Arenal: Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour with Waterfall Rappels & Lunch

Summary

Rappel tropical waterfalls and hike wild jungle canyons near Arenal

You’ll feel your heart race as you rappel down Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls in the Lost Canyon near Arenal. Expect laughter with your local guide, hikes through thick rainforest, and a fresh buffet lunch at base camp. With hotel pickup included and plenty of wild moments along the way, this canyoning day trip is about finding courage—and maybe new friends—in unexpected places.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to step off a mossy ledge with nothing but jungle below? That’s how my morning started outside La Fortuna, eyes wide as our guide, Carlos, grinned and double-checked my harness. The air was thick—like it always is near the Arenal Volcano—and you could smell wet earth everywhere. I remember my hands shaking just a bit as we watched the first person disappear down the waterfall, their whoop echoing off the canyon walls. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much while dangling over that drop.

We rappelled four waterfalls in total—some taller than I wanted to look down from. Each time, Carlos would shout encouragement in Spanish and English (and once in what he called “jungle Tarzan”). The water was cold but not sharp, more like a wake-up slap than a chill. Between drops, we scrambled over slick rocks and through tangled vines. There were these tiny blue butterflies everywhere—I nearly slipped trying to point one out. At one point someone asked how deep we were in; Carlos just shrugged and said, “Lost enough.”

The last waterfall left me soaked to the bone but weirdly proud. Back at base camp, we ate this buffet lunch—rice, beans, chicken that tasted like it had seen a real fire—and everyone swapped stories about who screamed loudest. There was time for a swim at El Salto too, if you still had energy (I mostly watched local kids cannonballing). Even now, I catch myself thinking about that first moment before stepping off the edge—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning and waterfall rappelling adventure

• Hotel pickup in La Fortuna
• Hike through rainforest canyon
• Rappel down four waterfalls
• Swim in refreshing pools
• Enjoy all-you-can-eat Costa Rican buffet lunch
• Swim at El Salto local swimming hole
• Return to hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Lost Canyon canyoning tour take?

The canyoning adventure lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this Arenal canyoning tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in the tour price.

What age do you need to be for Lost Canyon canyoning?

The minimum age requirement is 10 years old for this activity.

Do I need experience to go canyoning in Costa Rica?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide safety briefings and equipment.

Is lunch provided on the Lost Canyon day trip?

Yes, a fresh Costa Rican buffet lunch is included after your adventure.

Where is the Lost Canyon located?

The Lost Canyon is near Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone.

What should I wear for canyoning near Arenal?

It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for wet conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from around Arenal or La Fortuna, all safety equipment with a full briefing by local guides before you start rappelling waterfalls, plus a hearty Costa Rican buffet lunch at base camp after your adventure—there’s even time for a swim at El Salto if you want before heading back.