Manuel Antonio: Rappelling, Zipline & Waterfall Adventure Tour

Summary

Waterfall rappelling and ziplining in Costa Rica’s rainforest with local guides

You’ll scramble through rainforest near Manuel Antonio with local guides—rappelling waterfalls, flying over treetops on zip lines, tasting fresh fruit mid-adventure. Expect muddy boots, laughter echoing under the canopy, and a traditional Costa Rican meal to end your day. It’s not polished—but it’s real adventure.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is how our driver—Andrés, I think—grinned as he handed me a piece of guava at the base camp outside Manuel Antonio. It was sticky-sweet and honestly, I almost dropped it because my hands were shaking a bit (nerves or excitement? Hard to tell). The ride out from Quepos was half an hour through these winding roads—cows, mango trees, someone’s laundry flapping bright against the green. When we switched to a 4WD for the last stretch into the rainforest, it felt like we were really leaving everything behind.

Our guide, Sofia, had this way of pointing out things I’d never have noticed—the blue morpho butterfly that flashed past us like a piece of sky, leaf-cutter ants hauling bits of jungle across the trail. She laughed when I tried to say “Jesus Christ lizard” in Spanish (I definitely butchered it), but she still showed me where they skittered across the water later on. The first rappel down the waterfall—I won’t lie, my legs wobbled. Cold spray everywhere and that weird mix of terror and thrill in your stomach. But after that, you just want more.

The course is this wild mix—zip lines slicing through green light, climbing up slick tree roots with mud squelching under your boots (my socks never recovered), then pausing on a suspension bridge where everything goes quiet except for birds and your own breath. At some point we stopped for fresh fruit and iced tea; oranges never tasted so sharp as when you’re dripping wet and grinning at strangers who suddenly feel like friends. There’s a moment right before the last monkey drop where time slows down—you look around at all this tangled forest and think: am I really doing this? And then you just go.

Lunch after was “comida típica”—rice, beans, some sort of chicken stew—and everyone ate like they hadn’t seen food in days. I still think about that view from the open-air dining spot: steam rising off plates, rain starting up again on banana leaves. It wasn’t perfect (my shoes are still muddy), but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rappelling and rainforest adventure

• Travel from hotel to base camp
• Drive four wheel vehicle into rainforest
• Explore 80 acres of protected land
• Observe wildlife and ask questions
• Take short breaks with snacks and drinks
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican meal

Top questions

How long does the Manuel Antonio rappelling tour take?

The multi-activity half day tour lasts approximately 4–5 hours including transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos.

Is hotel pickup included for this waterfall adventure?

Yes, round trip transportation from hotels or villas in Manuel Antonio or Quepos is included in your ticket price.

What activities are part of this Costa Rica adventure tour?

The course includes waterfall rappelling, treetop and inclined rappelling, three zip lines, monkey drop, tree climbing, and a suspension bridge.

Are snacks or meals provided during the tour?

Yes—snacks with fruit and iced tea are served during breaks; after the tour you get a traditional Costa Rican lunch (“comida típica”).

Is this rappelling tour suitable for kids or families?

The tour fits most ages but is not recommended for infants under 3 years old or travelers with certain health conditions.

Do I need special equipment for waterfall rappelling?

No—all required safety and operational equipment is provided by the guides as part of your booking.

Where does this canyoning adventure take place?

The adventure takes place within 80 acres of protected land near Manuel Antonio and Quepos in Costa Rica’s rainforest.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by air-conditioned minivan plus a 4WD safari ride into the rainforest; all safety gear for seven different activities like rappelling waterfalls and ziplining; snacks with fresh fruit and iced tea during breaks; bottled water throughout; and a hearty Costa Rican lunch before heading back in comfort.