La Quinta Sarapiquí Lodge sits near the Sarapiquí River, Braulio Carrillo National Park, and the internationally renowned La Selva Biological Station—an area blessed with extraordinary flora and fauna.

Guests can enjoy some of the region’s finest freshwater rapids, perfect for white-water rafting adventures ranging from Class I to Class IV. For those looking for something more relaxed, we offer scenic river cruises, horseback rides, canopy tours, night walks in the forest, visits to volcanoes and waterfalls, and much more. Educational experiences also await, including pineapple, chocolate, and coffee tours that showcase the richness of Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage.

We will be pleased to help you at the front desk with information and planning for your tours and activities.

This activity is part of our social responsibility initiative, “Escuelas Felices” (“Happy Schools”), through which we support five local schools in our community. During each visit, the children prepare a short presentation for our guests, followed by time to take photos, sing, share a snack, or play together.

Visitors are invited to bring a donation for the school—anything useful for the students, from a simple pencil to a computer. Before each visit, we coordinate with the school to understand their current needs and share that information with our guests. In the past, visitors have donated items such as fans, kitchen supplies, pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, and paints. We also help coordinate cash donations, which have contributed to improvements in school infrastructure, including new classrooms, roof repairs, and more.

This is not a tour, and there is no fee involved. Participation depends on approval from the school principal. The goal is to support local children in their education and strengthen our community. Visits are only available during the school term and typically last no more than one hour.

La Selva is one of the premier neotropical destinations for biological research—a true Mecca not only for scientists, but also for dedicated birders and passionate naturalists. Its state-of-the-art laboratories sit right at the edge of the rainforest, giving researchers unparalleled access to one of the most complex and biologically rich ecosystems on Earth.

The station offers extraordinary opportunities for wildlife observation. Nearly half of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species can be found in these lowland forests, along with more than 70 species of bats and five of the country’s six feline species. La Selva Biological Station is truly unmatched in its abundance of flora and fauna.

La Selva Biological Station

Sarapiquí River

This beautiful tropical river begins high on the northern slopes of the Barva and Poás Volcanoes, and by the time it reaches the San Juan River on the Nicaragua border, it has gathered waters from as far away as Irazú Volcano through the Sucio River. Historically, the Sarapiquí River served as a vital transportation route, allowing early settlers to travel inland from the Caribbean up to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, nestled at the base of the volcanoes. Beyond Puerto Viejo, the river gradually gains strength, becoming one of Costa Rica’s premier destinations for kayaking and white-water rafting. The farther upstream you go, the more exciting—and challenging—the rapids become.

Embark on a memorable two-hour journey down the Sarapiquí River aboard a safe and comfortable powerboat. Along the way, you may spot over 200 species of tropical birds, as well as howler monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and river turtles. Tours run throughout the day, with a flexible schedule from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Discover the secrets and marvels of one of the favorite foods of human kind: Cacao

Originally from Mesoamerica and steeped in a remarkable history, cacao journeyed to Europe after the discovery of the Americas and evolved into the beloved chocolate we enjoy today. This tour celebrates one of our region’s most iconic and culturally significant plants and includes:

• A guided walk across Tirimbina’s suspension bridge, through the forest, and into a wild cacao plantation
• An introduction to the natural and cultural history of cacao
• A step-by-step look at the transformation from cacao to chocolate, including harvesting, fermentation, and drying
• A tasting of cacao and organic chocolate

Tirimbina Rainforest Center

Tirimbina Rainforest Center (TRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest, providing environmental education for local communities, students, and ecotourists, and supporting scientific research. As a Private Wildlife Refuge, TRC protects 345 hectares (852 acres) of mid-elevation pre-montane forest, woven with 9 km (5.5 miles) of walking trails. Only one-third of the reserve is open for ecotourism and educational activities, allowing the majority of this remarkable ecosystem to remain pristine and undisturbed.

Discover the flavors of Costa Rica through a hands-on culinary experience in the heart of the rainforest. Guided by our local cook, guests prepare traditional “empanadas de maíz” using freshly ground corn flour (masa de maíz), a staple ingredient that has nourished Mesoamerican cultures for thousands of years.
Enjoy this experience outdoors, surrounded by tropical gardens, as you shape, fill, and cook your own empanadas over a hot griddle. Finish your class with freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee and a shared tasting moment in community.

Just minutes from the lodge, the Sarapiquí River offers some of the region’s best white-water rafting, with routes ranging from gentle Class I floats to thrilling Class IV rapids. Our reception team can help you arrange this safe yet exhilarating adventure.

• Class I–II: Chilamate to Puerto Viejo (Scenic Float): This 7-mile journey winds through the charming communities of Chilamate and Puerto Viejo. Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers of all ages—including young children—this calm route requires no previous experience. The water is gentle enough for guests to bring cameras, phones, and binoculars to capture the beautiful surroundings.
• Class II–III: La Virgen to Chilamate: This 7.5-mile trip passes through La Virgen and Chilamate, offering a perfect mix of crystalline pools and lively rapids. You’ll encounter four Class III rapids and around twenty Class II rapids, all with excellent technical character. Midway through, the raft pauses at a tranquil pool where guests can swim and enjoy fresh seasonal tropical fruits. No prior experience is necessary.
• Class IV: San Miguel to La Virgen: This 5-mile route tackles the river’s steepest and most intense section—a 100% adrenaline-filled adventure. Prior rafting experience is required, and this trip is not suitable for beginners or intermediate riders.

Plant a Tree

Tubing

Tubing along Costa Rica’s rivers is a favorite pastime among locals, and Sarapiquí offers some of the best conditions for this fun, family-friendly activity. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we’ve chosen the gentle and scenic Sardinal River, located right next door to La Quinta.

Your adventure begins with a 15-minute walk to the river, followed by a brief safety orientation. The tubing descent lasts about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the cool water, and spot some of the 400+ bird species that inhabit the region.

For this activity, be sure to bring:

• River shoes or strapped sandals
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit or light clothing
• Towel and dry clothes for after the tour

Please note that tubing is strictly dependent on current weather conditions—not only at the lodge, but also in the mountains. Heavy rainfall upstream can cause sudden rises in water levels, making it unsafe, even if it’s not raining at La Quinta. Conversely, during the dry season, tubing may be unavailable if water levels are too low for the tubes to float properly.

This activity takes you on a guided walk through a working pineapple plantation. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history of pineapple cultivation and explain each stage of its growth, from planting to harvest. You’ll also visit the packing facility and learn about the organic pineapple project. The experience concludes with a generous tasting that includes piña colada, fresh pineapple, and refreshing pineapple juice.

Pineapple Tour

Zipline

This exhilarating adventure features 12 ziplines set within Hacienda La Linda. As you glide from platform to platform, you’ll take in sweeping views of ornamental plant fields, soar over 114 hectares of lush tropical rainforest, and cross the majestic Sarapiquí River twice. The experience includes:

• All specialized ziplining equipment
• Child-appropriate harnesses
• Certified, professional guides
• Refreshing tropical fruit snacks

This tour combines a two-hour horseback ride along the scenic Sarapiquí riverside with a guided visit to a local dairy farm. The experience is led by bilingual guides, and the property is located just 8 kilometers from La Quinta.

• A minimum of two participants is required.
• Transfers are not included in the rate.
• Tours operate between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, subject to availability.

Pozo Azul

Wilson’s Horseback Riding