Maquique Adventure Rafting
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Overview
The Río Balsa is one of Costa Rica's most celebrated rafting rivers — and Class III rafting on the Balsa River is where the real action lives. Fast-moving water, continuous rapids, and a lush jungle corridor below Arenal Volcano make this one of the most visually striking river runs in the country. Maquique Adventure Rafting brings a focused, small-group approach to this experience — putting quality of experience above volume of guests.
The River, the Rapids, and the Route
The Río Balsa runs through a 10-kilometer stretch of dense rainforest in the La Fortuna area. On the Class III section, you'll navigate a series of continuous, energetic rapids — water that pushes hard, demands teamwork, and rewards every paddle stroke with a rush of momentum. The current is dam-controlled, which means consistent water levels year-round, regardless of season. You won't show up to a trickle. The rapids perform every single day.
Your certified bilingual guide manages the raft, reads the river ahead, and keeps the group coordinated through each drop. Between the bigger rapids, calmer stretches open up — enough time to catch your breath, absorb the jungle scenery, and spot wildlife along the riverbanks. Toucans, iguanas, and howler monkeys are regular sightings on this corridor.
Small Groups, Free Photos, and Full Inclusions
Class III rafting on the Balsa River with Maquique Adventure Rafting runs in deliberately small group format. Fewer guests per raft means better guide attention, a more personal experience, and safer navigation through technical sections. It's a meaningful difference from larger commercial operations.
What truly sets this tour apart is the complimentary professional photo package — a rare inclusion in the La Fortuna rafting market. Your guide documents the run throughout, so you leave with high-quality images of the experience without paying extra. The tour includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna, all safety equipment, a full pre-departure briefing, and a Costa Rican lunch after the river.
For anyone seeking authentic Class III rafting on the Balsa River with small groups and no hidden costs, this is the operator that delivers.
Activity Highlights:
- Río Balsa Class III — continuous rapids, 10km route
- Year-round consistent water levels — dam-controlled flow
- Small group format — better guide attention, safer run
- Free professional photo package — rare in the La Fortuna market
- Hotel pickup and Costa Rican lunch included
- Certified bilingual guide with wildlife commentary
Best For: Adventure travelers and small groups who want a focused, high-quality Class III rafting experience on one of Costa Rica's most iconic rivers.
Included/Excluded
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Bilingual certified guides
- Equipment
- Water bottle, cerveza or juice
- Costa Rica Lunch
What to Bring?
- Swimsuit & quick-dry clothing
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Towel
- Dry bag for valuables
- Change of clothes
- Sunscreen (reef-safe for natural springs)
Booking Information
- Price: Price is per person.
- Sales Tax: A 13% sales tax will be added upon booking.
- Tour Availability: All tours are subject to availability.
- Minimum Booking Requirement: A minimum of two (2) people per booking is required. If you are a solo traveler, please contact us directly by email or WhatsApp for availability.
- Children: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Transportation: Transportation from most hotels or vacation rentals is included in the price. However, if your hotel or vacation rental is located far from downtown La Fortuna or the route to Arenal Volcano, extra pick-up fees may be charged. Please confirm this during booking.
- Departure Times: Departure times are approximate. The precise pick-up time will be provided on your travel voucher.
Cancellation Policy
Standard Cancellations: Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled service by emailing to receive a full refund, minus any applicable credit card processing fee (typically 5%).
Holiday Cancellations (December 20 – January 4): Cancellations during this peak season must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance to qualify for a full refund, minus payment processing fees.
Late Cancellations: Cancellations made after the required notice period are subject to a 100% cancellation fee and are non-refundable.
No-Show Policy: Guests must be present at the agreed pickup time and location. Our guide or driver will wait up to 10 minutes. Failure to appear will be considered a no-show and charged in full.
Late Arrival: If you arrive late but the service can still be operated, the tour will proceed on an adjusted schedule. Activities may be shortened, and no partial refunds will be provided.
Illness or Medical Emergencies: Our preferred solution is to reschedule your experience. If rescheduling is not possible, refund requests will be reviewed individually and may require a medical certificate.
Weather & Force Majeure: If Tours in Arenal cancels a service due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, guests may choose between rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
Company Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel or modify any service for operational or safety reasons. In such cases, we will offer an alternative, reschedule the service, or provide a full refund.
Unused Services: Once a tour or transfer has started, any unused portion of the service is non-refundable.
Personal Belongings: Tours in Arenal is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items during transportation or activities.
Liability: By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk, and you release Tours in Arenal and its operating partners from liability for events beyond their direct control.
Payments
- Currency: Payments will be processed in US dollars.
- Payment Process: Your credit card will be charged using a secure payment link once the service is confirmed.
- Booking Confirmation: Prices, transportation, attractions, services, and travel dates are not confirmed until we receive the required payment.






