Rafting & Canyoning near San Jose: 8 hours of rapids and rappels

Paddle class 2/3 rapids, then rappel 100 meters down waterfalls

This 8-hour activity near San Jose pairs white water rafting on the Balsa River with canyoning: two hours of paddling through class 2/3 rapids, then a guided rappel descent of five waterfalls totaling 100 meters, including a 55-meter drop from a hanging bridge. Hotel pickup and drop-off from central San Jose, lunch, all equipment, and a professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian are included.

The Experience

The day starts with a seven-minute drive from your San Jose hotel to the Balsa River. After a safety briefing and gear check, you spend two hours paddling through class 2/3 rapids on a tropical river where monkeys, sloths and tropical birds move through the canopy above. The water is the main event here—the rapids keep moving, and the lush banks and waterfalls frame the ride without slowing it down.

After lunch, you hike ten minutes into a cloud forest canyon to the first rappel point at a hanging bridge. From there you descend five times in total: one 55-meter drop from the bridge, then four more down the faces of waterfalls inside the canyon, each one rigged with a safety harness and climbing gear. The descents total 100 meters. A car ride back up through the cloud forest follows, then a 400-meter zip-line cable closes the day before you return to San Jose.

The guides handle all safety setup and instruction. You need to be comfortable in moving water and on rappel lines, but the itinerary is built for mixed fitness levels. Breakfast and lunch are included; bring a change of clothes and a towel. The activity runs in all weather, so dress for wet conditions.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from central San Jose.
• breakfast and lunch.
• all rafting and canyoning equipment including safety harnesses and climbing gear.
• professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Lands in love Vegan Experience Hotel and Resort

Is this one for you?The day demands comfort in moving water and on rappel lines, and an early start—the full eight hours means you're on the river by mid-morning and back in San Jose by evening. Book this if you want both paddling and vertical descent in one day, and you're ready for a full-day pace that doesn't pause between activities.

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Top questions

What are the rapids like on the Balsa River?

The Balsa River section is class 2/3 rapids—steady moving water with waves and small drops, not extreme but continuous for the full two hours. The river passes through tropical forest with wildlife visible from the water.

How high are the rappels and what's the longest single drop?

The five rappel descents total 100 meters. The longest single drop is 55 meters from a hanging bridge at the start of the canyon section; the other four descents are down waterfall faces inside the canyon.

What's included in the price from San Jose?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from central San Jose, breakfast, lunch, all rafting and rappelling gear, safety harnesses and climbing equipment, and a professional guide are included. Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian.

How long is the full day and what time does it start?

The activity runs eight hours total. You'll be picked up from your San Jose hotel in the morning; the exact start time is confirmed when you book.

Do I need experience with rafting or rappelling to do this?

No prior experience is required. The guides provide full safety instruction and equipment setup before both the rafting and the canyoning sections. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, though you need to be comfortable in water and on rappel lines.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity operates in all weather conditions. Dress in layers and bring a change of clothes; the guides will brief you on what to expect and how to stay safe and warm.