Adrenaline Pack (Zipline + Rafting)

The best thing about this La Fortuna day is the contrast: you begin high above the forest on seven zip lines and a Tarzan swing, then trade your harness for a paddle on the Balsa River. The package gives you two very different ways to experience Costa Rica without arranging separate tours.

I like the well-paced change of scene and the included meal at La Finquita Farm, where you can eat beside greenery and birds. I also like the rafting balance: enough rapids to make you work, but not so fierce that the whole trip becomes a test of survival. Bring dry clothes, though, and remember that a seven-hour day of active fun requires a moderate fitness level.

Key points at a glance

• Nearly 3 kilometers of ziplining: Reach speeds of up to 35 mph, with forest views below and a Tarzan swing at the end.
• Balsa River rafting: Paddle through rapids with a guide, then watch for monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths along calmer stretches.
• A real meal, not just a snack: Lunch is included, along with fruit, water, and snacks during the day.
• Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 15 people, which helps keep instructions and transitions manageable.
• A full active day: Plan on roughly seven to eight hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point.
• Good value for a combo tour: At $166.11 per person, the cost covers both activities, equipment, guide service, food, and transport.

Two Costa Rican thrills in one long day

This is the kind of package that works well when your La Fortuna schedule is tight. Instead of spending one day on a canopy tour and another on rafting, you handle both in one outing. You also get a useful change in pace. Ziplining is about height, speed, and short bursts of nerves. Rafting is more social and physical, with the group working together to steer through the river.

The tour starts around 8:00 a.m. and lasts about seven hours, though the overview describes it as an eight-hour outing. I would keep most of the day open rather than planning a close evening reservation. Hotel transport in La Fortuna is included, and the listed activity begins at Arenal Canopy Adventure, also identified as Athica 142 in San Carlos.

The group limit of 15 matters. That is large enough to create a lively day but small enough that you are not lost in a crowd. The two activities use different staff and equipment, so the day has a clear rhythm instead of feeling like one long line through a large attraction.

Starting above the forest on the canopy course

The zipline portion comes first. You travel across nearly 2 miles, or 3 kilometers, of cable through the treetops. The listed top speed is about 35 mph, or 60 kph, so this is not a gentle glide from platform to platform.

The course includes seven ziplines and a Tarzan swing at the end. That final swing gives the morning a different sort of jolt. It is worth knowing about in advance if you enjoy height but are less keen on a sudden drop or pendulum motion.

The guides handle the safety process, including attaching and releasing you from the cables. This is one area where careful attention pays off. Listen closely, follow the instructions, and do not let the excitement make you rush the next step. The available comments describe staff taking turns carefully so each person received help when getting hooked up and released.

Rain is normal in La Fortuna, and one account describes a rainy morning that still went ahead comfortably. You should expect wet conditions to be possible, but the tour requires good weather and may be canceled if conditions are poor. A change of date or full refund is offered in that case.

The canopy portion is likely the favorite for visitors who want pure speed. You are moving quickly, looking down through the trees, and covering a long series of cables. The tradeoff is that ziplining is fairly structured. You move from one platform to the next, wait for instructions, and repeat the safety routine. If you prefer a slower forest walk, this is not that kind of outing.

Fruit, water, and a change of gear

After the canopy course, you get fruit and water before heading to the river. Snacks and bottled water are included, which is useful after the morning’s exertion. You do not need to buy food between the two activities, though bringing any personal items you need for a long active day is sensible.

The transfer also gives you a mental reset. You have been focused on cables and platforms, and now you are preparing for paddling and rapids. This is a good reason to wear practical clothes from the start. Pack dry clothes for after rafting, as the river portion is designed to get you wet.

The tour provides zipline and rafting gear. The information supplied does not list every personal item you should bring, so keep your packing simple and follow any instructions from the operator before departure. Alcohol is not included, and photography is also separate from the tour price.

Paddling the Balsa River with a guide

The second half takes place on the Balsa River. Here, you work with your guide and boatmates to handle the rapids. The water provides the main excitement, but the river also gives you time to look around. Monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths may appear along the route, especially on calmer sections.

The rafting is described as intense enough to be exciting but not too difficult. That makes this package a good fit for someone who wants a first whitewater outing without signing up for the hardest water available. Still, rafting is active. You must listen, paddle when instructed, and be comfortable getting wet.

The guide plays a large role in how much you enjoy this section. Andre has been singled out for making the run exciting while keeping the group engaged. Susan has been praised for clear instructions, strong river handling, and knowing when to let the group flow along quietly. Those details point to the right kind of river experience: the guide is not simply steering while you sit back, but also not leaving beginners to guess what to do.

One particularly nice touch is the fruit break on a small island in the river. The raft can be turned over so the fruit is served on it, giving you a relaxed pause in the middle of an active trip. That is the sort of small moment that makes the rafting feel connected to the place rather than just a mechanical run through rapids.

You might also see photography offered during the river section. Photography service is not included, so treat any pictures as an optional extra rather than part of the package price. If you bring personal electronics, remember that the river is not the place for anything you cannot afford to get wet.

Lunch at La Finquita Farm

Lunch is one of the stronger practical features here. After a morning of cables and a river run, a proper meal is much better than a wrapped snack. The meal takes place at La Finquita Farm, described as a peaceful setting with greenery and birds nearby.

The food receives unusually strong praise, with comments pointing to generous portions and a fresh, satisfying meal. You may also eat at ECO Garden Arenal, which appears in the supplied information as another lunch or garden setting connected with the day. The exact stop may depend on the operating schedule, so think of the included meal as a substantial part of the package rather than assuming one fixed dining room.

I like that the food is part of the day’s design. It gives you time to sit down, dry off a little, and enjoy a quieter side of the region. The lunch setting also helps prevent the package from becoming a rushed sequence of activity, van ride, activity, and van ride.

What the $166.11 price really covers

At $166.11 per person, this is not a bargain basement outing, but the price includes more than admission to two attractions. You are paying for zipline and rafting equipment, a professional guide, bottled water, snacks, fruit, lunch, and hotel transport. Booking two separate activities could easily require separate transfers and more planning.

The value improves if you want both activities and have only one free day. You avoid arranging a second pickup, finding another lunch, and spending another day on transport. The group maximum of 15 also gives the package a more manageable feel than a very large commercial outing.

The price is less attractive if you only want one main activity. Someone who mainly wants a relaxed river float may find the canopy section too much. Likewise, a zipline enthusiast who has no interest in getting wet or paddling will not use half of what the package offers.

The food matters here. Lunch is not an afterthought, and fruit and water are supplied during the day. That reduces the small extra costs that often appear on active tours. Alcohol is not included, and photography costs extra, so those are the only clear add-ons listed.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for couples, friends, and active families with children aged 7 or older. The minimum age is seven, but age alone is not the whole test. You should also be comfortable with height, speed, water, and a full day of physical activity.

It suits people who like variety. You get a rush on the cables, teamwork on the river, wildlife watching during calmer stretches, and a proper lunch in a green setting. It is also a good choice if your time in La Fortuna is limited and you want a single day built around outdoor activities.

Solo visitors can fit in well because rafting naturally creates a small team. The group works together in the raft, and the shared effort can make the day social without requiring you to arrive with friends.

I would think twice if you have a low fitness level, dislike getting wet, or want a quiet nature outing. The company lists moderate physical fitness as necessary. The tour also depends on good weather, so it is not the right choice if you need a completely fixed plan.

Timing, transport, and small practical details

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. Transport from hotels in La Fortuna is included, while the listed start point is Arenal Canopy Adventure, Athica 142, in San Carlos. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking, since the activity information gives both hotel transport and a specific meeting point.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Keep your schedule flexible because the advertised duration is approximate and is described in different places as about seven or eight hours. That small difference is not unusual for a day involving transport, safety briefings, changing activities, and a meal.

You receive booking confirmation at the time of purchase. The tour accepts a maximum of 15 people, and the minimum age is seven. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

If bad weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is important in La Fortuna, where weather can shift quickly and both canopy and river conditions matter.

The strongest parts of the day

The guides are a major reason this package works. Nelson has been noted for waiting patiently during a delayed morning start, while Andre and Susan are recognized for making the river section fun and easy to follow. The useful point is not celebrity guide service, but the mix of patience, safety, and humor you need when a group includes different experience levels.

The zipline staff also keep the process orderly. You are not expected to manage the equipment alone, and the group moves through the course with staff support at each stage. That makes the activity less intimidating for a first-time participant.

The rafting has the right amount of challenge for a broad audience. You get genuine rapids and must contribute, but the trip also includes calmer water, fruit, and animal spotting. That balance is more appealing than a nonstop technical run for most people booking a combo package.

Finally, the lunch earns its place in the itinerary. A quiet meal with good food and views of greenery gives the day a welcome pause. It also means you finish the excursion fed rather than searching for a restaurant afterward.

Should you book the Adrenaline Pack?

Book it if you want a full day of active fun and like the idea of pairing speed above the trees with teamwork on the river. The $166.11 cost is reasonable for two guided activities with gear, transport, snacks, fruit, water, and lunch included.

Skip it if you want a slow wildlife tour, dislike heights, or would rather devote a whole day to only one activity. For everyone else, this is a strong La Fortuna choice, especially when your schedule gives you one open day and you want plenty of action without arranging the details yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Adrenaline Pack last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, although the description also presents it as an eight-hour day. Allow most of the day for the activities, transfers, meal, and safety briefings.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

What activities are included?

The package includes ziplining through the treetops and whitewater rafting on the Balsa River.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is seven years old.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled water and snacks. Fruit and water are also provided between the zipline and rafting portions.

Is transportation included?

Hotel transport in La Fortuna is included. The listed activity start point is Arenal Canopy Adventure, Athica 142, in San Carlos, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.