The District of La Fortuna, Costa Rica is located northwest of San Jose, in the Alajuela Province. It is a lush area, with areas heavily shrouded by massive trees and dense jungle. One of the main draws of the area is not only the active volcano, but the plentitude of outdoor activities and incredible amount of nature and wildlife. I love the area. But I could say that about any part of Costa Rica, as it happens to be one of my favorite countries. I have yet to explore some of the southern regions, but am hoping to get there soon.
Costa Rica has so many attributes that have made it one of my favorite, must-see countries. I love that Costa Rica has protected nearly a quarter of its area for wildlife. The biodiversity is abundant. Almost everywhere you go, you will see a new creature roaming around. We saw howler monkeys above us as we walked through our hotel grounds, lazy iguanas soaking up sun on the sides of roads, sloths dangling from branches, toucans grabbing an early breakfast, caimans resting on river banks, and tiny tree frogs hidden on branches. We all loved the animal discovery and the kids loved the adventure in the La Fortuna region, especially the Arenal Zipline.
Lake Arenal Tour
We took a boat tour around the lake, seeing the Arenal volcano and wildlife that reside in the area. The wildlife was plentiful, a bird lovers dream actually. We saw plenty of herons, honeycreepers, and motmots. The lake had great flora and founa diversity. Fishing boats dotted the lake. Avid fishers can even do fishing tours of the lake The many tour outfitters in the area can also put together fishing expeditions. Unfortunately, after about 15 minutes into our boat tour, the kids started getting a bit bored and goofing off. So our focus went from learning about the wildlife and the area to trying to keep our kids in check.
While there’s plenty to see, at around 45 minutes long, it might be a bit slow for young kids–they are sitting the entire time. This is not a very interactive tour. Unless you have kids that can sit still for 45 minutes, I would not necessarily recommend it for families with young children. This is a great tour for older couples or families with older kids.
Zip-Line Arenal
Our trip continued to the Arenal Volcano area where we went zip lining. The zip lining was with Sky TrekArenal. They have 7 lines: the highest is 656 feet and the longest is 2493 feet through the canopies of the trees, starting at the top of a mountain. Upon arrival, we were all fitted in harnesses. Unfortunately our youngest was too short to join, so he hung out with my mom who didn’t want to go anyway. The two of them did a tram walk instead through the dense forest. Kids must be 5 years or older. Kids 5-10 (depending on weight) will most likely ride in tandem with a guide, or with each other.
We took a gondola up to the top of the mountain in Arenal and promptly took pictures as the view was amazing. A practice run taught safety maneuvers and hand signs meaning stop and help. My father decided he was done at this point and bowed out of the adventure. We were at the top of a mountain in the tree canopy and right as we started our run, a rain cloud came in.
The rain pelted us as we sped up on the zip line; it felt like little rocks hitting us non-stop in the face. However, we didn’t mind the rain as the height and views of the jungle below were worth it—scary, but worth it. Each line was different length with a different view of the valley below. Eventually, we left the cloud and the last couple of lines were exhilarating, long and the scenery was green and dense. We did spot some howler monkeys in the trees.
The staff was great and accompanied our kids, fearing that their weight would not carry them all the way to the end of the line. It’s about 2.5 hour tour and really worth the adventure. Half way through there’s a juice bar on one of the platforms.
River Safari Tour
We booked a river safari tour with Rio Safari Tours. This tour differs from whitewater rafting, as it is a leisurely trip down a tranquil river with guides pointing out the wildlife and different flora and fauna. We were put on rafts of different sizes and the kids went on their own kids raft with a guide. The kids’raft was a “wet”raft , which we eventually figured out later on why it was called a wet raft. Later in the tour, the kids were given buckets and had a massive water fight. We departed in the morning down the Rio Penas Blancas.
We were given paddles and instructions, and started our journey down river. The guides pointed out the wildlife along the way. There were howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, herons, plus an array of plant life. Midway through the tour, we stopped off at farm on the riverbanks. We were given a snack and learned about Costa Ricans’ farming methods and way of life. Upon returning to the boats, the kids started a water fight with a couple kids falling right into the river. They loved it. It was an educational yet adventurous way to learn about and see a lot of the flora and fauna, and wildlife in Costa Rica. We also discovered more waterways and wildlife of Costa Rica while visiting Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
The Golden Pineapple Tour
We arrived at a pineapple farm and were all put on an open-air trolley pulled by a tractor. We had a guide pointing out the pineapples, their growth cycles, where they are shipped to, and how to pick the best pineapple. Throughout the tried, our tour guide plucked fresh pineapples, cut them, and handed them out to the visitors on the trolley. They were probably the sweetest pineapples we have ever tasted. Not only that, but the guide for this tour was amazingly funny and kept us engaged and laughing. He also gave the kids pineapple “lollipops” during the tour.
It was nice to again show that kids where food actually comes from. They were surprised to see the pineapples growing up from the ground, and not from trees. I was a bit worried the tour would be a bit long like the lake tour but, thankfully, the guide made it engaging. We completed in pineapple trivia. If anything, the tour is worth it for the freshness of the pineapples. They are so sweet and juicy, not like anything you can get in the supermarkets in the States. After the tour, you do get a chance to eat more pineapples and have a drink. Although they do not have a website, they do have a Facebook page where you can send a message to set up a tour @goldenpinappletour.
Where We Stayed
We arrived at the Tilajair Hotel for a couple of nights while exploring the area. Our rooms overlooked a river where there were caimans resting on its banks. The hotel also has a butterfly garden and botanical garden as well as mango and star fruit trees all over the property. They will also help set up tours for visitors, but keep in mind it will most likely not be private, but group tours with other visitors.
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I love this and I love how much wildlife you were able to see. Now I have ANOTHER place to put on my travel bucket list! Lol.
I love the whitewater rafting and the pineapple tour. Those would be what I try when visiting.
I AGREE WITH YOU! THESE activities do look AWESOME! I am all for a river safari and zip-lining!!!! I want to go to Costa RIca now!
Really great post! I am in awe of all the unique animals you saw. So cooL!!!
So cool! I would love to do any of those tours. Looks like an amazing time.
How fun! I think my favorite wold be the pineapple tour. Love the pictures!!
The pineapples were the sweetest things ever.
Costa Rica is high on my travel bucket list. I’m dying to try the zip lines!
Looks like an amazing trip and I love all of the animals!
I love the pineapple activity!! Definitely something unique to do! Your photos are beautiful. -Kristen
Thank you Kristin
Ziplining and river rafting have my name all over them…
I’d love to visit Costa Rica, especially to see all the diverse wildlife! Looks like you guys had a fun trip!
xoxo
Annie
It is an amazing country
I enjoyed reading your article! The whitewater rafting idea sounds amazing, and I really like the how you make the time to travel with your family!
These colors are so rich and vibrant! I’ve always wanted to try one of those ziplines that go over the tree tops!
Oh I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica! There are so many beautiful places to see!
I love nature tour. I love zip line extreme activity awesome photos!
You gave us a picture of an exciting adventure in a place we havent been to. It made me think of visiting the place soon when I am able to save for it.
Amazing post and different activities of animals u have described here. It’s very informative.
Thank you
what a great post, so much to do and all activities are great. I guess I would be very tempted for the River Safari. Was it not a bit scary ?
Not at all scary. It was really relaxing with the wildlife all around
Looks like you were lucky to see some of Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife – I LOVE that photo of the iguana eating the berry!! I’ve been on a river safari in Sri Lanka, which was super cool. What a unique way to see the animals. I also personally think caymans are amazing animals – I’d go just to see them!
They are really cool creatures so prehistoric looking.
I love how immersed this post is! I enjoy nature trips like river safari tours. It is my first time to hear about a pineapple tour which was very interesting to read!
I was so skeptical about the pineapple tour and it really was a highlight. Exceeded my expectations 💯
Great list, a friend has just spent a month volunteering working with the turtles and I have been amazed at all the amazing wildlife he saw when he was there. Really made me want to go visit.
I would love to take my kids to do a volunteer type vacation there. Hmmm wheels are turning 😁
This is one part of the world I really need to see more of, the jungle looks so lush and beautiful. I’d love to do the zip line too, looks like so much fun.
Yeah…I would totally be doing the pineapple tour too. What incredible fruits and CR really is being added to my list of places I need to go in 2019. Thanks for all the great info.
Hope you get there!
Went to Cista Rica with kids ge years back but my girl got sick while on vacay. So, reading this blog want me to go back soon. Wow!!! Zip lining sounds like a great fun!!!
Oh no, you have to get back
The river safari looks super cool, it looks like you see so many unique animals!
Seems like you had an amazing time! All of these activities do look awesome! I would definitely want to try the river safari.
Really great post! Costa Rica is amazing place and is high on my travel bucket list.
Gorgeous country! I also think that its great Costa Rica goes through such lengths to protect the wildlife and nature there.
It seems like a country perfectly immersed in nature. The pineapples look so nice, I have never seen anything like those before. It is a shame it’s too expensive to go to CR from where I am but if one day I am anywhere down in Florida or near abouts, I would make it a point to visit.
That is really an awesome adventure, not sure if I can do the river safari cruise, as I’m kinda scared of the reptiles, haha. But great to do’s in Costa Rica.
Yeah I had one eye on the water looking out for things with sharp teeth
Costa Rica would be such an amazing place to visit- so much wildlife to see. I would love to see wild monkeys someday!
I worked in Costa Rica for a summer at an animal rescue, so I totally agree that the wildlife is incredible. Ziplining is also so fun!
I totally want to take my kids to volunteer in Costa Rica for a month
Costa Rica was my first solo travel trip and what inspired my blog! It has such a special place in my heart. My one regret was not spending more time in this area and seeing more of the volcanoes. This is a great list for whenever I go back. Also, what amazing colorful photos capturing such raw beauty. It sounds like you had an amazing time. Definitely bookmarking this for my travels
It is my favorite country for sure
Costa Rica is definitely a good place to visit. I loved your venture into the wildlife. This type of exploration is excellent for enriching kid’s brain with vast information. Great photos.
La Fortuna looks like a haven for adventure seekers. I’m sure I wouldn’t need anything else apart from these adventures.
I am totally enjoyed reading this. Amazing place to visit with family. Those pineapples looks nice.
Sweetest pineapples ever
Costa Rica! Yay – great country, great good and people. And great soccer. I play soccer with some Costa Rican’s and they are fun…and good! Thanks for sharing this!
I did not know that costa rica had so much wilderness! The river safari is something I would really look forward to. Stunning photography
I’ve been to Costa Rica a couple of years ago but had to skip this region because I didn’t have enough time. Would love to go back and explore some more, will save this post for that. Thanks for sharing!
I am dying to get back
We were looking at flights to Costa Rica just yesterday! Thinking about going for a two-week trip in 2019. Will need to add La Fortuna to our itinerary, this looks awesome!
Oh awesome if you really want to get off the path check out Osa peninsula. That’s my next destination to costa rica
Costa Rica seems like a perfect destination to take kids for some wildlife and nature expedition.
For us, it’s not easy to get to Costa Rica. It costs a fortune plus the distance. Hope to explore Costa Rica someday!
Central America is truly stunning. Distance always seems to get in the way
Love love love your post! I love holidays where you can connect with nature and Costa Rica seems like a place where I would love to be.
Nature 💯
Costa Rica is on my wishlist and this place has a wonderful nature with exotic flora and fauna. Lake Arenal tour is a beautiful thing to do as we can also see volcano there. Golden pineapple tour must be the most exotic thing to do.
I love this, wildlife is way up on my list of ‘reasons to visit a place’! Love the look of the zip line too!
I’ve never been to this part of Costa Rica, but it is a great country, probably the nicest one in Central America. I have the impression that people cherish the natural wealth they have there and treat nature including the animals much better than their neighbors.
Costa Rica will forever hold a special place in my heart! I was reliving my time there through your River safari part in your article, it was such an amazing experience! Glad you had such a good time.
Seeing sloths in the wild is one of my biggest wildlife-related dreams so the River Safari Tour would be so exciting for me! When I was staying in the Peruvian Amazon we helped a local village tend to their pineapples and in return they gave us some to taste. This was 7 years ago but to date I still haven’t tasted a sweeter, more delicious pineapple! Like your kids I was also shocked to find out they grow from the ground!
Ohhh I’m headed to the Peruvian Amazon next winter. Will look out for the Pineapple farm you helped. Yes it was amazing how many sloths we saw. They for sure are slow.
The river safari tour sounds awesome! Never been to Costa Rica but it’s one of my bucket list as my bestfriend is from there.
This looks like a great place to visit with my cousins!! Will definitely mark this for future references!
I cannot wait to get back to Costa Rica, had an amazing time when I visited last time! So glad you shared this article I didn’t visit La Fortuna when I was there, but I will now!
Since I wrote this, I am looking at maybe adventuring to the Osa Peninsula
Looks like you had great fun. I too would love to take that boat tour and check out the volcano and wildlife there. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a fun, action based post. I’d love to try some of these things, really need to add Cost Rica to the list. Your photos are stunning.
I am definitely a zip-lining kinda girl! Costa Rica seems to be such a fun and beautiful place!
I am loving the activities as its all within nature. It looks so beautiful and relaxing with all the greenery. I really want to visit after seeing all this.
Costa Rica sounds like I’ll be visiting soon. I’ve been to a ton of places but yet never Costa Rica. Bucket list add.
It is amazing and not far from Texas😉 Hello Southwest Airlines
What a wonderful list of acitivities to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, watching those animals from afar would be really exciting to do. The River Safari Tour sounds really fun! It’s so nice to read and feel the that happiness while visiting this place.
Looks like a very interesting country. It’s worth a visit just for the jungle and wildlife. I’d love to see it someday.
Whoa that’s crazy! I got really attracted to this post cos of the (poison?) tree frog at the start – loving the flora and fauna, will seriously consider going this year!
This is a great tour especially the golden pineapple tour that is fun and learn hoe to cultivate pineapples. Those birds are gorgeous as well!
I love zip lining! I did it in Puerto Rico and it was life changing!
Hi! Thanks a lot for these great tips in Costa Rica. I am going there after a month! Hope I will do some jungle trekking and maybe river rafting & safari, that sounds impressive! What else could you recommend in Costa Rica?
Hi- Thank you. It is an amazing country and most people go the the west coast for travel. Manuel Antonio is beautiful, but a bit crowded these days. Osa Pennisula is way south and a bit more off the beaten path if that is what you are looking for, but more difficult to get to. The cloud forest, Monteverde is still a great destination, but truthfully it’s been years since I’ve been. There there is the Caribbean Coast. You can read about it here