Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling in La Fortuna: 4 Descents

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/39

Duration3h

GroupUp to 25

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Four waterfall rappels and two canopy crossings in one canyon

Canyoning and waterfall rappelling in La Fortuna combines four descents down Arenal River Canyon walls, optional jumps into natural pools, and two canopy lines over tropical forest, with a bilingual guide, all equipment, round-trip transport and lunch. No prior experience required; guides provide full instruction and safety briefing before you start. The activity finishes with a walk along the riverbank and a Costa Rican buffet at La Roca Bistró.

Step-by-step itinerary

Canyoning and waterfall rappelling adventure

Receive safety induction from guides
Descend 4 canyon walls abseiling
Jump into 3 natural pools
Walk through crystal clear waters
Cross canyon on 2 canopy lines
Walk along Arenal Riverbank
Enjoy typical lunch at La Roca Bistró

The Experience

Four waterfall rappels—ranging from 50 to 92 feet—make up the core of the day. You descend using professional equipment while your guide manages the ropes and safety systems; the instruction happens before you clip in, so you understand each step. Between descents you walk through the canyon floor on refreshing water crossings and have the option to jump into three natural pools. The canyon itself is the route: you move through it on foot, then by rope, then by the two canopy lines that span the walls overhead.

Transport leaves from La Fortuna and returns there, so the day starts and ends at your hotel or a central meeting point. A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) stays with the group throughout, managing equipment and pacing the descents so everyone moves safely. The group size is small enough that the guide can watch each person and adjust the rhythm if needed. Lunch—a Costa Rican buffet—waits at the end, along with access to changing rooms and showers so you can rinse off before the drive back.

What you bring matters: closed shoes or tennis, swimsuit, camera if you want photos of the canyon, sunblock and insect repellent. The water is clear and cool, and the canyon walls are surrounded by forest, so wildlife sightings are common. Moderate fitness is the baseline—the rappelling itself is managed by the guide, but the walking, climbing in and out of pools, and the physical effort of the day add up.

What’s included

Round-trip transport from La Fortuna in an air-conditioned vehicle.
bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
professional rappelling equipment and safety gear.
four waterfall descents.
two canopy lines crossing the canyon.
access to three natural pools with optional jumps.
instruction and safety briefing before the activity.
Costa Rican buffet lunch.
bottled water and fresh towels.
luxury showers and changing rooms.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by La Roca Canyoning

Is this one for you?You operate the ropes yourself under your guide's watch, so this suits anyone who wants to feel the rappel rather than watch it happen—the guide manages safety and timing, but you're the one descending. Children from age 6 can join if they have moderate fitness; pregnant travelers and anyone with cardiovascular concerns should sit this one out.