Our Mission

Pura Vida Through Adventure

At Vista Arenal Adventure Park, we believe that the best way to understand and appreciate Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity is through direct, respectful interaction with nature. Our mission is to provide world-class adventure experiences that connect people with the rainforest while supporting conservation efforts and local communities.

Every zipline, rappelling descent, and Tarzan swing is designed not just for thrills, but as a gateway to understanding the delicate ecosystem that surrounds us. We are committed to sustainable tourism practices that ensure future generations can experience the same natural wonders that inspire us every day.

Our Core Values

  • Safety First: Every adventure begins with comprehensive safety protocols and professional equipment
  • Environmental Stewardship: Protecting and preserving Costa Rica's natural heritage for future generations
  • Community Partnership: Supporting local families and indigenous communities through sustainable employment
  • Authentic Experiences: Sharing genuine Costa Rican culture and natural history with every guest
Vista Arenal guides sharing Costa Rican nature with visitors
"We don't just offer adventures – we create connections between people and the incredible natural world of Costa Rica."
– Carlos Vargas, Founder & Head Guide

Meet Our Expert Team

Passionate professionals dedicated to your safety and experience

Carlos Vargas, Founder and Head Guide at Vista Arenal

Carlos Vargas

Founder & Head Guide

Born and raised in La Fortuna, Carlos has over 20 years of experience in adventure tourism. ACCT certified instructor and passionate conservationist who founded Vista Arenal to share his love for Costa Rica's natural wonders.

ACCT Certified Wilderness First Aid Naturalist Guide
Maria Elena Rodriguez, Safety Coordinator at Vista Arenal

María Elena Rodríguez

Safety Coordinator & Rappelling Specialist

With a background in emergency medicine and technical rescue, María Elena ensures every adventure meets international safety standards. She leads our rappelling programs and trains all guides in advanced safety protocols.

SPRAT Certified Emergency Medical Technician Technical Rescue Specialist
Diego Montero, Lead Zipline Guide at Vista Arenal

Diego Montero

Lead Zipline Guide & Wildlife Expert

A certified naturalist guide with expertise in Costa Rican wildlife, Diego combines thrilling zipline adventures with educational experiences about the rainforest ecosystem and its incredible biodiversity.

Certified Naturalist Bilingual Guide Wildlife Photography
15 Professional Guides
100% Certified & Trained
3 Languages Spoken
85% Local Employees

Certifications & Recognition

Industry-leading standards for safety, sustainability, and excellence

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ACCT Certified

Association for Challenge Course Technology certification for all adventure equipment and operations.

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Sustainable Tourism Certified

Costa Rica's Sustainable Tourism Certification Program (CST) Level 4 for environmental and social responsibility.

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International Safety Standards

ANSI/ACCT standards compliance with regular third-party safety inspections and equipment audits.

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Consistently rated as one of the top adventure activities in La Fortuna by international visitors.

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Carbon Neutral Operations

Committed to carbon-neutral operations through renewable energy and reforestation programs.

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Costa Rica Tourism Board

Official recognition and licensing from ICT (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) for adventure tourism operations.

Community Impact

Supporting Local Communities & Conservation

Vista Arenal Adventure Park is more than just an adventure destination – we're a catalyst for positive change in the La Fortuna community. Through our operations, we directly support local families, conservation initiatives, and educational programs that protect Costa Rica's natural heritage.

Our Community Initiatives

  • Local Employment: 85% of our team members are from La Fortuna and surrounding communities
  • Education Programs: Free environmental education for local schools and youth groups
  • Conservation Partnerships: Direct support for wildlife corridors and habitat restoration
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Local suppliers and organic food providers for all tour refreshments
  • Reforestation Projects: Tree planting initiatives to expand wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration
Local community members working with Vista Arenal conservation efforts
500+ Trees Planted Annually
1,200+ Students Educated
25 Local Families Supported

Experience the Vista Arenal Difference

Join us for an adventure that goes beyond thrills – connect with nature, support local communities, and create memories that will last a lifetime in Costa Rica's most spectacular setting.