El Salto Rope Swing

Tip

Go in the morning before it fills up, and carry small colones for the informal parking attendant.

Be careful

Rocks are slick getting in and out. Check depth and current before you swing, skip it when the river is high or brown after rain, and keep valuables out of the car.

Places nearby

• Horseback Riding Costa Rica (La Fortuna)Parks & WildlifeLocal horseback operator running guided rides with Arenal Volcano views (2 h) or down to the La Fortuna waterfall (3 h); riders are matched with horses by experience and all gear is provided.
• Arenal Mundo AventuraTours & AdventureAdventure and nature park founded in 2005 on the road to the La Fortuna waterfall, combining ziplines and rides with guided night walks, birding, horses and a Maleku cultural visit; guides are ICT-certified.
• Restaurante TiquiciaFood & CoffeeFamily restaurant on the road out of town serving recipes from the owner's mother: casados, fish and shrimp in palm-heart sauce and fresh coladas, with fair prices and big portions.
• El Chante VerdeFood & CoffeeModern, clean restaurant on the south side of La Fortuna mixing plant-based dishes with traditional Costa Rican plates; the tableside guacamole and grilled pineapple get the most praise.
• Rainforest Chocolate TourParks & WildlifeGuided cacao farm tour near the road to the La Fortuna waterfall that follows chocolate from the tree through drying, grinding and tasting, with a view of Arenal Volcano.
• Harmony Relaxing SpaYoga & WellnessIndependent day spa in La Fortuna offering massages, scrubs, wraps and volcanic-mud facials at roughly half of what resort spas charge, with praised therapists.