La Fortuna: Balsa River Rafting Class III & IV with Organic Lunch

Summary

Balsa River rapids, farm lunch and wild Costa Rican scenery

You’ll plunge into Balsa River’s wildest rapids with expert guides at your side, break for fresh local fruit on a quiet bank, then recharge over an organic Costa Rican lunch at a family farm—plus try sugar cane juice you’ll help press yourself. Expect laughter, soaked shoes, and maybe a new craving for river air.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the van at the riverbank just after 8:30, still half-asleep and squinting in that thick Costa Rican morning. The Balsa River looked calm from the edge—honestly, I thought, “How wild can this get?” but then our guide Diego grinned and handed me a paddle. He said something about “six miles of fun” and I noticed his arms were covered in old sunburns. That’s when I started to wake up for real. The helmets smelled faintly of river mud and sunscreen (not a bad combo, actually). We practiced paddling in the shallows while Diego joked about which one of us would fall in first—spoiler: it was me, but only halfway.

The first set of Class III rapids hit harder than I expected. Water slapped my face cold and sharp, and suddenly we were all shouting over the rush—Diego yelling commands in Spanish and English, everyone else laughing or shrieking or both. There was this one quiet stretch where we drifted past tangled jungle; bright birds flashed overhead, and you could smell wet earth mixed with something sweet from the trees. We stopped on a gravel bank for fresh pineapple and watermelon (so much juicier than back home), hands sticky, feet numb from the water. I tried to say “gracias” to one of the safety kayakers—Li—and he laughed at my accent but handed me another slice anyway.

After two hours or so fighting those rapids (and losing a sandal), we finally climbed out near a small organic farm. My arms felt like noodles by then. Lunch was simple but perfect: rice, beans, chicken straight from their own fields, all under this open-air roof while rain started tapping on the tin above us. Someone showed us how they crush sugar cane by hand—old wooden press creaking—and we drank it right there in little glasses, sweet and grassy. Honestly? I didn’t think I’d care about sugar cane juice but now I kind of crave it.

On the ride back to La Fortuna I kept replaying that moment when everything went silent between rapids—the jungle pressed close, water dripping off my chin—and thinking how different it all felt from any other day trip I'd done before. Not sure if it was just adrenaline or something else sticking with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White water rafting and organic farm visit

• Depart at 8:30 a.m.
• Raft Class III & IV rapids for 2.5 hours
• Enjoy fresh tropical fruits
• Have authentic Costa Rican organic lunch
• Learn about chocolate and medicinal plants
• Experience traditional sugar cane extraction
• Drink pure sugar cane juice
• Return by 2:00 p.m.

Top questions

Is pickup included from La Fortuna hotels?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna are included.

How long is the rafting part of this tour?

The rafting section lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours on the river.

What class are the Balsa River rapids?

This tour covers Class III & IV rapids on the upper Balsa River.

Is lunch provided during this rafting trip?

Yes, an authentic organic Costa Rican farm lunch is included after rafting.

What should I bring for rafting?

Bring dry clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, secure shoes or sandals that stay on your feet, and a change of clothing.

Are there age or health restrictions?

The recommended ages are 12-65 years old; not advised for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Will there be a guide during rafting?

Yes, you’ll have bilingual river guides plus safety kayakers throughout the experience.

Is there a demonstration about sugar cane?

Yes, you’ll see how sugar cane is traditionally pressed and taste fresh juice at the farm after rafting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna, all your gear for Class III & IV rafting on Balsa River with expert guides and safety kayakers nearby at every rapid; you’ll pause mid-river for fresh tropical fruit before heading to an organic farm for a homemade Costa Rican lunch—with a hands-on sugar cane pressing demo before heading back around 2 p.m.