Matacanes Canyon: Rappelling, Hiking & Water Jumps Adventure

Summary

Monterrey canyon circuit with rappels, river swims and turquoise pools

You’ll hike deep into Matacanes Canyon with local guides, rappel down sheer drops, swim through underground rivers, and leap into turquoise pools. Expect cold water shocks, laughter echoing off cave walls, and a sense of accomplishment that lingers long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Matacanes Canyon was the way the air felt — sort of cool and damp, almost electric. We’d already been walking for a while (the approach is no joke; it’s about 6 km before you even get to the real action), and our guide Marco kept us moving at a steady pace but never rushed. He pointed out these tiny wildflowers growing out of cracks in the limestone. I remember thinking my legs were going to give out before we even started the rappelling part, but somehow it just made me laugh. Maybe that’s what adrenaline does.

The first rappel was taller than I expected — 30 meters looks different from above than below. The rope felt rough in my hands through the gloves they gave us, and there was this echoey sound of water hitting rock somewhere below. Marco shouted encouragements from below (“¡Venga!”), and when my feet finally hit the pool at the bottom, it was shockingly cold but kind of perfect. There’s another rappel after that (shorter — only 18 meters), but honestly, by then you’re just rolling with it. The canyon opens up into these turquoise pits where you can jump in if you’re brave enough — some are just a meter or so, others are way higher (I skipped the big one; no shame).

What really surprised me were the underground tunnels — pitch black except for our headlamps bobbing along. The smell down there is earthy and a little metallic, like wet stone and moss. Everyone got quiet in those parts except for someone’s nervous giggle echoing off the walls. After all that jumping and sliding down natural rock chutes (my elbows are still recovering), you end up hiking out on tired legs through more river crossings than I could count. Dinner at the end tasted like a feast even though it was simple food — maybe everything tastes better after 19 kilometers of canyoning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Matacanes canyon rappelling and hiking

• Walk 6 km to canyon
• Rappel 30 meters
• Rappel 18 meters
• Slide down natural slides
• Explore underground rivers and caves
• Jump into water over 20 times
• Cross trails and rivers 4 km

Top questions

How long is the Matacanes Canyon tour?

The full route covers around 19 km and typically lasts a full day including hiking, canyoning activities, and meal breaks.

What activities are included in this Monterrey canyon adventure?

You’ll do two rappels (30m & 18m), swim through caves and underground rivers, jump into pools (1-12m), hike trails & cross rivers.

Is hotel pickup included for Matacanes Canyon tours?

The tour includes private transportation with air conditioning from Monterrey or your meeting point.

What equipment do I need to bring?

All technical gear is provided: neoprene suit, helmet, harness & life jacket. Just bring comfortable clothes & extra dry layers.

Are meals included during the day trip?

Yes — both breakfast before starting and dinner after finishing are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

This experience requires high physical fitness; not recommended for beginners or travelers with health restrictions.

When is the best time to book Matacanes Canyon?

The ideal season runs from April to August for best water levels & weather conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport from Monterrey, all technical canyoning gear like neoprene suits and helmets, breakfast to fuel up before starting out, plus dinner when you finish — trust me, you’ll be hungry by then.