The Top 5 Half-Day Adventures From the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

When you stay at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, you’re perfectly placed in the pristine Chachagua Rainforest,  and a quick hop from the world-class adventure that the La Fortuna region offers. Although Chachagua is full of activities,  like night hikes, cacao and coffee tours, and even complimentary guided rainforest walks, most visitors also enjoy planning a day trip to Arenal and La Fortuna during their stay. From lush cloud forest treks to river safaris that glide into twilight, this region is bursting with opportunities to connect with nature in ways that feel exhilarating and deeply connected to nature.

Here are five unforgettable experiences just a short drive from your room, along with our favorite insider tips for making the most of each one.

1. Hanging Bridges at Sky Adventure Park

Distance: ~1 hour from the hotel
Time Required: ~3.5 hours total (including tram and hike)

Start with a scenic tram ride that lifts you 300 meters above Lake Arenal and into the cloud forest canopy. Sky Adventure’s famous Hanging Bridges trail winds through dense rainforest, high above deep ravines and tree-lined valleys. You’ll cross from one side of the mountain to the other on a thoughtfully designed route that offers an almost dreamlike perspective of the jungle.

Pro Tip:

This is one of the few hanging bridge systems in the country that’s fully accessible for travelers with reduced mobility—no stairs and wide, even paths. Visit early in the morning or mid-afternoon for fewer crowds and better chances of spotting wildlife like motmots, tanagers, and even toucans. Don’t forget to pause on the longest bridge, you’ll be suspended in silence, with the forest breathing around you.

2. Twilight Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River

Distance: ~30 minutes from the hotel
Time Required: ~2 hours (plus snack stop)

This soft adventure is an ideal way to discover Costa Rica’s nocturnal rhythm. The Twilight Safari Float starts in daylight, gently drifting down the serene Peñas Blancas River. As the sun dips low, diurnal creatures settle into sleep, and the night shift awakens. You might spot herons and egrets tucked into the riverbanks, owls blinking into the dusk, or a sloth making its slow, deliberate journey through the treetops.

Best of all? No paddling required. Your guide handles the navigation, leaving you free to listen, observe, and take it all in.

Pro Tip:
Look out for the potóo, a striking bird that prefers to perch right at eye level on stakes near the water, and the golden-eyed búho popo (rufous owl), whose call you’ll hear before you spot him. The tour finishes with a stop at a local family farm for fresh fruit and coffee under the stars.

3. La Fortuna Waterfall

Distance: ~30 minutes from the hotel
Time Required: ~1.5–2 hours

Tumbling 75 meters into a turquoise pool, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the area’s most iconic natural sights. The short hike down (and back up) involves a staircase of 500+ steps, but it’s well-maintained and worth every step. Once below, you can swim in the clear water or wade through the river downstream.

Pro Tip:
Go early to beat the crowds, and wear water shoes for comfort on the rocks. If you’d prefer to admire the falls from above, there’s a viewpoint near the entrance with an equally impressive panorama—and no stairs required.

4. Ecoglide Canopy Zipline

Distance: ~30 minutes from the hotel
Time Required: ~2 hours

Get your adrenaline fix while soaring through the treetops with Ecoglide’s family-friendly zipline circuit. Known for its safety and expert staff, this traditional-style canopy tour features 13 platforms and a Tarzan swing that’ll thrill both kids and adventurous adults. The course runs through lush forest with glimpses of Arenal Volcano in the distance.

Pro Tip:
This is a great option for families or first-time zipliners. Ask your guides about the local trees and animals—they often double as naturalist interpreters, adding a layer of insight to the ride. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and morning tours offer the best visibility.

5. Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River

Distance: ~50 minutes from the hotel
Time Required: ~4 hours

The Balsa River delivers splashy thrills with Class II and III rapids for those who want to dial up the action. This stretch of river is ideal for beginners and intermediate rafters alike thanks to their skilled guides, and the route offers plenty of excitement without overwhelming technical difficulty. Along the way, you'll pass through canyon walls, calm pools, and rainforest scenery teeming with birds, monkeys, and iguanas.

Pro Tip:
Costa Rica Rafting is one of the most reputable outfitters in the area. Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera if you have one. Guides often capture the best moments on GoPro and share the footage with you after the trip.

Ready to Adventure?

Every experience listed here is offered by trusted partners we work with all year round. Our concierge team is happy to make reservations for you. For those looking for wild Costa Rican adventure, family-friendly fun, or to cross rainforest bucket-list items off their list, the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel makes a perfect home base.

Bonus Tip:
Pair a morning adventure with an afternoon unwind at the hotel’s hot springs or in-room massage service. You’ll feel the difference of slowing down in the heart of the rainforest.

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