Costa Rica with Kids
If you’ve followed our travels for a while, you already know we’re a family that loves a good adventure — but we’re also a family that values safety, professionalism, and choosing the right people to trust when we set off on an adventure. That’s exactly why we keep coming back to Desafío Adventure Company in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. One of the things we love most is how easy they make it to plan a full week of adventures across different areas, all with one company you trust. As family travelers, that kind of consistency matters.
Their slogan, “Be Safe and Have Serious Fun,” isn’t just a catchy tagline. It’s the heartbeat of everything they do. And after experiencing their tours twice — once as a couple back in 2019, and now again with our kids — we can tell you with full confidence that Desafío lives this motto at every step of the adventure.
Why Desafío’s Motto Matters
“Desafío” translates to “challenge,” and that’s exactly what their tours are designed to do: challenge you to step into nature, push your comfort zone, and experience Costa Rica’s wild beauty in a way that feels thrilling but never reckless.
What makes Desafío different is that they balance that challenge with a level of safety, teamwork, and professionalism that you feel from the moment you check in. Their guides aren’t just adventure junkies — they’re trained experts who take their jobs seriously, communicate clearly, and work together like a well-oiled machine. You’re never guessing what comes next. You’re never unsure of what to do or left alone to figure something out.
And that’s exactly why families like ours can dive into these experiences with total confidence.
Lost Canyon Canyoning: The Perfect Family Thrill
During our year-long trip around the world, our kids (now 12 and 13) got a taste for canyoning in Spain and were eager to try again in Costa Rica. They weren’t old enough for the Gravity Falls tour that we did in 2019, but the Lost Canyon Adventure was absolutely perfect for them (suitable for 8 yrs and up).
Here’s what stood out:
- The gear is top-notch. Helmets, harnesses, ropes — everything felt solid and secure.
- The guides work as a team. One sets you up, one supports from below, one coaches you through the rappel. You’re surrounded by professionals the entire time.
- The canyon itself is stunning. Hiking through the rainforest, climbing down into the canyon, and rappelling alongside waterfalls is exactly what we hope to find on a day of international travel.
- It’s the right mix of challenge + fun. Our kids were a little nervous at first, but the guides were patient, encouraging, and honestly hilarious. By the second rappel, the kids were leading the charge. Our guides even warned us that we were more likely to get hurt walking on the slippery rocks then repelling down cliffsides 😂
It’s the kind of experience that becomes a lifelong travel memory — for them and for us.
White Water Rafting on the Balsa River
The next day we hit the Balsa River for white water rafting, and let us tell you — this was no lazy float. Solid Class II–III rapids that feel adventurous and fun without ever crossing into “what are we doing” territory. Ideal for tweens and teens who want excitement but not anything sketchy. We did the exact same tour in 2019 and couldn’t wait to experience it with our kids.
We spent close to two hours on the water, plus time for the drive and safety briefing, and it ended up being easy, well-organized, and genuinely fun. Our guide (like every single one we’ve had with them) was incredible—great with the kids, calm, professional, and clearly knows what they’re doing.
Again, what made the difference was the guide:
- He explained every rapid before we hit it.
- He told us exactly what to do and when.
- He kept the kids laughing between the big drops.
- And he handled the raft like someone who has spent years reading the river.
The Unsung Hero: Hunters & Gatherers Restaurant
After canyoning and rafting, we were starving — and Desafío’s on-site restaurant, Hunters & Gatherers, was a perfect way to end the tour.
Huge portions. Fresh ingredients. Delicious Costa Rican flavors. And here’s a big one for families: we ate everything — including fresh produce — without the worry of getting sick. That’s not always the case when traveling, and we’re usually pretty cautious, but Desafío’s food was clean, safe, and exactly what we needed after burning a million calories.
Bonus Stop: El Salto Rope Swing
One of the best perks of Desafío’s location is that it’s right next to El Salto, a free local swimming hole with a rope swing and waterfall jump.
Both kids swung out over the water like pros, and Jon even threw down a perfect backflip — a solid “10” from the family judging panel. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure.
Why We Always Choose Desafío
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, Desafío is the adventure company you want behind you. Here’s why:
- Their safety standards are exceptional.
- Their guides are trained, professional, and genuinely invested in your experience.
- Their teamwork is seamless — you feel supported every second.
- Their equipment is high-quality and meticulously maintained.
- Their tours are thrilling, eco-friendly, and unforgettable.
- Their hospitality (and food!) is next-level.
We’re a family that loves value and saving money where we can — but when it comes to high-adrenaline adventures, we only book with experts. Desafío has earned our trust twice now, and we’d book with them again in a heartbeat.
If you’re visiting La Fortuna, plan to end your days in the hot springs — it’s the perfect way to relax tired muscles and slow things down after a full day of adventure. After a few days like this, Abigail asked if our next country would have similar things, we had to gently let her down that Costa Rica probably balances adventure and luxury relaxation better than any country in the world- so it’s not likely! 😂
**This post contains affiliate links. We are grateful for the opportunity to be hosted by Desafio. All opinions are our own.
To see all our travel adventures during a year-long trip around the world, head over to our Instagram page.
Have questions about La Fortuna or traveling in Costa Rica with kids? Drop us a comment—we love sharing the real-life details that make trips smoother.
0 Comments