Things to do in Arenal

2-in-1 Combo Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall

This tour shines the spotlight on two of La Fortuna's most popular attractions. Hike through dense rainforest and former lava fields at Arenal Volcano National Park to discover Costa Rica's most active volcano. Then, continue to the magnificent La Fortuna waterfall. Towering over 230 feet high, it's a must-see. Take a dip, snap some pictures and relax while snacking on fresh fruit.

Costa Rica white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna

Splash into action on this white-water rafting tour, kicking things off with a scenic drive through yucca, pineapple and papaya plantations at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Then, at the river, you'll gear up with a thorough training session, before taking on the exciting rapids of the Sarapiqui River. At the halfway point, you'll stop to refresh with fresh tropical fruits on the riverbank, before hitting the rapids again. Afterwards, you'll go for a typical Costa Rican lunch with your fellow adventurers.

Half-day white-water rafting tour in Costa Rica

Take off on this family-friendly white-water river rafting tour, suitable for adults and kids aged 8-12. Begin with a detailed safety briefing, then dive into two-hour adventure down the Balsa River. There'll be a break halfway to relax on the riverbanks, with a refreshing swim and tasty tropical fruit snack. Then its back to the rapids – see if you can spot monkeys, sloths and toucans as you paddle along. Finally, you'll wrap the morning up with lunch at a traditional country estate.

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.

White-water rafting and zipline experience from La Fortuna

Flash through the air at up to 43 miles per hour before you disappear into rainforest canopies on this adrenaline-pumping zipline tour. Zip down Arenal's seven extreme cables, the highest starting at a 54-foot tower where you'll want to snap those 360° views of the rainforest and volcano. Then feel the rush as you soar above La Fortuna Waterfall on a half-mile-long zipline. Continue your jungle adventure by water as you hit the rapids of the Balsa River for two hours of white-water rafting. Recharge and reflect on an exhilarating morning with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

White-water rafting and quad biking experience from La Fortuna

Roar through Arenal's rainforest trails together on your quad bike for two. After your safety brief it's full-throttle over the rugged terrain of the canyon walls, then zoom past tropical fields of bananas and papayas – all with the Arenal Volcano as your striking backdrop. The thrills continue as you head to the Balsa River for two hours of white-water rafting over medium grade rapids. Stop for a swim and the chance to spot the local wildlife before paddling on towards a hearty lunch.

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.

White-water rafting and canyoning from La Fortuna

Spend an adrenaline-filled day scrambling, rappelling and rafting your way through Costa Rica's tropical rainforests, with the impressive Arenal Volcano framing your adventure. With expert guidance and equipment, you'll trek to a waterfall, take a deep breath and begin your canyoning with a thrilling descent. After more climbing scrambling and zip-lining, you'll hop in a 4x4 to take you to the river for white-water rafting down medium grade rapids. Finish your morning with a well-earned traditional lunch.

Sloths and white-water rafting from La Fortuna

If sloths are on your must-see list in Costa Rica, this sloth and rafting combo tour is calling your name. You'll start things off with a guided walk at a local family-run eco-project, getting a glimpse of these adorable creatures and learning some fun facts. After a light snack, it's time to switch gears for an epic white-water rafting adventure on the Balsa River. Expect two hours of fun, rapids, and tropical views. To top it all off, you'll enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading back.

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.

Safari float and tortilla cooking with lunch from La Fortuna

Look out for sloths, monkeys and iguanas roaming the riverbanks as you peacefully float down the Penas Blancas River. Over two hours, your local guide will share their love and knowledge of the region and help you spot wildlife from your raft. Next, you'll get a taste of the ‘Pura Vida', the pure life experienced by rural Costa Ricans, with a visit to Dona Mara's kitchen in the rainforest. As your lunch bubbles on the family's wood-fired stove, Dona Mara will teach you her secrets to making traditional tortillas – have a go yourself and feast on them with lunch.

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.