La Fortuna in 1 Day for Friends - Class III–IV whitewater rapids on the Río Balsa
In Collaboration with Costa Rica Descents. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Class III–IV whitewater rafting on the Río Balsa with wildlife viewing, organic lunch, and a short farm & sugarcane demonstration at Costa Rica Descents' base in La Fortuna. Includes hotel pick-up and return within La Fortuna.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Costa Rica Descents, inspired by the tour Balsa River Rafting Class 3/4. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Class III–IV whitewater rapids on the Río Balsa
- Wildlife spotting (howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds)
- Organic Costa Rican lunch at Costa Rica Descents' restaurant
- Short farm walk and traditional sugarcane juice demonstration
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day rafting trip on the Río Balsa with hotel pick-up, transfers, guided rafting, lunch and farm walk.
Pick up / Meeting point
We offer complimentary hotel pick-up across La Fortuna beginning at 08:30. Final meeting point is the Costa Rica Descents office in La Fortuna by 09:00 for participants who prefer to meet on-site.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your specific hotel pick-up time the day before; if you miss the pickup window, meet the group at Costa Rica Descents office (Via 702, La Fortuna).
- Wear quick-dry clothing and water shoes under a light outer layer for pickup — you'll change and get wetsuits if needed at the office.
- Bring a small dry bag or zip-top bag for valuables; leave non-essential items at your hotel to simplify the pickup process.
Bus ride to Balsa River put-in
Shared transfer by bus from the La Fortuna office to the Río Balsa put-in. The ride follows local roads and takes about 40 minutes; expect brief photo/photo-stop opportunities en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a light jacket handy for the drive — shaded river valleys can be cooler than La Fortuna town.
- If you get motion sickness, take medication before boarding; the road includes winding sections (common on routes to river put-ins).
- Stow cameras and phones in a dry bag during the transfer; guides will assist with protective storage before rafting begins.
Balsa River (rafting)
Guided whitewater rafting on the upper Río Balsa over Class III–IV rapids. Includes safety briefing, equipment (life jacket, helmet, paddle), a mid-trip seasonal fruit stop, and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow guide commands; they control raft positioning and emergency procedures.
- Secure prescription glasses with a strap or use disposable contact lenses; remove loose jewelry to avoid loss during rapids.
- Expect to get wet — wear quick-dry layers and a secure water shoe; the guides will take a group photo during the trip (photo package is optional).
Bus ride back to La Fortuna
Shared bus transfer from the river put-in back to Costa Rica Descents' base in La Fortuna. Short transfer of approximately 20 minutes.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a dry change of clothes for the return journey — towels or basic drying facilities are available at the base.
- Keep your helmet and life jacket until instructed to return them to the guides to avoid mix-ups during loading for the transfer.
- If you purchased raft trip photos, let the guide/staff know on arrival so they can prepare the image files while you change.
Authentic Costa Rican organic lunch
Enjoy an organic Costa Rican lunch at Costa Rica Descents' restaurant with rice, beans, seasonal vegetables, chicken, juice/water and coffee. Lunch concludes with a showing of trip photos (photo package optional).
Tips from local experts:
- Notify staff of any dietary restrictions when you arrive at the restaurant — they prepare fresh, seasonal dishes and can accommodate common allergies if informed.
- Bring a reusable water bottle if you prefer — filtered water and juice are provided, and the team supports reduced single-use plastics.
- After lunch, staff typically show rafting photos; if you'd like prints or digital files, ask the team before you leave the restaurant area.
Organic farm walk & Sugarcane demonstration
Short guided walk behind the restaurant to Costa Rica Descents' organic farm. Learn about seasonal fruits and medicinal plants, see a traditional sugarcane extraction demonstration, and taste fresh sugarcane juice.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed-toe shoes for the short farm walk — terrain is informal and can be uneven after rain.
- Try the sugarcane juice while it's fresh; it's served unsweetened and is naturally very sweet — bring a small napkin or bottle if you want to take extra home.
- Ask the guide about seasonal produce — harvests change through the year and the guide can point out local uses for plants and fruits.
Drop off & THANK YOU
Return transfer to your original La Fortuna pickup location (hotel or meeting point). Trip concludes with drop-off where you were collected in the morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off address with staff before departing the base so they can sequence returns efficiently.
- Keep a small snack or water for the short ride if you have dietary needs; drop-offs are typically completed within La Fortuna town limits.
- Collect any personal items left at the office (sunglasses, towels, photos) before boarding for drop-off — staff will usually have these available near reception.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Restaurant |
