Rafting Balsa River level II-III with canopy tour from San José

Two activities in one day: whitewater and treetop cables above a hidden valley

Combine rafting and canopy tour in one day from San José: start on the Balsa River navigating level II-III rapids through a tropical canyon with waterfalls and wildlife, then move to the canopy course with eight cables strung across 500 acres of forest, 10 platforms, three trails, a hanging bridge and a Tarzan swing. Hotel pickup, a guide in English or Spanish, and an organic vegetarian lunch are included.

The experience

The day splits into two distinct activities, each with its own setup and pace. You start with the Balsa River, where the rapids run level II-III through a deep canyon lined with waterfalls, exotic animals and tropical birds. The water is the main event here. You're navigating whitewater, not watching it pass. After the river, you move to the canopy course: eight cables strung across more than 500 acres of forest, with 10 platforms connected by three separate trails, a hanging bridge and a Tarzan swing. The cables run at high velocity above a hidden valley, so the view opens up as you move through the treetops.

Hotel pickup from San José is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The minimum group size is two travelers, and you'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness for both the paddling and the canopy work. At the end of the day, lunch is prepared with organic and natural ingredients and built around vegetarian options, designed to refuel after the combination of river and treetop activity.

What’s included

• Transportation from your San José hotel.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• rafting on the Balsa River.
• the canopy course with eight cables and ten platforms.
• organic vegetarian lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want two different activities in a single day and have moderate fitness for both paddling and working at height on cables. The combination means you're active for the full nine hours, so it suits someone looking for variety and intensity rather than a single-focus experience.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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's the difference between level II-III and the exciting level rafting on the Balsa River?

The Balsa River offers two difficulty tiers: level II-III rapids for moderate whitewater, and an exciting level for those seeking more intensity. The operator structures the day around one choice, so confirm which level suits your experience when you book.

How many cables and platforms are on the canopy course?

The canopy tour includes eight cables, ten platforms, three separate trails, a hanging bridge and one Tarzan swing spread across more than 500 acres of forest.

Is the lunch vegetarian, or can I get meat?

Lunch is prepared with organic and natural ingredients and built around vegetarian options. Contact the operator when you book if you need to discuss dietary requirements beyond vegetarian.

What time does pickup happen from my San José hotel?

Hotel pickup is included from San José hotels. Confirm your hotel address and preferred pickup time when you book, and use the contact line available for day-to-day reconfirmations.

Is there a minimum age for this activity?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.