Guanacaste: Zipline & Rafting tour with canyon lunch

Summary

Zip through the Colorado Canyon & ride the river with local guides

You’ll feel adrenaline on ziplines over Colorado Canyon, paddle through class II rapids with local guides, climb real rock walls, and share a fresh lunch by the river. With hotel pickup included and laughter echoing off canyon walls, it’s an adventure you’ll remember long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not the birds or anything, but that low rush of water echoing off the canyon walls in Guanacaste. We’d barely stepped out of the van when our guide, José, grinned and handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of river (not bad, just… real). I was nervous about the zipline part — my hands were already sweaty before we even clipped in — but José just said, “Pura vida!” and gave my harness a little tug for luck. The main keyword here is adventure tour, but honestly it felt more like being let loose in nature’s playground.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on the white-water rafting section. The rapids were class II — enough to get your heart going but not so wild you couldn’t look up and see those crazy red cliffs all around. At one point I got splashed right in the face and tasted river water (not recommended), and then we all cheered when Marta from our group managed to stay upright after a bumpy bit. The sun kept peeking through clouds, making everything look sharper than usual. There was this moment where we just floated quietly for a second — no one talking, just paddles tapping against the raft and that smell of wet stone.

After climbing up a rock wall (which looked way scarier from below), we stopped for lunch near some tangled gardens at the edge of the canyon. Rice, beans, something grilled — simple food always tastes better when you’re tired and a little muddy. I tried to ask about one of the sauces in Spanish; José laughed at my accent but explained anyway (I still don’t know what was in it). The last bit was rappelling down into the canyon again — legs shaking but somehow feeling lighter than before. If you’re looking for a day trip from Guanacaste that actually gets your heart pumping, this combo zip line tour with rafting is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyon Adventure Activities

• Adventure activities at Colorado River Canyon

Top questions

How long does the Guanacaste zipline & rafting tour last?

The adventure activities take about two hours total, plus time for lunch and transfers from selected hotels.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Guanacaste?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Guanacaste.

What level are the rapids on this Colorado River rafting tour?

The white-water rafting section features class I and II rapids.

Is lunch provided during the combo zip line tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are there age or health restrictions for this adventure tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Do I need to bring special gear for rock climbing or rappelling?

No special gear needed; equipment is provided. Bring a change of clothes, towel, and water shoes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Guanacaste, all equipment for white-water rafting (class I & II), guided ziplining through Colorado Canyon, rock climbing and rappelling sessions with professional guides, plus a fresh local lunch before heading back in the afternoon.