La Fortuna Canyoning and Rafting Tour: Rapids & Waterfalls

Rappel waterfalls, paddle rapids, taste sugarcane: one full day in the Costa Rican jungle

Canyoning and rafting activity in La Fortuna combining two adventures: rappel down three waterfalls with professional guides and safety gear, hike back through the jungle, then paddle Class III and IV rapids for roughly two hours on the river. Hotel pickup and drop-off, organic lunch at a working farm, and a walk through the sugarcane process are included; the day runs eight hours total.

The Experience

The morning starts 30 minutes from La Fortuna at a private canyon area. A trained guide fits you with rappelling equipment and shows you the technique before you descend the first waterfall, then the second, then the third—each one a separate rappel down the rock face. The hike back up winds through the jungle canopy. Before heading to the river, you stop at natural hot springs for a quick dip to cool off.

The afternoon shifts to the water. You paddle a two-person or small-group raft through Class III and IV rapids surrounded by tropical forest and passing waterfalls along the way. A snack comes on the river to refuel mid-paddle. By the time you pull out, the adrenaline from the morning and the effort of the rapids have earned the meal waiting at the end.

Lunch is organic and served at an authentic farm where the operation grows its own food. After eating, the guide walks the group through the sugarcane process and offers fresh sugarcane juice and a taste of the farm's own alcohol. Hotel pickup and drop-off bracket the whole day, and your guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• all safety equipment for rappelling and rafting.
• organic lunch at the farm.
• snack on the river.
• natural hot springs stop.
• sugarcane juice and farm-made alcohol tasting.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Descents

Is this one for you?The day demands sustained physical effort—three waterfall rappels, a jungle hike, and two hours of active paddling through strong rapids—so it suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with water and heights. Book this if you want both canyoning and rafting in a single outing rather than choosing one; the combo packs two separate adventures into eight hours without dead time between them.

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Top questions

What does the canyoning part of the day involve?

You rappel down three separate waterfalls using professional safety equipment, with a trained guide showing you the technique at each one. The hikes between descents take you through the jungle canopy back up the canyon.

How difficult is the rafting section?

The rapids are Class III and IV, which means moderate to strong whitewater that requires active paddling for roughly two hours. You'll navigate the current with the guide and your group, passing waterfalls and jungle scenery along the way.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, an organic lunch is included at the farm where the day ends. The meal is prepared on-site, and afterward the guide shows you the sugarcane production and offers fresh juice and farm-made alcohol to taste.

What's the total time commitment for this activity?

The full day is eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, which includes the canyoning, rafting, natural hot springs stop, lunch, and the farm walk-through.

Do I need experience with rappelling or rafting to join?

No prior experience is required. The guide teaches you the rappelling technique before each waterfall and leads the rafting section. Moderate physical fitness is needed, and you must be at least seven years old to participate.

What equipment and safety gear do I need to bring?

All safety equipment for canyoning and rafting is provided, including harnesses and helmets. Bring water shoes or sturdy footwear that can get wet, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes for after. The guide will fit you with everything else.