Waterfall Rappelling & Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna: 8 Hours

Taste artisanal chocolate, ride an oxcart, then plunge into canyon thrills near La Fortuna

An 8-hour combo activity in La Fortuna that pairs waterfall rappelling with a chocolate tour, both led by bilingual guides. You start at a local chocolate farm where you learn the bean-to-bar process, taste artisanal chocolate and take a short oxcart ride; then move to Pure Trek canyon for an afternoon of rappelling down waterfalls, rock climbing, river hiking and the Monkey Drop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with organic lunch at the canyon headquarters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chocolate tour and canyoning adventure

• Drive 5 minutes outside La Fortuna
• Attend chocolate tour and tasting
• Take short oxcart ride
• Purchase artisanal chocolate
• Enjoy organic lunch at Pure Trek
• Rappel down tropical waterfalls
• Rock climb and river hike
• Experience the Monkey Drop

The Experience

Eight hours starts with a 5-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna to a chocolate farm, where a guide walks you through how cacao becomes chocolate — from sorting and roasting beans to grinding and tempering. You taste the results and ride an oxcart through the property before heading to Pure Trek headquarters for an organic lunch. The afternoon is the rappelling: you descend tropical waterfalls using professional equipment, navigate river sections on foot, scramble over rocks, and tackle the Monkey Drop, a swing into a pool that leaves you soaked. A photographer documents the canyon work, and prints are available to buy.

The combo format means you get two sides of Costa Rica without booking separately or arranging transport between them. Bilingual guides (English and Spanish) lead both parts. High-quality rappelling gear is provided, and the physical demand is real — you need at least moderate fitness and comfort with heights, water and climbing. Children from age 5 can join if accompanied by an adult. Hotel pickup and drop-off cover selected properties in La Fortuna; public transportation options exist nearby if yours is not on the list.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guides in English and Spanish.
• high-quality rappelling equipment.
• organic lunch at Pure Trek headquarters.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna properties.
• a photographer documenting the canyoning (photos available for purchase).
• access to both the chocolate farm tour with tastings and oxcart ride, and the Pure Trek canyon for waterfall rappelling, rock 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 both chocolate-making and waterfall rappelling in one day with continuous flow between them; skip it if you prefer to watch rappelling rather than rappel yourself, or if you only want one activity.

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Top questions

What exactly do you do during the waterfall rappelling part?

You rappel down tropical waterfalls using professional equipment, rock climb between descents, hike through river sections, and do the Monkey Drop — a swing into a pool. You will get wet, and the afternoon is active and physical.

Is the chocolate tour a hands-on experience or mostly watching?

The chocolate tour is hands-on: you learn the bean-to-bar process, taste chocolate at different stages, and ride an oxcart through the farm. You also have the chance to buy artisanal chocolate to take home.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The 8-hour combo includes professional equipment, bilingual guides, organic lunch at Pure Trek headquarters, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a photographer for the canyoning. Photos are available for purchase separately, as are gratuities.

How fit do you need to be for this?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The day involves rappelling, climbing, river hiking and swimming, so comfort with heights, water and exertion matters. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

Can children do this activity?

Children from age 5 can join if accompanied by an adult. They participate in both the chocolate tour and the canyoning, though an adult must be present throughout.

How long does each part take?

The chocolate tour and oxcart ride take place in the morning, followed by organic lunch at Pure Trek. The waterfall rappelling and canyon activities fill the afternoon. The full day is 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.