La Fortuna Adventure Guide

Full-day Adventure - Rafting & Rappelling

This was our FIRST time rappelling and rafting down such rapid waters (though it was not even the most intense). My boyfriend is actually scared of heights, and he was able to tackle this! We highly recommend our tour guides, as they made the whole thing feel safe and exciting.

You can package this into one full-day adventure, or just do the half-day of the activity you want to do.

Rappelling

(Half-day)

White Water Rafting

(Half-day)

Located right outside of La Fortuna in the Arenal area, Alajuela Province

Short hike to get to all 5 waterfalls, 3 which you rappel down.

• Increasing height of 20m, 25m, 30m, up to 60m

• You go as slow or as fast as you can tolerate- just let the instructors know at the start how comfortable you feel. They also gauge your comfort level for safety.

3 zipline adventures - one dives into water, one in the forest, the last goes back to camp

• Not fast or super high elevation change, so rappelling is the true experience

Involves walking through the forest as well; if you're lucky, you'll be able to spot a sloth or other friendly animals!

2 levels to choose from - Class II/III and Class III/IV

• We did Class II/III and this was almost TOO intense; not sure if it was cause it was rainy season, but listen to the instructions and instructor carefully!

• This is NOT a walk in the park -- you all HAVE to paddle (unlike white water rafting down the American River in Sacramento...), otherwise you will not make it!

One instructor and one kayaker to watch for safety.

LISTEN to safety tips with what to do if you fall in! We hit a rock and I fell in.

After the initial rough ride, there WERE plenty of moments to get some beautiful relaxing views in.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR KAYAK/RAPPEL ADVENTURE

• WATER -- they do not provide this throughout the adventure, and you want to make sure you are well-hydrated. I like to bring a backpack with a water bladder, so my hands don't have to carry a bottle.

  • Amazon Link: $13 hydration bladder; I prefer this OVER camelbaks because of the cap /ease of drinking from. This was the one I purchased in 2021 and later purchased a dual pack that was a bit cheaper, and felt it tasted more plastic.

• WATERPROOF SANDALS with good grip -- your shoes, your clothes, YOU will get wet 100% guarantee. You'll be a little more comfy with water sandals over traditional waterproof hiking boots.

  • Amazon Link: $50 Teva Hurricane Sandals

    • I prefer the sandals without the toe loop (though that arguably provides more support) because I feel like the loop digs into my foot.

• WATERPROOF BACKPACK -- the guides CAN carry your belongings if you ask, but it helps to bring your own stuff. (What if you get lost from the guide or forget?)

  • I don't have a recommendation for this, I just use my Osprey backpack from the 55L travel bag and put a cover over it

• QUICK DRY CLOTHES -- 100% go synthetic quick-dry workout clothes that won't get too heavy when wet

  • In this photo (top right), I wore a long-sleeve REI top (to prevent sunburn) 3/4 zip and blue lululemon shorts

We booked ours as the combo through Maquique adventures (combined you get a $10 discount!), but if you really only had a half-day to spare -- I would recommend the rappelling 100%!

WHERE TO STAY IN LA FORTUNA

We stayed 3 nights in La Fortuna! 2 nights in a cozy, affordable hotel and 1 in a splurge (very romantic) resort

Nayara Springs - Expedia Link

We splurged our last night, after we did all our adventures. This place was a DREAM.

It's a huge resort sold under different names, Nayara Springs is the adults-only bungalows and Nayara Gardens is family friendly; Nayara Tented Camp is the more luxurious stay ($1000/night+). They're ALL connected together, via walking or golf cart.

Their own hot springs area (8 pools total, of varying temperatures) - adults only, multiple pools with bars poolside, different cuisines of food, and daily FREE morning yoga. This place also has its own small hanging bridge area and sloth park.

Your room/bungalow also has its own PRIVATE pool and outside shower.

If it's in your budget, stay here at least 2 nights (but don't go anywhere else)!! It's super romantic and a HIGH recommendation from the both of us.

Affordable ($150-200/night)

El Silencio Del Campo - Expedia Link

Highly rated and for good reason - very clean (though a little dated) with your own private bungalow. This place has its own hot springs area, pictured left (with 2-3 additional smaller pools) and own restaurant/pool bar.

Though I wouldn't consider it somewhere you can lounge ALL day, this place offers a very comfortable place to come home to after your adventures around La Fortuna -- without breaking the bank (to make you wonder if it was worth it to stay there).

CONS: not adults-only if that's what you're looking for and a much more family feel (otherwise, very great place. 100% would rec)

Bougie ($500-600/night)

WHAT ELSE TO DO IN LA FORTUNA?

LA FORTUNA WATERFALL - 70-75m drop and easy 15-min hike to get to it

• We did not go to this because our guide/fellow friends we made noted that, during the rainy season, it can be a bit slippery and less attainable to get to the foot of the waterfall.

RIO CELESTE WATERFALL - considered the BLUEST water in the world (1.5h drive from La Fortuna)

• During the rainy season, the picturesque blue is not there (from what we heard) given the fresh rain + dirt makes the color more murky

HOT SPRINGS PARADISE - From Baldi to Tabacon to Paradise, if your hotel does not have its own hot springs, look into a day pass at one of these beautiful places!

WHAT WE REMEMBER MOST...

Nayara Springs & Rappelling

After each trip, I always try to ask myself "what would I do again? what do I remember from all the thousands of dollars spent..." -- and for me, Costa Rica was this!