After my unfortunate event, we decided to forgo the zip-lining adventure for a cheaper alternative. There's a free local waterhole about a kilometre south of La Fortuna called El Salto (the jump). It's downstream from the La Fortuna Waterfall and just a few hundred metres from the road. 

To get there, we took a taxi (for a cheap fee) and walked back to town afterwards. They drop you off before a bridge. Just walk down the left side of the bridge. There should already be a trail leading to El Salto. You can jump off rocks, go swimming or just hang around the river. If you're feeling adventurous, try the rope swing!