Are you ready to leave your comfort zone and take on an adventure? We list down the best Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tours in Costa Rica that you can choose from.
The best waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica is called the best for a reason.
There might be no perfect location to conquer other than the country’s rugged jungles set amid lush landscapes and teeming with wildlife.
Imagine being strapped in your trusty cables, enjoying the views one careful step at a time.
Canyoning Costa Rica is on the same level of worthiness.
There is no time to think twice if you must jump or not; the jungle’s blue-green waters are enough to lure you into diving in.
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1. Arenal Volcano: Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning
Experience Arenal Volcano Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning with the best guides that will take you from your hotel right into the heart of the Costa Rican Jungle.
This extreme waterfall rappelling and canyoning tour happens in Arenal’s Gravity Falls.
This body of water calls out the adventurer in you to conquer the whole 150 feet of this famous waterfall.
Right below you is a natural pool that gives a much-needed dose of cooling down before you continue your journey.
Afterward, prepare to go canyoning and jump from one cliff to another—the heights you have to conquer range from ten to 40 feet.Â
Treat yourself to a hearty Costa Rican meal right after your extreme adventure. Be driven back to your hotel as you look back on possibly your best travel experience to date.
Included:
- Transportation from La Fortuna
- Tour guide
- High-quality gear
- Lunch
2. The Mambo Combo! Rappel + Raft at Rio Balsa in Costa Rica
It is high time that you try to Rappel and Raft at Rio Balsa.
Well-regarded as one of the best waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica, this experience will surely leave you in awe even after the tour has ended.
Your journey starts and ends with the rich Costa Rican jungle as your playground.
Imagine conquering waterfalls and jumping through canyons while exotic birds and mammals are around you.
Afterward, get ready to pounce the waves of Rio Balsa as you ride your way through ten kilometers of white waters.
With all strength gone, rest your bones and enjoy a sumptuous local lunch before heading back to your hotel.
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation between activities
- Professional guides
- High-quality safety gear
- Tropical fruit
- Lunch
3. From San Jose: Full-Day Jaco Beach Canyoning and Canopy Tour
If you are staying in San Jose and would like to partake in an adventure close to the city, a Full-Day Jaco Beach Canyoning and Canopy Tour is a must.
Jaco is one of the best places to go canyoning in Costa Rica, and it is only about 60 kilometers from the capital city.
Pack a day bag and allot at least nine hours for this tour to commence. Stop by the Tarcoles River Bridge and say hello to the American crocodiles that call the place their habitat.
Eat a delicious filling lunch as your guides brief you on the adventure that’s about to happen.
A 4×4 ride will take you across the virgin mountain and into the jungle.
Be ready to jump out of your comfort zone and into the depths of cool waters and natural pools. Go canyon rappelling as you conquer one waterfall after another.
Included:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Typical lunch
- 2 ziplines
- Cliff jump (optional)
- 5 canyoning rappels
- 4×4 safari ride
- Naturalist tour guide
- Fruits of the season at the end of the adventure
4. Zip Line La Carpintera
Have you ever tried to Zip Line La Carpintera?
It’s an experience like no other, and this half-day tour will take you hiking through the forest reserve and enjoying the rich wildlife that lives in Carpintera Hills.
As you hang from safe steel cables, see the rainforest from a unique perspective – something you cannot possibly see if you choose to explore on the ground.
This tour promises exquisite views of the nearby Central Valley, Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano, and Tres Marias Hills.
After zip-lining, prepare to rappel your way through ten and 40 meters of distance. Your experienced local guide will be with you during the whole activity.
Included:
- All Fees and Taxes
- Canopy Equipment
- Policies
5. Canyoning in the Lost Canyon
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon is at the top of every visitor’s list of activities when visiting the country.
One great canyoning tour to take part in is in Costa Rica’s Lost Canyon. This green location is set amid the jungle of the Alajuela Province, right near the Arenal Volcano.
This canyoning adventure lasts for a good four hours. It starts with an important safety briefing led by your experienced local guide.
Afterward, a short test of your rappelling skills will occur on the first ten-foot cliff you will encounter.
One of the highlights of this tour is conquering the Big Boy, a waterfall that measures 150 feet.
A natural pool invites you to rappel as efficiently as you can so that you can finally plunge into its cool waters. Finish strong as you take on the cliff and waterfall that is 200 feet in length.
Any height lower than this will be a piece of cake for you afterward.
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Safety equipment and briefing
6. Zip Lining, Rappeling, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls, and more from Manuel Antonio
Go Zip Lining, Rappeling, Tarzan Swinging, Waterfalls, and more from Manuel Antonio as you take part in this ultimate experience that packages all the invigorating sports that Costa Rica is famous for.
The location for this activity is an Adventure Park, a perfect place that the whole family will surely enjoy.
Ride a 4×4, which will take you to the base camp, and from there, your experienced local guide will give you all the necessary safety and sports equipment you will need for the tour.
In your nature walk, you will see how lush the tropical setting of your adventure is. The whole zip line, rappel, and waterfall course at the park are yours to explore and conquer.
Don’t worry about going hungry during your trip, as meals will be served to fuel you up for this true adventure of a lifetime.
Included:
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks
- All activities
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
7. Rappel El Encanto Waterfall in Jaco
Take our word for it and book this tour if you want to Rappel El Encanto Waterfall in Jaco in the most enjoyable way possible.
Start your adventure with an essential safety briefing with your experienced tour guide.
Afterward, be ready to take on a 180-foot waterfall well-known in Jaco for being breathtaking and challenging at the same time.
Traverse the jungle by conquering the clear river that flows through. After one and a half hours, hike back to the ranch, where you will be served some of the best tropical fruits in the season.
A perfect and refreshing way to end a thrilling day, I must say!
Included:
- Rappel equipment
- Safety instructions
- Professional bi-lingual guide
- Refreshments at the end of the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Los Suenos, Jaco, Herradura, and Playa Hermosa areas for a minimum of 2 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling?
Canyoning and waterfall rappelling involve navigating through canyons using a variety of techniques including walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming. In Costa Rica, it often includes descending alongside or through waterfalls.
Where in Costa Rica are the Best Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tours Located?
Popular locations for these activities in Costa Rica include La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja, and the Pacific Coast near Jaco and Manuel Antonio.
Do I Need Prior Experience in Rappelling or Climbing?
No, most tours are designed for all skill levels, including beginners. Professional guides provide training and ensure safety throughout the tour.
What is the Best Time of Year to Go Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling in Costa Rica?
The best time is usually during the dry season, from December to April when water levels are more predictable, and weather conditions are more favorable.
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, leverages extensive experience in luxury travel and tourism to offer firsthand insights into emerging hospitality trends.
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Mareike Wielens is a highly experienced and passionate Tourism in Costa Rica expert with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry.
She is the CEO of Emotional Travel, a Costa Rica travel agency specializing in well-being and mental health vacations, but also designs tailormade roundtrips in Costa Rica.
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