Canyoning at Usina River: Abseiling, swimming and jumps

Abseil, swim and jump through a canyon carved by the Usina River

Canyoning at Usina River is an activity in the Atlantic Rain Forest near Paraty where you hike into a valley, then use abseiling, swimming and climbing techniques to descend a clear-water canyon. The full day includes all climbing and water gear, an experienced guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, private transport from town, lunch and GoPro photos. Three difficulty levels run from 2 hours for beginners to 4 hours for experienced canyoners.

The experience

The day starts with a 25-minute drive north from Paraty to the base of the falls. From there you hike 40 minutes up a jungle path into the valley, a warm-up that shows you what the canyon demands. Once geared up in wetsuit and climbing equipment, you enter the river itself. The route changes by the option you choose: the Mini Canyon runs 2 hours and suits beginners; the Lower Usina takes 4 hours and includes a caving section; the Upper Usina also runs 4 hours but is built for experienced canyoners who have done this kind of descent before.

Inside the canyon, you move through the water using a mix of techniques. You'll abseil down rock faces, slide across smooth stone, downclimb where the angle allows it, swim through pools, and jump from ledges into deeper water. The river time itself runs 3 to 4 hours depending on how the group moves. All the gear (wetsuit, harness, rope, helmet) comes with you, fitted to your height and weight at booking. An experienced guide leads the group and speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese.

At the end you get snacks, change back into dry clothes, and return to the center area of Paraty. The full day from pickup to drop-off is around 7 hours. GoPro photos taken during the canyon are included, lunch is provided, and your guide carries insurance for the group.

What’s included

• All climbing and water gear including wetsuit, harness, helmet and rope.
• private transport from Paraty to the canyon and back.
• an experienced guide.
• lunch and snacks.
• GoPro photos taken during the canyon.
• insurance for the group.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Felipe Fernandes de Lima

Is this one for you?The full day demands high physical fitness and comfort moving through water on vertical rock. The three difficulty levels let you pick the canyon that matches your experience, from the 2-hour Mini Canyon for beginners to the 4-hour Upper Usina for those who've done technical canyoning before.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What is canyoning and what techniques do I use in the Usina River?

Canyoning is exploring a river canyon using vertical and swimming techniques to move downstream. At Usina River you abseil down rock faces, slide across smooth sections, downclimb where possible, swim through pools and jump from ledges into the water below.

Which option should I choose if I've never done canyoning before?

The Mini Canyon is designed for beginners and runs 2 hours, giving you the core techniques and the feel of the canyon without the longer commitment or the caving section of the Lower Usina route.

What's included in the price and what do I need to bring?

All climbing and water gear, wetsuit, private transport from Paraty, an experienced guide, lunch, snacks, GoPro photos and insurance are included. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. The operator fits all equipment to your height, weight and shoe size at booking.

How fit do I need to be for this activity?

The activity requires a high level of physical fitness. The 40-minute hike up the valley is the warm-up. The canyon itself demands strength and comfort in water. Travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy are not recommended for this activity.