Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike

River raft safari and cooking lesson from La Fortuna in Costa Rica

Paddling down the waters of the Penas Blancas River, you'll soak in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you pass riverbanks with the perfect tree canopy for spotting sloths, howler monkeys and lizards. Your local guide will fill you in on the native wildlife while steering your raft past dinosaur-looking caimans. Then, it's back to La Fortuna for a taste of proper Costa Rican food during a hands-on cooking lesson that's hosted by a local family. Finish by eating your own creations of picadillos, rice, beans and salads for lunch.

Half-day river safari tour in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its wildlife, and you'll see it first-hand on this half-day river safari. Spend a couple of hours gliding down a slow-flowing part of Penas Blancas River on a raft, where your guide will help you spot rainforest residents on the riverbanks, like monkeys, iguanas and colourful birds. If you're lucky, you might see the small crocodiles that live here ducking under the water as you float past, or a Jesus Christ lizard walking on water. Then, you'll stop at a riverside farm for a snack and coffee.

Costa Rica white-water rafting and ATV tour from La Fortuna

Get ready for a full-day adventure on this white-water rafting and ATV tour. You'll start with a safety briefing, before taking control of your ATV to zoom through the Costa Rican landscapes – you'll pass canyon walls and the Arenal Volcano, and wind through the tropical plantations here. After another training session, you'll raft down Rio Balsa, known for its thrilling rapids and the natural beauty of the surrounding rainforest. Finally, you'll tuck into a well-deserved Costa Rican lunch.

Nocturnal Experience with typical dinner

Discover the nocturnal wonders of Costa Rica. Begin your experience with a 30-minute drive through the charming town of La Tigra, where the Mendez Family will greet you. This traditional Costa Rican family lives off the land, committed to plant and wildlife conservation and protection. Follow the estate's trail alongside a small patch of regenerating forest with water mirrors that facilitate the observation of nightlife such as birds, nocturnal mammals, amphibians, bats, and other wildlife. Meander around the water mirrors and reach the frog sanctuary, where you see numerous species of frogs such as the bullfrog and spectacular glass frogs in their natural habitat. After this enchanting experience, sit down and relish a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared over a wood-burning with the nocturnal lights of the San Carlos plains lighting up the evening.

River safari and bean-to-bar chocolate tour from La Fortuna

The Penas Blancas River is home to many of Costa Rica's best-loved animals, from sloths and monkeys to lizards and caimans, so keep a lookout on this trip. As the current gently guides your raft along, take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest with expert local knowledge from your captain. After docking, you'll be whisked away to learn more about the history of the food of the gods – chocolate. Get hands-on in a demonstration of all the techniques from bean to bar, then dive into the most important part – the tasting.

Costa Rican Campesino Farm Experience

Explore the charming Maleku Indigenous Reserve, nestled in the Northern Region of Costa. The reserve comprises three different villages and a nearby Agroecological Farm, a stone's throw away from La Fortuna, in Agua Azul. Head over to the farm and be welcomed with a refreshing drink prepared with locally grown fresh fruits. Your local expert guide will tell you about the history and main objectives of the farm. Sustainability, resource management and nature preservation are an integrating part of Costa Rican customs and traditions, leaving you with an unforgettable experience. Visit a small archaeological ranch where you can see how the indigenous produce artisanal cocoa. Taste fresh fruit and chocolate as you meander through the orchid and medicinal plant garden. Finally, sit back, relax and savour a tasty lunch made with farm-fresh products such as coffee, cheese, tortillas, and much more.

White-water rafting and chocolate tour from La Fortuna

Taste the food of the gods – chocolate – as you learn how Costa Ricans have been growing and enjoying it since the 17th century. Try mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili to hit your sweet spot in a hands-on demo. Then it's off to the River Balsa for the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting along medium rapids that suit beginners. Pause between rapids for a swim before paddling to the end of this rainforest rollercoaster. Lunch awaits you at a traditional country estate, where you'll embrace the ‘pura vida', or pure life, of rural Costa Rica.

Hanging Bridges and white-water rafting from La Fortuna

Experience the best of the rainforest on this action-packed tour. You'll kick things off with a guided hike across the Hanging Bridges, for a bird's-eye view and wildlife spotting. Then, switch gears and hit the rapids on the Balsa River, surrounded by stunning tropical scenery – you might even see some sloths along the way. After a quick break for fresh fruit by the river, dive back into the adventure before wrapping up the day with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Nocturnal river safari in Costa Rica

Stealthily floating down the Penas Blancas River by night, you'll be on the lookout for caimans who live in tangled tree roots and long-nosed bats streaking through the skies. Your local guide will share stories of the river's history, wildlife and people, taking you to a family-run farm along the way to try some Costa Rican coffee, cheese and plantains. Afterwards, you'll continue your nocturnal rafting safari downstream for more potential sightings of monkeys and birds – you might even see a Jesus Christ lizard running on water!

Arenal Volcano National Park Tour

Towering at over 1,600 metres above the rainforest, the Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's most famous natural landmark. Explore in depth on this full-day tour with a guided hike through the national park. You'll start off with a scenic boat ride on Arenal Lake, before continuing on foot passing by diverse landscapes, vegetation and lava trails.