Peñas Blancas River: Wildlife Safari Float & Farm Snack

Summary

Peñas Blancas river float with wildlife and homemade snacks

You’ll glide down the Peñas Blancas River on an inflatable raft with a local guide, watching for monkeys and herons as you go. There’s a stop at Don Pedro’s farm for strong coffee and homemade snacks—plus stories about Costa Rican farming life. Includes hotel pickup between La Fortuna and Hotel Tabacón so you can just relax into the day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — just the gentle plunk of our raft against the water and some distant birds fussing in the trees. Our guide, José, didn’t say much at first (I think he wanted us to listen). The air smelled green, if that makes sense — like wet leaves and something sweet underneath. We drifted along the Peñas Blancas River, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys or maybe a sloth. I almost missed a tiny blue heron until José pointed it out with this proud little smile.

I’d expected the wildlife safari float to be more like a tour, but it felt slower than that, almost lazy in a good way. Sometimes we’d just sit there while José explained how the river changes after big rains or why the trees lean out over the water. He told us about his grandmother’s favorite fruit (guaba?) and handed me one from his bag. It tasted kind of like vanilla and grass — not sure I’m selling it, but I liked it. My hands were sticky after.

We stopped at Don Pedro’s farm for a snack — coffee so strong it made my ears buzz, fresh cheese on warm tortillas, and some kind of sweet bread I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it). Don Pedro waved us inside with this big open gesture, talking about sugarcane and chocolate like they were old friends. There was mud everywhere from last night’s rain but nobody seemed to mind. The sun came out just as we left, lighting up everything for a second before ducking behind clouds again. I still think about that quiet stretch of river sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife safari and local farm visit

• Depart from meeting point
• Float along Peñas Blancas River
• Observe flora and fauna
• Visit Don Pedro's farm
• Enjoy homemade snack at La Cocina de Tita Yolanda
• Learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane

Top questions

How long does the wildlife safari float on Peñas Blancas River take?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including time at Don Pedro’s farm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Peñas Blancas River tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels between La Fortuna and Hotel Tabacón on Route 142.

Are snacks provided during the safari float?

Yes, you’ll get homemade snacks at Don Pedro’s farm—including coffee and local treats.

Is this wildlife safari float suitable for kids?

Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

You should bring your own water bottle as part of their eco-friendly practice.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if you’re staying between La Fortuna and Hotel Tabacón), all guiding along the Peñas Blancas River with a local expert who knows every bend, plus homemade snacks—think strong Costa Rican coffee and fresh cheese—at Don Pedro’s farm before heading back out onto the water.