Tour Operators

Desafío Adventure Company. Expert Desafío guides can take you rafting, horseback riding, hiking, rappelling—you name the adventure. Desafío pioneered rafting trips in this region, and has day trips on the Sarapiquí River (Class III–IV) for experienced rafters ($95) and half-day rafting on the Balsa River (Class II–III) for less experienced paddlers ($75). Kayaking outings on Lake Arenal ($65) are ideal for beginners. If you're in the mood for something different, Desafío has half-day stand-up-paddling excursions on the lake ($65), and the popular Mambo Combo tour that combines waterfall rappelling and white-water rafting ($165).

If you're interested in getting up to Monteverde from the Arenal–La Fortuna area without taking the grinding four-hour drive, there's an alternative: Desafío Adventures has a five-hour guided horseback trip ($85). Alternatively, you can travel by mountain bike for the same price. Behind church, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007. 2479–0020; 855/818–0020; www.desafiocostarica.com. From $65.

Jacamar Naturalist Tours. The variety of tours here ranges from bird walks and sunset lake cruises to white-water rafting and safari float trips. There are boat trips on Lake Arenal and Caño Negro Lagoon in the morning. Across from Parque Central, south side of Catholic church, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007. 2479–9767; 800/719–6377; www.arenaltours.com. From $63.

Sunset Tours. One of the country's best tour operators pioneered excursions to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge and Venado Caverns. (Note, though, that like most La Fortuna tour operators, its tours do not actually enter Caño Negro itself.) They also offer tours to La Fortuna Waterfall, the volcano, Lake Arenal, and nearby rivers. Across from south side of church, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007. 2479–9585; 2479–9800. From $45.