Arenal: Canyoning & Rappelling Waterfalls with Costa Rican Lunch

Summary

Canyoning in lush rainforest canyons near Arenal Volcano with locals

You’ll rappel five waterfalls in Pocosol Forest near Arenal Volcano with local guides who keep things safe but never too serious. Expect jungle hikes, cold spray on your face, a massive final descent at Infinity Waterfall, and an authentic Costa Rican lunch shared with the family who hosts you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to lean backwards off a cliff with nothing but a rope and your own shaky trust? That’s pretty much how my canyoning day started near Arenal. We met at this small farm outside La Fortuna — chickens scratching around, the smell of wet earth everywhere. The local family running it handed out harnesses and helmets, and I swear I could hear my heart louder than the river below. Our guide, Diego, grinned when he saw my face. “First time?” he asked, and I just nodded. He made a joke about how the first waterfall is only 50 feet — “just a baby!” — but it looked huge to me.

The hike to the canyon was short but thick with green, leaves brushing against my arms and that warm, damp air you only get in Costa Rica’s forests. The sound of water got louder as we walked. At the first rappel, Diego gave us a safety talk (I listened extra hard), then showed us how to lean back and trust the gear. My hands were shaking on the rope but after that first drop — cold spray on my face, boots slipping on mossy rock — something clicked. We did four more rappels down different waterfalls, each one wilder than the last. There was this spot called La Caracola where you squeeze between rocks and suddenly you’re staring down another cascade — I didn’t expect that part at all.

The big finale is called Infinity Waterfall. It’s 230 feet straight down, water roaring so loud you can barely hear yourself think. Honestly, halfway down I just stopped for a second (not sure if I was stuck or just stunned) and looked out over all that forest mist. Kind of felt like floating for a moment — cheesy but true.

Afterwards we were soaked and muddy and starving, so we headed back up to the farm where the family served us lunch — rice, beans, chicken stew, some sweet fried plantains that I still think about. Everyone laughed about who screamed loudest (pretty sure it was me). If you’re thinking about a day trip canyoning near Arenal Volcano with real locals and real food… well, just bring dry socks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning and waterfall rappelling adventure

• Arrive at local farm near La Tigra
• Receive warm welcome from locals
• Get dressed with harness, helmet, gloves
• Take short 5-minute hike to canyon
• Receive safety speech and training rappel
• Rappel down first 50 ft waterfall
• Descend three more challenging rappels
• Rappel through narrow gorges and trails
• Complete 230 ft Infinity Waterfall rappel
• Graduate as professional Costa Rica rappeller
• Enjoy authentic Costa Rican lunch with family

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you rappel during this tour?

You’ll rappel down five different waterfalls ranging from 50 to 230 feet tall.

Where does the canyoning adventure take place?

The tour happens in Pocosol Forest near Peñas Blancas River Canyon by La Tigra, about 30 minutes from La Fortuna.

Is lunch included in the canyoning tour?

Yes, after the adventure you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared by a local family at their farm.

How long is the biggest waterfall rappel?

The final waterfall rappel is called Infinity Waterfall and it’s 230 feet tall.

Are guides provided during the waterfall rappelling?

Yes, expert local guides lead the entire experience and give safety instructions before each descent.

What level of fitness do I need for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or heart issues.

Is transportation included from La Fortuna?

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from nearby areas such as La Fortuna.

Do I need previous rappelling experience?

No experience needed; guides provide training before your first descent.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from La Fortuna or nearby areas, all equipment for five waterfall rappels (including one epic 230-foot drop), bottled water throughout your adventure, expert guidance from locals who know every inch of the canyon, plus a homemade Costa Rican lunch shared at their family farm before heading back muddy but happy.