Organic Coffee Farm Experience, Arenal/La Fortuna

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.

Learn about the region's cultural roots on this guided visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve in northern Costa Rica. The reserve is home to three separate communities — Margarita, Tonjibe, and El Sol — and about 1,000 residents. You'll experience their traditions and lifestyle on a guided tour through the villages. Find out about their language, agricultural practices, the importance of the cocoa industry, how the dead are buried, how medicinal plants are traditionally used, and much more. Finish the excursion with a traditional Costa Rican meal before returning to La Fortuna.

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.

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.

Enjoy a two-hour boat ride on Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, Lake Arenal. Sip wine and sample a selection of cheeses while taking in striking sunset views across the lake to lush hills and mountains rising in the distance. You'll also enjoy spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, its crevices beautifully illuminated by the late afternoon rays. A naturalist guide will point out various birds, from flycatchers and kingfishers, and you might spot monkeys, coatis, and sloths near the lake's shores.

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. 

Upon arrival, explore the gardens and farms where your fresh ingredients come from. Mix up a tropical cocktail or jungle juice, then learn how to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes, including picadillos, tortillas, and guisados. Enjoy a sit-down meal with fellow travelers and skilled chef.

Located in the tropical rainforest, the towering La Fortuna Waterfall is an attraction you don't want to miss. Get up close with the cascades on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas along the way. Your guide will point out rock formations and geological features during the tour. The trail ends right in front of the imposing waterfall, the ideal spot for photographs. If you wish, you can go for a dip near the base of the waterfall to finish the adventure.

Perfect for nature lovers and curious kids, this gentle nature walk introduces you to the plants and animals of a private ecological park just outside La Fortuna. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide along groomed trails surrounded by secondary forest. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site, then finish the experience with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.