Arenal Volcano Canyoning & Rafting: La Fortuna Waterfalls

Rappel down tropical waterfalls, then paddle through the jungle river in one day.

The Mambo Combo is a full-day canyoning and rafting adventure near La Fortuna at the base of Arenal Volcano, where you rappel down 100-foot waterfalls in Lost Canyon and then raft Class 2 and 3 rapids on the Balsa River. A local guide leads both activities, provides all safety equipment, and hotel pickup is included within the La Fortuna area. Lunch is an all-you-can-eat tropical buffet at Desafio's restaurant next to the El Salto swimming hole on the Río Fortuna.

The Experience

Can you really rappel waterfalls and raft a jungle river on the same day? Yes—and that's the whole point of the Mambo Combo. You start with Lost Canyon Adventures canyoning, where you descend through rainforest and rappel down 100-foot tropical waterfalls. The guide handles the rigging; you handle the rope and your own nerves. After that comes the Balsa River, a Class 2 and 3 run that keeps moving without drowning you in adrenaline—the pace lets you actually see the jungle instead of just holding on.

The day runs six hours total, which means you're done by early afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna are included, so you don't arrange transport. Lunch is served at Desafio's Hunters and Gatherers restaurant, right next to the El Salto swimming hole of the Río Fortuna—all-you-can-eat tropical buffet, not a packed sandwich. A photographer documents the day; photos are available for purchase if you want proof of what you actually did.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and carries all the safety gear. The minimum age is 10, and you need at least moderate fitness—this is not a spectator sport. The activity is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with cardiovascular concerns, so know your own limits before booking.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• all safety equipment including harness, helmet and life jacket.
• hotel or vacation rental pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna.
• all-you-can-eat tropical lunch at Desafio's restaurant.
• professional photographer documenting the day (photos available for purchase).

Good to know

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

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company

Is this one for you?Six hours is enough to do both activities without rushing, but it means an early start and an early finish—book this if your day has room for a full morning and early afternoon commitment, and you want to be back at your hotel by mid-afternoon. The physical demands are real: you need moderate fitness to rappel and paddle, so this is not a beginner's introduction to either sport.

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Top questions

What does the canyoning part actually involve?

Lost Canyon Adventures canyoning has you rappelling down 100-foot tropical waterfalls and descending through deep rainforest. The guide sets up the ropes and equipment; you control your descent and manage your own pace on the way down.

How difficult is the rafting on the Balsa River?

The Balsa River runs Class 2 and 3 rapids, which means steady current and waves without the intensity of a Class 4 or 5 run. You paddle actively but the pace is manageable for someone with moderate fitness.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is an all-you-can-eat tropical buffet at Desafio's Hunters and Gatherers restaurant. Dietary restrictions are not detailed in the standard offering, so contact the operator directly if you have specific needs.

How long is the full day, and when does it end?

The Mambo Combo runs six hours total, so you're finished by early afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna are included, meaning you're back at your accommodation with time left in the day.

What's the minimum age, and do kids actually do this?

The minimum age is 10 years old. Children are welcome as long as they have at least moderate physical fitness and can handle rappelling and rafting without adult assistance in the water.

What safety gear do I need to bring?

You don't bring anything—the guide provides all safety equipment, including harnesses, helmets and life jackets. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change for after lunch.