Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Experience, Arenal/La Fortuna

Learn about traditional Costa Rican coffee production firsthand on this illuminating visit to a small, family-owned farm, where you'll see the sustainable and eco-friendly methods used to produce 100% organic coffee beans. Your naturalist guide will lead you through the fields as they explain how coffee cherries are cultivated, then you'll roll up your sleeves and participate in every step of the process, from harvesting to roasting and grinding. Your experience ends as you savor some freshly ground coffee along with a light snack.

Learn about northern Costa Rica's cultural roots on this guided visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve, home to three separate communities—Tonjibe, Margarita, and El Sol. This immersive experience includes a village walk to uncover traditional burial practices, ancient palenque construction, and the use of cocoa in agriculture. You'll stroll a forest path to learn about medicinal plants, participate in archery, and engage in cultural demonstrations like crafting clothes from tree bark. Suited to those interested in Indigenous cultures, the visit concludes with a lunch of Costa Rican fare with a Maleku twist.

In this hands-on chocolate experience, you'll learn all about one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. Participate in the cacao harvest, see how the seeds are dried and ground to produce creamy cocoa butter, and sample freshly made chocolate. Your bilingual guide will share insights into chocolate's cultural and economic importance in ancient Mesoamerican societies and show you how to make a traditional Costa Rican drink that dates back centuries. Don't miss the chance to taste the cacao beans' fruity pulp straight from the pod, offering a fresh and delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Embark on an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Navigating a 14-mile stretch of over 40 Class III and IV rapids, you'll paddle hard under the guidance of an experienced leader, likely experiencing thrilling water plunges. Amidst the excitement, enjoy the vibrant jungle fauna, watch for tropical birds, and refuel with a snack during a mid-way break. The day concludes with a relaxing and satisfying lunch.

Cruise Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, at sunset for unparalleled views of Arenal Volcano's west flank aglow from the setting sun. As you glide across the calm waters, enjoy your verdant surroundings and spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and occasionally sloths or monkeys. A knowledgeable guide will enrich your time with insights into the history of the lake and volcano, concluding the experience with a glass of wine and a cheese platter. Ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this sunset cruise is a must-do when visiting the region.

Get a hands-on introduction to Costa Rican cuisine with this evening excursion that's perfect for foodies. It starts with a stroll through vegetable gardens to learn about the ingredients and crops used in the local fare. Then, it's time to meet your friendly chef, mix up a tropical cocktail, and start cooking. You'll help prepare traditional dishes and perfect your tortilla-making skills while you hear the stories and history behind the regional cuisine. End by sitting down with your fellow cooks for a relaxed dinner of the dishes you created (accompanied by some delicious extras from the chef). 

Set out on a privately guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.

Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout point. From there, take in striking views of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding scenery. This vantage point offers fantastic photo opportunities. You'll have the option to take a short hike around the Hand of Arenal, if you wish, on a 0.5-mile (800-meter) circuit. You'll then head back down to the base terminal on the Sky Tram.

Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling through rolling Class II and III rapids with names like Morning Coffee and Rock around the Croc. Enjoy wildlife spotting along the way—you'll even have a chance to swim while passing through calmer stretches of the river.