calm waters, enjoy your verdant surroundings and spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and occasionally sloths or monkeys. A knowledgeable guide will enrich your time with insights into the history of the lake and volcano, concluding the experience with a glass of wine and a cheese platter. Ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this sunset cruise is a must-do when visiting the region.

Located in the tropical rainforest, the towering La Fortuna Waterfall is an attraction you want to check out. Get up close with the cascade on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas en route. Your guide will point out rock formations and geological features during the trek. At the bottom, the trail ends right in front of the imposing waterfall, an ideal spot to strike a pose and strip to go for a dip near the base of the waterfall to finish the adventure. This activity supports local community development, making it a rewarding experience for eco-conscious travelers.

Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout point. From there, take in striking views of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding scenery. This vantage point offers fantastic photo opportunities. You'll have the option to take a short hike around the Hand of Arenal, if you wish, on a 0.5-mile (800-meter) circuit. You'll then head back down to the base terminal on the Sky Tram.