Now that you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, it’s time to spread your wings and venture out of your hotel room for some fun activities and immerse yourself in everything the beautiful country has to be explored. Whether you are the type who enjoys an adrenaline pumping activity or if you prefer to keep your feet grounded while taking a guided tour, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dig in to the very best of La Fortuna, Costa Rica Excursions, some of which I was lucky enough to personally experience.
1. Waterfall Rappelling and White Water Rafting
Get ready for an action-packed day, starting off with Rappelling down a 175-foot waterfall, followed by a monkey drop, rock climb, zip line and several other waterfall rappels! Feast on some snacks on your provided transportation back to a meeting place where you will embark on a Class 2 and 3 white water rafting adventure, where your water paddling skills will be put to the test. In the middle of the rafting, they do a quick pit stop for some fresh fruit. Then you will continue on down the river while spotting wildlife throughout the rainforest. Wind down with a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch. With your bellies full and bodies exhausted from the full day of adventure, your will be transported back to your hotel.
2. Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Hike
If you only have 1 or 2 days in La Fortuna, this excursion is perfect for packing in as much of the surrounding attractions as possible into 1 day. Conveniently including hotel pickup, after a short drive, you will hike about 2.5 hours in the 1968 Arenal Volcano Park. While enjoying the scenery on this relatively easy hike, the guide will explain the history of the volcano. Next you will trek down 500 stairs to view and swim in the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall. Of note, you will have to climb back up 500 stairs, so if you have bad knees or have a physical disability, this is not recommended for you, although you can view the waterfall from the lookout at the top. The last stop is Mistico Hanging Bridges park, where you get to take in the peaceful rainforest sights and sounds, while hiking over 16 different hanging bridges. As a bonus, lunch is included, prior to transporting you back to your hotel.
Alternatively, if you prefer to do a similar excursion as described above, but want to swap out the hiking at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park for soaking in the hot springs, click below to check it out.
3. 4 in 1 Tour including Rappelling, Ziplining, Pool jumping and Hike
Even if you are new to canyoning, this tour is perfect for you and the family! Engage in an adventurous trek through crystal clear waters of the Arenal River, jump into 3 different natural pools and descend the Arenal River Canyon. Next you will fly across 2 different zip or canopy lines with stunning canyon views, and then take a serene hike along the tranquil waters of the Arenal River, while taking in the scenic views. After you have worked up an appetite from all the days activities, you will finish off with a forest hike to La Roca restaurant to enjoy a mouth-watering lunch before your van returns you to your hotel.
4. ATV Arenal Volcano Experience
Indulge in an exhilarating ATV adventure with plenty of majestic views of the Arenal Volcano, all while learning about the culture of Costa Rica! Tear up some mud on private jungle trails, splash through rivers and take in the beauty of nature, with multiple stops throughout the valley. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some breathtaking photos of the Arenal Volcano and many of the animals that you will experience along the way! During your tour, you will visit the Maleku, which are a group of indigenous people along the Northern region of Costa Rica. Learn all about the ancestors of Costa Rica, while immersing yourself in the culture. Transportation will be provided as part of this trip if you are staying in La Fortuna hotels.
5. Mistico Hanging Bridges Guided Tour
Experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica on this 2.5 hour guided tour where you will hike across numerous hanging bridges, taking in the views of the lush rainforest. Along the way you will encounter numerous species of wildlife including birds, butterflies, and even sloths and monkeys if you are lucky! To the inexperienced eye, wildlife can be very challenging to spot, as they are brilliant with camouflaging into their natural habitat. This is one of the main reasons you should strongly consider a guided tour, not to mention, you’ll learn much more from a knowledgeable guide than you would on your own. It is important to note that this tour does not include lunch or transportation, however does cover the park entrance fee. You will meet your guide at the park entrance.
6. Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
This tour is a fantastic option if you are staying in La Fortuna and are willing to do the all day tour via the self-drive option since it only offers pick up in the Guanacaste region. Start off with a dive into the refreshing waters of the beautiful Llanos de Cortez Waterfall in Bagaces or if you prefer not to swim, you can take in all the scenery and shoot some photos. Next you will explore the iconic Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is known for its heavenly turquoise hue water, which is created by volcanic minerals creating an optical illusion. The hike is moderate and will take about 2 hours, involving some stairs and hanging bridges. Although the park does not allow you to swim, your guide will take you to an area just outside the park where you can experience a well-deserved cooling dip after all the exercise. Lastly, you will finish with a sloth and frog sanctuary tour where you will learn and have a chance to meet the critters. A Costa Rican style lunch and entrance fees are all included in this day long tour.
7. Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting- Class 3/4
If you’ve been white water rafting before, this adventure will challenge your physical fitness level. However, if you are new to white water rafting, check out the 2/3 rapids tour mentioned below. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you paddle hard on this 9 mile full day rafting tour. Not to worry, you won’t be paddling the entire time. The guide will stop for breaks to swim, enjoy some fresh fruit, and have a beer. When your body is fatigued at the end, you will be treated to a Costa Rican lunch as part of the cost of the tour. Please note, transportation from La Fortuna hotels is offered for an extra charge.
If you are new/novice level white water rafting, check out the class 2/3 Balsa River tour by clicking below
8. North Fields Café: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Venture to a local farm in La Fortuna to learn all about Costa Rica’s 3 main exports: sugar cane, coffee and chocolate. Indulge your senses, while smelling the aromas and tasting the finished products, all while being educated on the process of refining and producing these local resources. Local hotel transportation is included in this 2.5 hour tour.
9. Amazing Mega Zipline- 25 ziplines over 11 different waterfalls
If you are an adrenaline junkie at heart and love nature, this is the perfect adventure for you! Coast across 25 different ziplines while enjoying gorgeous mountain, rainforest and ocean views. Even better yet, your eyes will be delighted as you pass over 11 various waterfalls. This Adventure Park in Miramar boasts some of the longest ziplines in Costa Rica. As you are coming down from your adrenaline rush, feast on a mouth watering Costa Rican lunch. Transportation is available from La Fortuna upon request.
10. Venado Caves Underground Experience
Looking for an excursion that is a little off the beaten path? Venture down under to the Venado Caves, marveling at stalactites and stalagmites formed thousands of years ago while exploring the many chambers. You may even visit a bat colony living deep in the caves. At the end of your tour, enjoy a fresh fruit snack and you will be transported to and from your La Fortuna hotel.
11. Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding
Unwind on a relaxing, leisurely 1.5 hour horseback riding excursion while soaking up the stunning views of both the Arenal Volcano and lake. Beginner riders are welcome to join and transportation is included from La Fortuna hotels.
Interesting in a combo tour including ziplines and horseback riding? Click on the link below
