Top La Fortuna Day Trips

It was a long day BUT it gave us an excellent sampling of La Fortuna. We met the group at the starting point of 8am and waited till about 8:30am for the tour to begin. Others were being picked up. I suggest being picked up for convenience. Fortunately, our place was less than 10 mins drive away. The guides were amazing at all the tours. My family enjoyed their full day which ended at the hot springs. (wear water shoes since it’s rocky)

Great experience and well worth the 500 steps down (and back up). We paid for fast track, although it was relatively quiet with no queues, and it worked well. The steps are actual staircases ie uniform and not slippy, which is also a plus. Getting into the water is a challenge, having to negotiate wet rocks and boulders, so grippy shoes are a must if you’re going in. The force of the waterfall also creates a strong current. All in all a great full body workout

What an amazing day! If you’re expecting a hike through the jungle, that’s not quite it. It’s easy pathways through the jungle with amazing animals and bridges. Rasta was our guide and he’s awesome! A wealth of knowledge with some humour. We had a great day to see the volcano, a great lunch and what a great cool off at the falls. Highly recommend!!

This rappeling and canyoning excursion was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you’re hesitating with questions like “Am I too old?” “Am I fit enough?” or “Is it safe?” Let me save you some mental gymnastics. You’re not too old (or too young). If you can climb 3–4 flights of stairs, you’re good. Will you feel a little winded at times? Sure. But it’s completely doable, and the guides make it feel approachable from the start. Safety-wise: totally safe. The guides are consummate professionals; calm, clear, and attentive. They keep you secure at all times, explain everything, and check-in at each stop. And they’re also genuinely funny, which keeps the whole experience lighthearted and stress-free even when your adrenaline is doing cartwheels. We did four rappels plus the Monkey Drop, which was more fun than I can possibly explain. If you want an adrenaline rush with expert guidance and big “I can’t believe I did that!” energy, this is the excursion. If you’re even considering it for a second -- just do it. You’ll probably regret not trying.

We loved this river safari tour! The guides were professional and friendly, and the experience was organized and easy from pickup to drop off at our hotel. The boat is a smooth ride and easy (the guides do most of the paddling) but your feet will get wet. We saw sooo many animals, including howler monkeys (a group jumped across the river right over our boat), crocodiles, iguanas, bats, and many species of birds. Our guide was great keeping our kids (ages 6 and 8) entertained. The boat ride itself is about 2.5 hours and they had a snack (tortillas/cheese/plantains) and chocolate tasting at the end. A really great family activity in Fortuna!

White water rafting in La Fortuna was easily one of the top five experiences of my life. If you are anywhere near La Fortuna, rafting is a must. The scenery alone is worth it. Lush jungle the entire way, monkeys in the trees, exotic birds flying overhead, and even cows casually hanging out along the riverbanks. It felt wild and untouched but somehow peaceful at the same time. Our guides, Cuca Daveed, were incredible. He constantly pointed out wildlife, made sure everyone felt comfortable, and really understood people’s individual limitations. At the beginning they go through detailed safety instructions, and I will admit that if you are already nervous it can sound intense. Do not let that scare you. It is purely to prepare you. Once you are actually on the river, it is very doable. They are professionals and you genuinely feel safe the entire time. They even have medical rafts for assistance, and if you carry an EpiPen (like me) for emergency medication, the captain of your raft will hold it securely for you. One very important tip. Use the bathroom before you depart. There is about a one hour and forty five minute drive to the river, and there is no bathroom when you first arrive. You can go before leaving town and again after rafting before the drive back, but once you are on the river, which is about two to three hours, you are committed. Plan accordingly. After rafting, they take you to eat and the food was AMAZING. Fresh, filling, and exactly what you want after being out on the water. I had a slightly embarrassing moment when tipping because I remembered the medic’s name but blanked on my raft captain’s name.PThey handled it so kindly. No awkwardness, no pressure. They even explained that tips are shared among the team. Costa Rican culture is very Pura Vida and not pushy at all, but please tip. They work extremely hard and truly care about your experience. If you are debating it because you are scared, do it anyway. It is thrilling without feeling reckless, adventurous without feeling unsafe, and something you will remember forever. I would absolutely do it again.

Taking a chocolate tour in Costa Rica was an amazing and educational experience. From the very beginning, we learned about the history of cacao and its importance in Costa Rican culture, especially for indigenous communities. The guide explained the entire process of making chocolate, from planting and harvesting the cacao beans to drying, roasting, and grinding them. One of the most exciting parts was being able to participate hands-on and make chocolate ourselves. We also had the opportunity to taste fresh cacao and different types of chocolate, which was delicious. The tour took place in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by rainforest, making the experience even more special. Overall, the chocolate tour was fun, informative, and perfect for all ages. It was a unique way to learn about Costa Rica’s traditions while enjoying one of its most famous products.

We had an amazing rainforest hike at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, followed by a relaxing visit to the hot springs. Our guide Joseph was fantastic — full of energy and incredibly knowledgeable. Thanks to him, we spotted a sloth right at the beginning of our tour! The hike itself was rainy, but still unbelievably beautiful. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the volcano because of the weather — that’s nature for you. To end the day, we soaked in the hot springs, which was absolutely wonderful. A perfect finish to a great adventure!