Rafting Level III & Canopy Zip Lines in La Fortuna

Seven hours: two on Class III rapids, five swinging through the treetops

White water rafting on the Balsa River combined with canopy zip lining through cloud forest in La Fortuna includes all equipment, a professional guide in English, Spanish or Italian, and hotel pickup from central La Fortuna hotels. The day splits between 2 hours of Class III rapids and a 500-acre canopy course with 10 cables, platforms, a hanging bridge and a Tarzan swing, with lunch between the two.

The Experience

You meet at the hotel and drive 7 minutes to the Balsa River, where the guides brief you on safety and gear before the rafting starts. Two hours of Class III white water follows—the rapids move fast enough to keep the adrenaline up, and the river cuts through tropical forest where you'll spot birds and wildlife between the drops. The water is the main event here, but the setting matters: lush vegetation crowds the banks and waterfalls feed into the current.

After lunch, you head into the canopy. The course spans more than 500 acres of cloud forest and runs 10 cables strung between platforms high in the trees. A hanging bridge connects some of the platforms, and there's a Tarzan swing that launches you out over the forest before the cable catches you. The Superman cable is the longest and most intense—it's the finale of the course, designed to feel like flying. Your guide stays with the group throughout, managing the pace and the transitions between cables.

All equipment—rafting gear, helmets, harnesses for the canopy—is provided. The guides handle safety checks and explain procedures before each section starts. Lunch is included between the two activities. If you need a vegetarian or vegan meal, let the operator know when you book. The day wraps around 7 hours total from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• All rafting and canopy equipment (helmet, harness, life jacket).
• professional guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• lunch.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from central La Fortuna hotels.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Lands in love Vegan Experience Hotel and Resort

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from central La Fortuna means you don't need a rental car or a separate ride to the river—the guide collects you and handles the logistics, so the day starts the moment you step into the van. If you're staying in town without transport, this setup removes the planning and gets you to both activities on schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

24 verified traveler reviews

5 ★20

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the white water like on the Balsa River?

The Balsa River runs Class III rapids, which means fast-moving water with waves and some technical sections, but nothing that requires previous rafting experience. The 2-hour run combines the adrenaline of the rapids with views of tropical forest, waterfalls and wildlife along the banks.

How high are the canopy cables and platforms?

The canopy course is built through the treetops of the cloud forest, with cables and platforms suspended high enough to give you an aerial view of the forest. The Superman cable is the longest and most thrilling of the 10 lines on the course.

Do I need to be fit or experienced to do this?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and no previous rafting or zip-lining experience is needed. The minimum age is 5 years old. Guides manage the pace and provide instruction before each section, so you learn as you go.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and close shoes or closed sandals—the river will soak you, and secure footwear matters on the canopy platforms. Bring a change of clothes for after the activity and any personal items you want to protect from water.

Is hotel pickup included, and which hotels does it cover?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in central La Fortuna. Confirm your hotel location when you book, as pickup is only available from participating properties in the town center.

What happens if I'm traveling solo or with just one other person?

The minimum reservation is 2 people. If you're booking alone or as a pair and no other group is joining, there's an extra charge for transportation to cover the operator's costs.