Maleku Cultural Immersion Day Trip, 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.

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.

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.

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-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.

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. 

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.

Located in the tropical rainforest, the towering La Fortuna Waterfall is an attraction you want to check out. Get up close with the cascade on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas en route. Your guide will point out rock formations and geological features during the trek. At the bottom, the trail ends right in front of the imposing waterfall, an ideal spot to strike a pose and strip to go for a dip near the base of the waterfall to finish the adventure. This activity supports local community development, making it a rewarding experience for eco-conscious travelers.

This evening tour offers a combination of nature and Costa Rican cuisine. Armed with flashlights, you'll follow your guide along a short trail, looking for nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, bats, and more. One highlight along the walk is a visit to a frog sanctuary, where your guide will point out dart frogs and bullfrogs. You're also likely to see red-eyed tree frogs and little glass tree frogs. After the hike, you'll sit down for a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove.

Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. 
(Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll also learn about conservation and sustainability.