La Fortuna: Safari float & waterfall tour with lunch

Summary

Float down Peñas Blancas, meet locals, and swim beneath La Fortuna’s falls

You’ll float quietly along the Peñas Blancas River spotting wildlife with a local guide, share lunch with a Costa Rican family at their riverside ranch, then hike down to swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall’s spray. It’s an easygoing day full of small surprises and real moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to drift quietly through the rainforest, just listening? That’s how our day started near La Fortuna — not with a rush, but with that slow, careful push off the riverbank. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out a sloth before I’d even noticed anything but the sound of water against the raft. The air was thick and green-smelling, if that makes sense. We floated past monkeys (one actually stared back), and there were these flashes of blue from birds I couldn’t name. I tried to whisper “martín pescador” like Andrés did — he grinned but didn’t correct me.

The rafting part was gentle — honestly, more about watching than paddling. Sometimes it went so quiet you could hear your own breathing. Then we stopped at this family ranch by the river for lunch. The Rodriguez family had set up tables under a tin roof; their daughter handed me a plate of rice and beans that tasted smoky in a way I still think about. We talked about football (I mostly nodded), and they laughed when I tried to say “gracias por la comida” properly.

After that came the walk down to La Fortuna Waterfall — all those stairs winding into the canyon. It’s humid down there, and my shirt stuck to my back by the time we reached the bottom. The waterfall is loud up close, almost shaking in your chest. I hesitated before swimming (the water’s cold!), but once you’re in, it wakes you up fast. There’s this moment where you look up through spray and sunlight and everything else just sort of drops away for a bit…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari Float and Waterfall Visit

• Raft safari on Penas Blancas River
• Swim and explore La Fortuna Waterfall
• Traditional lunch at La Familia Rodriguez ranch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this La Fortuna safari float tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the La Fortuna area.

Can I swim at La Fortuna Waterfall during this day trip?

Yes, you can swim in the natural pool at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall after hiking down.

Is lunch provided on this safari float & waterfall tour?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is served at a local family ranch by the river.

How difficult is the walk to La Fortuna Waterfall?

The walk involves about 20 minutes of stairs descending into a canyon; take your time as it can be humid.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request—just mention dietary needs when booking.

What wildlife might I see on the Peñas Blancas River float?

You may spot monkeys, sloths, colorful birds like kingfishers (“martín pescador”), and more during the float.

Are guides local experts on this tour?

Yes, guides are local experts familiar with wildlife and cultural context in Arenal/La Fortuna area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna area hotels, all entry fees for both river float and waterfall access, safety equipment for rafting with an expert local guide, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a riverside family ranch before returning in the afternoon.