La Fortuna canyoning and rafting combo
Descend waterfalls by rappel, then navigate thrilling rapids before a local feast
This eight-hour combo activity in La Fortuna combines canyoning and white water rafting: you rappel down tropical waterfalls, rock climb and zip-line in the canyon, then paddle Class II-III rapids on the Balsa River. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, beverages, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and all gear are included; children from age 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
The Experience
The day starts with a 20-minute drive from your hotel to the Pure Trek canyon, then a short ride in a 4x4 truck to the remote ranch house where your guide gears you up and walks through safety. You'll spend the morning rappelling down tropical waterfalls, rock climbing through the canyon, and doing a Monkey drop—a combination zip line and rappel that strings together the canyon walls. After a short hike out, you'll grab a quick snack and head 45 minutes to the Balsa River.
The Balsa River section runs for two hours on Class II-III water, which means steady rapids mixed with calmer stretches where you can actually see the rainforest around you. Halfway through, the guide stops at a calm pool where you can swim and cool off, and you'll have drinks and snacks before finishing the run. The whole thing—canyon, drive, river, swim break—fits into eight hours.
Lunch at a local Costa Rican restaurant happens after you're back, so you're eating when you're ready rather than on a schedule. The photographer who shoots the canyoning section has images available to buy at the end if you want them. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in La Fortuna, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your group.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna hotels.
- professional guide in English or Spanish.
- all canyoning and rafting gear and safety equipment.
- rappelling, rock climbing and zip-line instruction.
- two hours of white water rafting on Class II-III rapids.
- lunch at a local restaurant.
- beverages and snacks during the rafting break.
- access to the swim stop in the calm river pool.
Operated by Pure Trek Canyoning
Is this one for you?One day, two epic adventures: rappel down waterfalls and zip-line through the canyon, then hit the rapids—your driver picks you up once and guides you through both.
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Top questions
What exactly is the Monkey drop in the canyoning section?
The Monkey drop is a combination zip line and rappel that lets you descend using both techniques in sequence as you move through the canyon.
How much of the day is actually in the water versus hiking and driving?
The canyoning takes up the morning with rappelling, climbing and hiking through the canyon; the white water rafting is a separate two-hour section on the Balsa River in the afternoon, with a 45-minute drive between the two activities.
Will I see wildlife on the Balsa River?
The Balsa River section is described as providing a good mix of exciting rapids and rainforest exploration, so you'll have chances to spot wildlife during the calmer stretches and the swim break, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Is the lunch included in the price, or do I pay separately?
Lunch at a local Costa Rican restaurant is included in the tour price, along with beverages and snacks during the rafting section.
Can children do this activity?
Children from age 8 can join the tour when accompanied by an adult; the activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.
What happens if I want the photos from the canyoning section?
A photographer documents the canyoning portion, and images are available for purchase at the end of the tour for an extra charge if you'd like to buy them.
La Fortuna canyoning and rafting combo
8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 205 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96101 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
