Arenal: Canyoning, Waterfall Rappelling & Lunch from La Fortuna

Summary

Adventure in arenal’s canyons with waterfall jumps ziplining and riverside lunch

You’ll scramble through Arenal’s canyons, rappel down waterfalls with help from local guides, leap into wild pools, and finish off with a typical Costa Rican lunch by the river. Expect muddy shoes, laughter echoing off wet stone, and moments you’ll replay long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before we were standing at the edge of the first descent in the Arenal canyon. The air smelled sharp—kind of mossy, like wet stone and leaves after rain (it actually was raining a little, but nobody cared). Our guide, Carlos, grinned as he checked my harness. “Just lean back and trust the rope,” he said. Easier said than done. I remember my hands shaking a bit on that first rappel—cold water splashing my face, heart hammering—but then halfway down I started laughing. Not sure why. Maybe relief? Maybe just pure adrenaline.

Between descents, we scrambled over rocks slick with river spray and zipped across the canyon on two canopy lines. The zipline wasn’t as scary as I thought—it was actually kind of peaceful for a second up there, gliding over green tangled trees with nothing but wind in my ears. There were three jumps into natural pools too; I hesitated at the second one because it looked higher than I’d expected (Carlos just yelled “Pura vida!” and jumped first). The water was freezing but clean—felt good after all that climbing around.

After all the rappelling and jumping, we walked along the Arenal River’s edge where everything felt quieter somehow—the only sounds were birds somewhere up high and our shoes squelching through mud. My legs were jelly by then but I didn’t mind. Lunch at La Roca was waiting: casado buffet with rice, beans, chayote hash, some kind of fish (I picked wrong trying to pronounce it), plus fresh juice that tasted almost grassy. Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with a mouth full of food. I still think about that feeling—tired in a good way, clothes damp but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal Volcano canyoning and lunch

• Receive equipment and safety briefing
• Descend 4 canyon walls
• Jump into 3 natural pools
• Ride 2 zip lines across canyon
• Walk along Arenal River banks
• Hike through forest to restaurant
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican lunch

Top questions

How many rappels are included in this Arenal canyoning tour?

The tour includes 4 descents (rappels) in the Arenal River canyon.

Is previous experience required for waterfall rappelling near La Fortuna?

No experience is needed; guides explain equipment step by step before starting.

What kind of lunch is served after canyoning?

A typical Costa Rican casado buffet is served at La Roca restaurant with options like beef, chicken or fish plus salad and vegetables.

Are transportation and equipment included?

Yes, transportation from La Fortuna area and all necessary equipment are included.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, heart problems or during pregnancy; moderate fitness is needed.

How many zip lines are part of this Arenal adventure?

The tour features 2 canopy (zip line) crossings over the canyon.

Do you jump into natural pools during this day trip?

Yes, there are 3 jumps into natural pools as part of the adventure.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna, all safety gear for canyoning and rappelling (helmet, ropes), guidance from bilingual local experts throughout every activity—including four rappels and two ziplines—and ends with a Costa Rican buffet lunch plus fresh juice at La Roca restaurant before heading back to town.