Things to do in Costa Rica

Arenal - Costa Rica white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna

Splash into action on this white-water rafting tour, kicking things off with a scenic drive through yucca, pineapple and papaya plantations at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Then, at the river, you'll gear up with a thorough training session, before taking on the exciting rapids of the Sarapiqui River. At the halfway point, you'll stop to refresh with fresh tropical fruits on the riverbank, before hitting the rapids again. Afterwards, you'll go for a typical Costa Rican lunch with your fellow adventurers.

Arenal - Half-day white-water rafting tour in Costa Rica

Take off on this family-friendly white-water river rafting tour, suitable for adults and kids aged 8-12. Begin with a detailed safety briefing, then dive into two-hour adventure down the Balsa River. There'll be a break halfway to relax on the riverbanks, with a refreshing swim and tasty tropical fruit snack. Then its back to the rapids – see if you can spot monkeys, sloths and toucans as you paddle along. Finally, you'll wrap the morning up with lunch at a traditional country estate.

Arenal - Costa Rica white-water rafting and ATV tour from La Fortuna

Get ready for a full-day adventure on this white-water rafting and ATV tour. You'll start with a safety briefing, before taking control of your ATV to zoom through the Costa Rican landscapes – you'll pass canyon walls and the Arenal Volcano, and wind through the tropical plantations here. After another training session, you'll raft down Rio Balsa, known for its thrilling rapids and the natural beauty of the surrounding rainforest. Finally, you'll tuck into a well-deserved Costa Rican lunch.

Arenal - White-water rafting and zipline experience from La Fortuna

Flash through the air at up to 43 miles per hour before you disappear into rainforest canopies on this adrenaline-pumping zipline tour. Zip down Arenal's seven extreme cables, the highest starting at a 54-foot tower where you'll want to snap those 360° views of the rainforest and volcano. Then feel the rush as you soar above La Fortuna Waterfall on a half-mile-long zipline. Continue your jungle adventure by water as you hit the rapids of the Balsa River for two hours of white-water rafting. Recharge and reflect on an exhilarating morning with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Arenal - White-water rafting and quad biking experience from La Fortuna

Roar through Arenal's rainforest trails together on your quad bike for two. After your safety brief it's full-throttle over the rugged terrain of the canyon walls, then zoom past tropical fields of bananas and papayas – all with the Arenal Volcano as your striking backdrop. The thrills continue as you head to the Balsa River for two hours of white-water rafting over medium grade rapids. Stop for a swim and the chance to spot the local wildlife before paddling on towards a hearty lunch.

Arenal - Sarapiqui River white-water rafting with picnic lunch, from La Fortuna

Twist and turn your way down the jungle-fringed Sarapiqui River for an adventure to satisfy nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. After a full safety briefing from your experienced guide, you'll launch your boat and tackle your first rapids together. Beginners are welcome on this route, taking on a range of easy to medium rapids. After around 90 minutes of rafting, you'll be ready for some dry clothes and a picnic lunch by the river, where you could spot toucans, sloths and howler monkeys.

Arenal - Rafting, horse riding and hot springs from La Fortuna

Start your nature-filled day by horse riding in the Arenal Volcano National Park. As you snap views of the volcano and sway through the rainforest, your local guide will point out wildlife like monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Swap your saddle for paddles as you raft down the River Balsa and its medium-graded rapids. After two hours of rafting, including a swim stop, tuck into a traditional lunch at a rural estate. Then ease your muscles in the volcanic hot springs – a pampering tonic to a full-on day.

Arenal - White-water rafting and chocolate tour from La Fortuna

Taste the food of the gods – chocolate – as you learn how Costa Ricans have been growing and enjoying it since the 17th century. Try mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili to hit your sweet spot in a hands-on demo. Then it's off to the River Balsa for the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting along medium rapids that suit beginners. Pause between rapids for a swim before paddling to the end of this rainforest rollercoaster. Lunch awaits you at a traditional country estate, where you'll embrace the ‘pura vida', or pure life, of rural Costa Rica.

Arenal - White-water rafting and canyoning from La Fortuna

Spend an adrenaline-filled day scrambling, rappelling and rafting your way through Costa Rica's tropical rainforests, with the impressive Arenal Volcano framing your adventure. With expert guidance and equipment, you'll trek to a waterfall, take a deep breath and begin your canyoning with a thrilling descent. After more climbing scrambling and zip-lining, you'll hop in a 4x4 to take you to the river for white-water rafting down medium grade rapids. Finish your morning with a well-earned traditional lunch.

Arenal - Sloths and white-water rafting from La Fortuna

If sloths are on your must-see list in Costa Rica, this sloth and rafting combo tour is calling your name. You'll start things off with a guided walk at a local family-run eco-project, getting a glimpse of these adorable creatures and learning some fun facts. After a light snack, it's time to switch gears for an epic white-water rafting adventure on the Balsa River. Expect two hours of fun, rapids, and tropical views. To top it all off, you'll enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading back.

Arenal - Hanging Bridges and white-water rafting from La Fortuna

Experience the best of the rainforest on this action-packed tour. You'll kick things off with a guided hike across the Hanging Bridges, for a bird's-eye view and wildlife spotting. Then, switch gears and hit the rapids on the Balsa River, surrounded by stunning tropical scenery – you might even see some sloths along the way. After a quick break for fresh fruit by the river, dive back into the adventure before wrapping up the day with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Arenal - River safari and Latin dancing class with lunch from La Fortuna

During your two-hour gentle paddle down the Penas Blancas River, be on the lookout for the many birds, monkeys and lizards that call its banks home. As you scour the overhanging tree canopies from your raft, your expert guide will share top tips for spotting the stealthiest of creatures. From here you'll swap sloths for salsa and take to the dance floor to learn the basic steps to some Latin rhythms. Take five for a traditional local lunch and chat with your instructors to discover how dancing is woven into the culture of Costa Rica.