La Fortuna zip lining and canyoning combo: rappel waterfalls

Rappel waterfalls and zip line 2,600 feet above the rainforest in one day

A full-day zip lining and canyoning combo near La Fortuna pairs two separate adventures: a morning zip line course with heights up to 600 feet above the rainforest canopy, followed by an afternoon canyon descent where you rappel down waterfalls, rock climb and navigate the Monkey Drop. Hotel pickup, a Costa Rican lunch and professional guides in English or Spanish are included; children from age 5 can join.

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a short drive to the zip line headquarters outside La Fortuna. Your guides outfit you with high-quality equipment, then you move through the canopy on a series of lines that stretch up to 2,600 feet, suspended 600 feet above the rainforest floor. The rush comes from the height and the speed; the view comes from being inside the forest rather than looking at it from below.

After you come down, you'll change clothes and eat a typical Costa Rican lunch at Pure Trek's base offices. The afternoon half is the canyoning: a 20-minute drive takes you into the mountains in 4x4 trucks toward Arenal Volcano, then your guides gear you up for the canyon itself. You rappel down waterfalls, climb a canyon wall, tackle the Monkey Drop (a combination zip line and rappel that earns its name), and hike through the river. This is the part where you get wet. A photographer documents the canyoning, and prints are available to buy before you head back to your hotel.

The whole day runs about eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Both activities require moderate fitness and a willingness to move in wet conditions; the canyoning especially demands comfort with heights and water. Guides speak English or Spanish, and the operation runs regardless of weather.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna hotels.
• professional guides in English or Spanish.
• high-quality zip lining and canyoning equipment.
• a typical Costa Rican lunch at Pure Trek's base.
• a photographer for the canyoning portion (photos available for purchase).
• access to both the rainforest canopy zip line course and the Pure Trek canyon for rappelling, climbing and river hiking.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pure Trek Canyoning

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine zip-lining and canyoning in one day with a group following set timing and guides' instruction, rather than exploring each activity independently.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

77 verified traveler reviews

5 ★76

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How high do the zip lines go above the rainforest?

The zip line course reaches heights up to 600 feet above the rainforest canopy, with individual lines stretching up to 2,600 feet in distance. You're moving through the treetops rather than below them.

What exactly is the Monkey Drop in the canyoning part?

The Monkey Drop is a combination move where you zip line and then rappel, all in one sequence. It's one of several rappelling challenges in the Pure Trek canyon, alongside waterfalls and a rock climb.

Do I need to be in great shape to do both activities in one day?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The zip lining is less physically demanding than the canyoning, which involves rappelling, climbing and river hiking. The operator does not recommend this combo for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or recent surgeries or fractures within the last year.

What's included in the price besides the two activities?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna hotels, a typical Costa Rican lunch at Pure Trek's base, and professional guides in English or Spanish are all included. A photographer documents the canyoning portion; photos are available for purchase.

Will I get wet during the canyoning?

Yes. The canyoning involves rappelling down waterfalls, rock climbing and river hiking in a canyon, so bring clothes you don't mind soaking and plan to change at the base offices between the two activities.

Can children do this combo?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the zip lining and canyoning combo. The operator will assess whether individual children have the physical ability and comfort level for both activities.