Combo Zip Line Tour and River Rafting from Guanacaste

Experience the Best of Guanacaste’s Adventure Scene
This combo tour in Tamarindo is a true taste of Costa Rica’s adventure spirit, priced at $185 per person, and lasts around 7 hours. It’s a well-rounded day that includes zip-lining through the canopy, white-water tubing on the Colorado River, and a scenic horseback ride. Guides Santos and Jose get glowing reviews for their punctuality and helpfulness, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement and authentic fun.

What we especially love about this tour is how smoothly it integrates multiple activities—each offering a different kind of thrill—without feeling rushed. The included lunch is another highlight, giving you a chance to refuel after the high-energy outdoor pursuits. Plus, it’s a great value: hotel pickup, all activities, and transportation are included, making it a convenient, hassle-free experience.

One potential consideration is the water level in the Colorado River, which can affect the rapids. As one reviewer noted, “the water was low and we were constantly stuck on rocks,” suggesting that the river portion might not always be as intense as expected. That said, the overall adventure remains engaging and varied, suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and a sense of adventure.

This tour is perfect for adventure-loving families, active couples, or groups of friends eager to pack a full day with diverse outdoor pursuits. If you like to try several activities in one trip, and appreciate knowledgeable guides and good value, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Diverse activities: Zip-lining, river tubing, rappelling, and horseback riding all in one day.
• Excellent guides: Santos and Jose are consistently praised for their punctuality and helpful attitude.
• Includes lunch: A tasty meal to keep you energized, making the full-day experience easier to manage.
• All-in-one value: Hotel pickup, transportation, and all activities included for a flat fee.
• Variable river conditions: Rapids may be less intense if water levels are low, but the tubing still offers plenty of fun.
• Suitable for families: Minimum age of 6 with adult supervision, making it accessible for kids who are physically capable.

Discovering Guanacaste’s Adventure in Detail

The Starting Point: Cañon de la Vieja Lodge

The tour begins early, with hotel pickup from select locations, setting the tone for an exciting day. The first stop, the Cañon de la Vieja Lodge, is more than just a staging area—it’s a beautiful spot surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Colorado River Canyon. This is where the adventure kicks into gear with a variety of activities suited for all ages and fitness levels.

What makes this stop special is the natural beauty of the canyon and the fact that all activities, from zip-lining to rock climbing, take place in a setting that feels genuine and untouched. The included admission ticket ensures you can access all the activities without surprise costs.

The Zip Line Experience: Flying High Among the Trees

The canopy tour is a highlight, with high-speed zip-lines that allow you to soar above the treetops, taking in sweeping views of the canyon below. Several reviewers commented on the professionalism of guides like Santos and Jose, who ensured safety while making the experience fun and accessible.

The zip-line trip includes hanging bridges and a climbing wall, offering more ways to get your adrenaline going. Some reviews mention that the zip lines weren’t very fast, but most found the views and the thrill of gliding over the forest canopy more than enough to satisfy their craving for adventure.

The Rapids: White Water Tubing on the Colorado River

After lunch, the tour shifts gears to white water tubing down class II and III rapids. This part of the tour is often praised for its fun and refreshing nature, especially in the warm Costa Rican weather. As one reviewer notes, “the trip on tubes down the white water of Rio Colorado was the best—first great experience with ziplining plus so much more.”

However, it’s worth mentioning that some visitors found the rapids less intense due to low water levels, with one commenting, “we were constantly stuck on rocks that prevented us from moving.” This highlights the importance of checking water conditions before booking, but overall, tubing still offers plenty of splashes and excitement.

The Scenic Horseback Ride: A Gentle Finish

Completing the day, you’ll saddle up for a horseback ride through the lush forest. It’s a relaxing way to unwind and take in the landscape after an adrenaline-packed morning and afternoon. Reviewers appreciated this part for its scenic quality—an easygoing way to connect with nature and enjoy the countryside.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, with children aged 6 and up welcome, provided they are accompanied by adults. It’s wise to bring water shoes, a change of clothing, and a towel, especially after tubing. The pickup and drop-off are included at select hotels, ensuring a smooth start and finish.

The tour typically books out about 29 days in advance, which makes it a good idea to plan early. The price of $185 includes all activities, lunch, and transportation, making it a convenient option for those wanting to maximize their adventure time without worrying about hidden costs.

Why It’s a Great Choice

This tour suits adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience a variety of activities without booking multiple excursions. The inclusion of guides who are friendly and knowledgeable adds an extra layer of safety and authenticity. Plus, the lunch and hotel transfers make it a seamless, all-in-one adventure.

While the river rapids may vary in intensity depending on water levels, most reviewers find the tubing and zip-lining equally fun, if not more. The scenery—overlooking the Colorado River Canyon—is a highlight that you’ll remember long after your shoes are dry.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at selected hotels, making transportation simple and stress-free.

What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age is 6 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring a change of clothing, towel, water shoes, and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.

How does water level affect the tubing?
If water levels are low, the rapids may be less intense, and you might find yourself stuck on rocks rather than racing through swift currents.

What’s included in the price?
The $185 fee covers all activities—zip-lining, tubing, rappelling, rock climbing—lunch, and transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 7 hours, from hotel pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Final Thoughts

This full-day combo tour is a fantastic way to experience the best outdoor activities Costa Rica has to offer—packed with adrenaline, natural beauty, and fun. It’s especially suited for families, groups of friends, or couples who want a comprehensive adventure without the hassle of booking individual excursions.

The guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude, combined with the diverse set of activities and included amenities, make it a reliable choice for a memorable day. You’ll love the views from the zip lines, the splash of the river, and the peaceful forest ride to finish.

While water levels can influence the rapids’ intensity, most participants walk away satisfied, with stories to tell. For those looking to maximize their Costa Rican adventure in a single day, this tour hits all the right notes—thrilling, scenic, and offering excellent value.

In essence, if you’re craving an active day that blends nature with adrenaline, this tour from Guanacaste offers an authentic, well-organized, and fun-packed experience that’s hard to beat.