Canyoning in Matacanes: 25+ Jumps, Rappels & Natural Slides

You rappel down a waterfall and swim through caves in the same afternoon.

Canyoning in Matacanes Canyon near Santiago de los Caballeros is a 12-hour activity where you hike into the canyon, jump into turquoise pools, slide natural rock formations, and rappel two waterfalls with certified guides. The tour includes wetsuit, harness, helmet, life jacket, photographs, and round-trip pickup from your hotel. Videos of the adventure are available on some options. Moderate to high fitness required. Not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Canyoning adventure in Matacanes Canyon

• Meet guides at Hotel Cola de Caballo
• Board 4x4 vehicle to Potrero Redondo
• Receive and wear canyoning equipment
• Hike 1.5 hours to canyon entrance
• Perform over 25 jumps into pools
• Slide on natural rock slides
• Swim in caves and underground rivers
• Abseil two waterfalls (27 m and 18 m)

The experience

You start at Hotel Cola de Caballo, where guides fit you with a wetsuit, harness, helmet and life jacket, then drive a 4x4 into the mountains to Potrero Redondo. A hike of about 90 minutes takes you through the Sierra de Santiago to the canyon entrance. From there, the real work begins: more than 25 jumps into pools ranging from 1 to 12 meters (many optional, so you choose your own depth) plus natural rock slides, swimming through caves and underground rivers in turquoise water, and two abseiling descents down waterfalls of 27 meters and 18 meters.

Certified guides lead the whole day and handle your safety. They also photograph and film the most dramatic moments so you can focus on the jumps and slides instead of holding a camera. The 20 km route through Matacanes is considered Mexico's most intense canyoning experience, mixing adrenaline with the landscape and local culture of the region. Gear, first aid kit and medical reimbursement insurance are all included.

This is a full-day commitment with real physical demand. You need at least moderate fitness to hike, jump and rappel. The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Pickup from your hotel and return transport are part of the package, though some options bundle accommodation as well.

What’s included

• Certified guides in English or Spanish.
• wetsuit, harness, helmet and life jacket.
• complete rappelling equipment.
• photographs of the adventure.
• first aid medical kit.
• medical reimbursement insurance.
• snack during the tour.
• round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Options for this experience

4 options

Canyoning in Matacanes: abseiling, jumping and natural slidesGuide in English or Spanish · 05:00

Cottage accommodationGuide in English or Spanish · 19:00Evening before the cabin tour: Stay overnight in a shared cabin in Potrero Redondo the night before the tour. If you would rather have a private cabin, write to us!

Includes transportation from MonterreyGuide in English or Spanish · 04:00Pickup from Monterrey is included in transportation

Tour, cabin and transportationGuide in English or Spanish · 19:00Shared cabin: If you would like a single cabin, send us a message and we will send you the available options. Transportation from Monterrey, pickup included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:00, 05:00 and 19:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Paid on siteUS$ 7.15

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Black Dragons Excursions

Is this one for you?Book with transportation from Monterrey if you're arriving from outside the region and want the whole day handled start to finish. Choose the cabin or cottage option if you want to stay overnight and ease into the activity without a same-day drive back.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many jumps and rappels are there in the Matacanes Canyon canyoning tour?

The tour includes more than 25 jumps into pools (ranging from 1 to 12 meters, with many optional), natural rock slides, and two rappelling descents down waterfalls of 27 meters and 18 meters.

What equipment do I get for the canyoning activity?

Guides provide a wetsuit, harness, helmet, life jacket and all complete rappelling gear. You wear it from the start and the guides help you fit everything before the hike begins.

How long is the hike before the canyon jumps start?

The hike from Potrero Redondo to the canyon entrance takes about 90 minutes through the mountain. The actual canyoning (jumps, slides and rappels) begins after you reach the canyon.

Do I get photos or videos of my canyoning adventure?

Certified guides capture photographs and videos at the most spectacular points throughout the day. Videos are included on some booking options and available separately on others.

What is the physical fitness level required for this canyoning tour?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the hike, jumps and rappels. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.