La Fortuna: Balsa River Rafting & Canopy Zipline with Organic Lunch

Summary

White-water thrills and treetop ziplining near La Fortuna with local lunch

You’ll raft down La Fortuna’s Balsa River with a local guide cheering you on, then fly across nine zip-lines above lush forest canopies. In between adventures, dig into an organic Costa Rican casado lunch—plus fresh coffee and a quick sugarcane demo at a family farm. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and memories that stick around long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I knew we were in for something different when our driver, Mario, started telling us about his childhood swimming in the Balsa River — he joked that he used to “race the rain” home before the water got wild. That set the tone. The van was still damp from last night’s rain, windows fogged up, but everyone seemed excited (and a bit nervous). Our guide, Andrea, handed out helmets and checked everyone’s gear twice. She asked where we were from and laughed at my attempt to pronounce “casado” — I still don’t think I got it right.

Rafting the Balsa River is loud — not just the water but all of us yelling directions over each other. The river’s colder than you’d expect under that thick green canopy, and there’s this earthy smell after every splash. At one point I lost my paddle (don’t worry, they fished it out), and Andrea just grinned and said it happens to everyone on their first day trip rafting in Costa Rica. There were birds overhead — bright flashes of blue — but honestly I was too busy trying not to fall out.

After drying off (sort of), we hiked up a muddy path for the canopy tour. Nine zip-lines strung between trees so high you can’t see the top. My hands shook more from nerves than cold as I clipped in for the first jump. You hear nothing but wind until you land — then someone always cheers or whoops by accident. By the third line I stopped worrying about how ridiculous my helmet looked.

Lunch was this buffet-style casado — rice, beans, sweet plantains, chicken stewed in something garlicky and good. Coffee tasted smoky; maybe it was just me still buzzing from adrenaline. There was a sugarcane demo too, which sounds touristy but actually felt pretty genuine since one of the farmers showed us how he chews it straight from the stalk (I tried; nearly broke a tooth). Anyway, by the time we piled back into the van for hotel drop-off, everyone was quiet in that tired-satisfied way. Still think about that view through the trees sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting, canopy tour, and organic lunch

• White-water rafting on Balsa river
• Enjoy organic lunch buffet
• Farm tour with sugarcane demonstration
• Canopy tour with 9 zip-lines

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this La Fortuna combo tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What food is served during the organic lunch?

You’ll enjoy a typical Costa Rican casado buffet with rice, beans, plantains, chicken or similar options.

How many zip-lines are part of the canopy tour?

The canopy tour includes nine zip-lines above the forest.

Is this day trip suitable for kids or older adults?

The minimum age is 7 years old; not recommended for people over 70 or with certain health conditions.

Are guides provided during both activities?

Yes, professional guides lead both rafting and canopy tours.

Do I need prior experience to join this rafting & canopy tour?

No prior experience is needed; all fitness levels are welcome within age/health limits.

Is safety equipment provided for rafting and ziplining?

All necessary safety equipment is provided for both activities.

How long does this combo tour take from start to finish?

The full day trip typically lasts several hours including transfers and lunch.

Are snacks or drinks included besides lunch?

A snack is included along with lunch and coffee during your visit.

Is there a farm or cultural stop included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a local farm for coffee tasting and a sugarcane demonstration as part of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna, all safety equipment for rafting on Balsa River and ziplining through nine canopy lines with professional guides at every step. Between adventures you’ll enjoy an organic Costa Rican casado buffet lunch with fresh coffee plus a farm stop featuring a sugarcane demonstration before heading back to your hotel.