Arenal Adrenaline Pack: Zipline Through Rainforest and Raft the Balsa River
Fly across towering canopy lines and then trade harnesses for paddles on the Balsa River. This one-day combo in Arenal blends high-speed zipline runs with a technical 11 km whitewater descent—and stops for a hearty Costa Rican lunch.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear secure footwear
Closed-toe shoes with a good tread are required for both ziplines and rafting; flip-flops are not allowed, and river shoes minimize slipping.
Pack a dry bag
Keep your phone, keys and a spare shirt in a small waterproof bag for the raft segment—water and spray are guaranteed.
Hydrate and pace caffeine
Start the day hydrated and avoid excess caffeine; the combination of heights and exertion can make you lightheaded if dehydrated.
Listen to your guide
Guides control safety for both activities—follow instructions for harness checks, braking on ziplines and paddle calls on the river.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ask guides to pause at Platform 7 for a quieter overlook—early morning there’s a good chance of spotting sleeping sloths.
- •Detour after the tour to a local soda (small eatery) in La Fortuna for gallo pinto and fresh fruit juices—authentic and inexpensive.
Wildlife
- •sloth
- •toucan
Conservation Note
Operators here use tree-friendly anchoring for platforms and limit group sizes to reduce canopy impact; stay on marked paths and avoid feeding wildlife.
The Arenal region restructured after the 1968 eruption; local communities adapted agriculture and tourism around the volcanic soils and new landscape.
Photographer's Notes
- • Platform 7 canopy overlook
- • Longest cable midpoint for motion blur with trees beneath
- • Riverside after a calm rapid for reflections and birds
What to Bring
Closed-toe trail or river shoesEssential
Secure footing on platforms and in rafts; they stay on and dry faster than sneakers.
Quick-dry clothingEssential
Dries fast after splashes and keeps you comfortable through humid, warm weather.
Waterproof phone case or small dry bagEssential
Protects electronics and documents during rafting and brief rain on the canopy trail.
Light rain jacket
Useful in the green season when showers can pop up suddenly between activities.
Common Questions
How long is the entire experience?
The tour runs about seven hours (420 minutes) including transfers, safety briefings, the zipline circuit, an hour’s transfer to the river, the 11 km raft, and lunch.
Is previous rafting experience required?
No—guides provide instruction and lead the raft; a moderate level of fitness and ability to follow paddle commands is sufficient.
What are the age and health restrictions?
Minimum age is 7 years. The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious heart or spinal conditions.
Will I get wet on the zipline?
The zipline keeps you mostly dry, though humidity and mist in the forest can dampen clothing; expect to get wet during the rafting portion.
Is transportation included?
Pickup from many La Fortuna hotels is available and the operator confirms exact pickup times; options include meeting at the park if preferred.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include toucans, sloths, capuchin monkeys, and a variety of tropical birds and frogs along the river corridor.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7 hours
Location
La Fortuna, Alajuela
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle sustained activity, short hikes between platforms, and some paddling; not suitable for those with serious cardiovascular or spinal issues.
Ready to Explore La Fortuna?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now