La Fortuna Rafting and Canyoning: Rapids and Waterfall Rappels

Four waterfall rappels and two hours of white water in one day

A full-day activity combining canyoning rappelling and white-water rafting near La Fortuna, starting with a 4x4 trek into the rainforest below Arenal Volcano. You rappel four waterfalls and one wall, climb a short rock face, and tackle the Monkey Drop before paddling two hours of Class II-III rapids on the Balsa River. The day includes a guide, all equipment, lunch, fresh fruit and hotel pickup. It runs about nine hours total and suits anyone from age eight up, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

The experience

The morning begins with a 20-minute drive in a 4x4 vehicle into the tropical rainforest on the outskirts of La Fortuna, in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After a safety briefing and gear check, you hike a short trail through the forest and start rappelling: four waterfall descents, one wall rappel, a short rock climb, and the Monkey Drop. A signature move where you swing out over a waterfall and drop into the pool below. A magical trail leads back out of the canyon, and the 4x4 picks you up to take you to the Balsa River.

The second half is two hours of paddling Class II-III rapids, including named sections like Magnetic Rock and Dredges. Between the rapids you swim in the river and refuel with fresh tropical fruit and a cold drink. At the end of the day, a typical Costa Rican lunch waits for you before the drive back to your hotel. You will get wet: dress in a bathing suit and shoes that stay on your feet, and leave anything you are not willing to lose behind.

A professional guide leads the whole day in English or Spanish, and all equipment is provided: raft, paddles, vest and helmet for the water section, plus rappelling gear for the canyon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in La Fortuna. Exact transfer times depend on traffic and the time of day. Professional photography is available to purchase if you want images of the day.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• all canyoning and rafting equipment including helmet, vest, raft and paddles.
• four waterfall rappels and one wall rappel.
• two hours of Class II-III white-water rafting.
• fresh tropical fruit and cold drink on the river.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels in La Fortuna.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 100 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 50 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Wave Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want both rappelling and rafting in a single day and are comfortable getting soaked. The back-to-back activities pack two separate adventures into one nine-hour outing. It suits anyone from age eight up who has no spinal injuries and is not pregnant, though the physical demands (hiking, climbing, rappelling and paddling) mean a baseline of fitness helps you enjoy it fully.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Monkey Drop on this rafting and canyoning trip?

The Monkey Drop is a rappelling move where you swing out over a waterfall and drop into the pool below. It is one of the signature moments in the canyoning section of the day.

How long does the full-day rafting and canyoning activity take from pickup to drop-off?

The activity runs about nine hours total, including the 20-minute drive to the rainforest, the canyoning section, the rafting on the Balsa River, lunch and the return transfer to your hotel.

What do I need to bring or wear for this rafting and canyoning adventure?

Wear a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet. All safety gear and rafting equipment are provided. Leave valuables and anything you are not willing to lose behind, as the operator is not responsible for items lost or damaged on the river.

Can I get vegetarian food on this trip?

Yes, a vegetarian lunch option is available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need it.