Canyoning / Waterfall Rappelling

Read about Canyoning in Arenal on our travel blog

Canyoning, one of the ultimate Costa Rican adventure sports, is the act of traveling down canyons using a variety of techniques including hiking, climbing, jumping and rappelling.

In Costa Rica, this usually involves hiking into a secluded rainforest canyon where a series of rappels descend breathtaking waterfalls and scenic trails carry hikers from one rappel to another. Tours begin with a safety talk and practice waterfall, with a descent of 10-15 feet. After getting your feet wet (and whetting your appetite for adventure), you’ll continue on to larger waterfalls, which gradually grow taller and taller until the grand finale cascade, which may reach 200+ feet in height. Often, the tour winds down with a swim at the base of a waterfall followed by a typical Costa Rican lunch.

This adrenaline-fueled sport is popular in several areas throughout Costa Rica. Look for canyoning in Arenal and La Fortuna, Los Chorros Waterfall near Grecia, Catarata del Toro north of Sarchi, the Puente Vigas canyon in Turrialba, the beach town of Manuel Antonio and the rainforests around Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula.

Tour operators specializing in canyoning, also known as waterfall rappelling, feature guided trips that include equipment, snacks and transportation. Visitors are advised to wear Teva-like water sandals and lightweight, quick-dry clothing.