Crucial Warning: Debunking Geographic and Brand Myths
Before diving into the adrenaline of the rapids, it’s essential to understand the truth behind the term “Arenal Rafting.” This will help you avoid geographic confusion and, most importantly, protect you from online fraud.
Fact #1: 📍 La Fortuna: The True Heart of Adventure
Although the tourism industry often refers to the area as “Arenal,” this is a misleading term that confuses thousands of travelers.
- Official Location: The real tourist destination is La Fortuna, a district of the Canton of San Carlos in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica.
- The Mistake: The proximity of the impressive Arenal Volcano has led many to mistakenly call the entire region “Arenal.”
The Reality: Nuevo Arenal is actually a separate town with its own political jurisdiction, located 45 minutes west of La Fortuna.
Before the dam was built, an original town named Arenal (known today as “El Viejo Arenal”) existed. These lands were deliberately flooded in the 1970s to create Lake Arenal, a massive hydroelectric reservoir—the largest in Costa Rica. The residents were forcibly relocated west, giving rise to the town we now know as Nuevo Arenal, situated about 40 minutes from the original location. This history underscores the complex and changing geography of the area.
Fact #2: 🌊 The Arenal River: Why Rafting Is No Longer Done Here
The confusion doesn’t end with the region’s name—it also extends to the river.
The Arenal River was once a major waterway draining Lake Arenal toward the Caribbean slope. However, rafting is no longer practiced on this river.
The Geopolitical Reason:
For over 15 years, the river’s flow has drastically decreased because water from Lake Arenal is now artificially diverted to the Pacific coast to support:
- Hydroelectric energy
- Agriculture
- Fish farming
Because of this, the river no longer has the flow required for commercial rafting.
🛶 Arenal Rafting: The Leading Brand—and How to Avoid Imitations
Once you understand that the real destination is La Fortuna and that the Arenal River is no longer used for rafting, one final clarification remains:
Arenal Rafting is a registered brand and a specific company—not a generic term for the activity.
- Leaders and Veterans: More than 15 years of experience offering rafting in the region.
Unmatched Reputation: Over 10,000 five-star reviews across Google and TripAdvisor.
⚠️ Beware of Fraud!
Due to the company’s excellent reputation, several new operators try to fake websites and online ads to deceive travelers into believing they are booking with the official brand.
🔒 Your Responsibility as a Smart Traveler: Book Safely
Ensure a safe, authentic experience by reserving only through official channels:
|
Verified Booking Channel |
Details |
|
Official Website |
arenalrafting.com (the only site that guarantees the original service). |
|
Social Media |
Only official, verified company pages. |
|
Phone / WhatsApp |
+506 8934-2626 / +506 2479-7215 |
Don’t let imitations ruin your adventure. Book with the original!
🏞️ The Real Adventure Rivers: Río Balsa and Río Sarapiquí
All authentic Arenal Rafting experiences take place on two magnificent rivers:
- Río Balsa
- Río Sarapiquí
Experience Levels
|
River |
Rapid Class |
Ideal For… |
|
Río Balsa |
Class II & III (Family) |
Beginners, families, and kids (age restrictions apply). |
|
Río Sarapiquí |
Class III & IV (Adventure) |
Powerful, continuous rapids for experienced adventurers. |
|
Río Sarapiquí |
Class II & III (Family) |
A perfect introduction to rafting with controlled excitement. |
The experience includes lush rainforest immersion, possible wildlife sightings, fresh tropical fruit, and a delicious lunch after the tour.
Conclusion
The name Arenal Rafting Company is the brand and the commercial entity. The term Arenal Rafting has become a synecdoche (a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole), since it is such a strong brand name and is associated so directly with the main activity they offer in that area.