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Experience the thrill of descending natural rock walls and jungle waterfalls with a canyoning adventure in Costa Rica. These guided tours combine technical descents with activities like white water rafting, zip-lining, and soaking in hot springs near the Arenal Volcano.
Free Cancellation Rappel down four waterfalls in the Peñas Blancas River Canyon while exploring the biodiversity of Pocosol Forest.
Free Cancellation Rappel down waterfalls, zip line through the canopy, and hike the Arenal River before lunch at La Roca Bistró.
Free Cancellation Spend the day rappelling down jungle waterfalls and rafting Class 2-3 rapids, followed by a local buffet lunch.
Free Cancellation Zip line across the Arenal River canyon and rappel 50 meters before relaxing in volcanic hot springs.
Free Cancellation Rappel down rainforest waterfalls and navigate white water rapids on this full-day Arenal adventure combo.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Arenal Volcano — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Combining the raw geological power of Arenal Volcano with the adrenaline of jungle canyoning, these tours offer an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure. You can expect to hike through lush rainforests, marvel at a perfectly conical stratovolcano, and descend massive waterfalls using professional climbing gear.
Strap into a harness and descend natural rock walls and rushing waterfalls. Some tours feature drops as high as 230 feet deep within the Peñas Blancas or Lost Canyon.
Experience the imposing presence of Arenal Volcano. While you can't hike to the crater, you will trek over historic 1968 lava flows and take in unobstructed views of the peak.
The dense canopy surrounding the volcano and canyons is teeming with life. Keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, sloths, colorful toucans, and phosphorescent frogs.
Many full-day combo tours pair your canyoning descent with Class II and III rapids on the nearby Balsa River, adding another layer of adventure to your day.
After a grueling day of hiking and rappelling, nothing beats soaking your muscles. Several tours include access to natural, volcanically heated pools nestled in the jungle.
Fly high above the Arenal River canyon on suspended cables. Select combo tours integrate zip-lining with your rappel, offering a bird's-eye view of the rainforest.
Planning an adventure around Arenal requires knowing your physical limits and understanding the logistics of combining national park visits with extreme sports. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can book standalone canyoning excursions that last 3 to 5 hours, or opt for full-day combo tours. Combos frequently pair waterfall rappelling with white water rafting, canopy zip-lining, or hot springs visits.
Rappelling requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. These tours are strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Age minimums vary by operator but generally range from 6 to 10 years old. Weight restrictions also apply for harness safety, with some canopy and rappel activities capping at 225 lbs (110 kg).
You will get fully soaked. Wear clothes that can get wet, a swimsuit, and closed-toe shoes or secure sandals with a backstrap (no flip-flops). Bring a towel and an extra change of dry clothes for the ride back.
If your itinerary includes a guided hike inside Arenal Volcano National Park, check if the entrance fee is covered. If not, foreign adult tickets are $15 USD plus tax, payable only by credit card at the gate.
Most tours include pickup and drop-off from hotels within the La Fortuna area. If you are staying outside the normal zone, expect an extra transport charge, or you can drive directly to the operator's headquarters.
Tours generally operate rain or shine. The dry season (December to April) offers the best chance for clear volcano views, but the rainy season (May to November) means the waterfalls you rappel down will be rushing at full force.
The vast majority of Arenal rappelling and combo tours offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can usually get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Standard Canyoning Tour | Canopy & Rappel Combo | Full-Day Rafting & Canyoning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 - 5 hours | 2 - 3 hours | 6 - 8 hours |
| Best for | Thrill-seekers & nature lovers | Families & tight schedules | Ultimate adventure enthusiasts |
| Key Activities | 4-5 waterfall rappels, river hiking, 230ft drops | Zip-lining, 50m rappel, hot springs access | Waterfall rappelling, Class II/III river rafting |
| Price from | $95 | $88 | $160 |
Arenal Volcano National Park:
Rappelling Tours:
Most canyoning and combo tours operate on fixed daily schedules, typically offering morning departures around 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM, and sometimes an afternoon slot around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. Hotel pickups usually commence 30 to 60 minutes prior to the official start time.
Arenal Volcano is located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southwest of La Fortuna, and roughly 140 km (87 miles) from San José (SJO Airport).
Once in La Fortuna, most rappelling tours provide included local transportation from your hotel to the canyoning sites.
Dry Season (December to April): This is generally the best time to visit if you want clear, unobstructed views of Arenal's conical peak. The trails over the lava fields are dry and much easier to navigate.
Rainy Season (May to November): September, October, and November are the wettest months. Heavy rain often cloaks the volcano in thick clouds, making views unlikely. However, the rainy season means the rivers and waterfalls in the canyons are at their most powerful, making for an incredibly thrilling rappelling experience.
Time of Day: If visiting the National Park, arrive right at 8:00 AM. Morning skies are usually the clearest before afternoon clouds build up, and wildlife is highly active.
National Park Accessibility:
Rappelling Tour Accessibility:
At the National Park:
At Canyoning Headquarters:
National Park Regulations:
Rappelling Safety Rules:
Yes, Arenal is considered an active volcano, but it has been in a quiet, resting phase since October 2010. Before that, it experienced over 40 years of constant eruptions.
No, hiking to the top is strictly prohibited and highly illegal. The upper slopes are high-risk zones due to toxic gases, sudden landslides, and unpredictable volcanic activity.
No prior experience is necessary. Professional guides provide a full safety briefing and oversee every descent, making it safe for beginners who have a moderate level of physical fitness.
You must wear closed-toe shoes, hiking sneakers, or secure sandals with a backstrap. Flip-flops are not allowed as they easily slip off in the rushing river water.
Usually, no. Canyoning tours take place in private reserves or river canyons just outside the park. If you visit the actual National Park, the entrance fee is $15 USD plus tax, payable by credit card only.
Yes, but there are age restrictions. Depending on the specific tour and difficulty of the canyon, the minimum age is generally between 6 and 10 years old.
You can bring a waterproof action camera like a GoPro, but regular cameras or phones will get ruined by the waterfalls. Many tour operators have professional photographers on-site and sell the photos afterward.
Rappelling and rafting tours run rain or shine. You are going to get completely soaked in the waterfalls anyway, and rain actually makes the river rapids and waterfalls more exciting.
Yes, most tour operators have base camps equipped with changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers. Some even provide towels and luxury baths so you can clean up before lunch.
A standard canyoning tour takes about 3 to 5 hours. If you book a combo tour that includes white water rafting or zip-lining, expect it to take a full day, around 6 to 8 hours.
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This canyoning tour takes you into the Peñas Blancas River Canyon, located within the Pocosol Forest near the Children's Eternal Rainforest. Over the course of the trip, you will descend four separate waterfalls using professional rappelling gear. The route is designed to give you a direct look at the canyon's geography and the river system while navigating the rugged terrain. Expert guides manage all safety aspects, providing technical instructions for each descent to ensure you are comfortable on the ropes. Between rappels, the guides share insights into the local ecology and the conservation efforts protecting this specific rainforest corridor. The experience combines physical activity with an educational look at the plants and wildlife that thrive in this humid environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided tour in La Fortuna takes you into a hidden canyon for a combination of waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and river hiking. You will descend several natural rock walls and waterfalls, with the option to jump into pools of clear water. The route also features two canopy lines that travel over the tropical forest floor and a scenic walk along the banks of the Arenal River. The experience is designed for all skill levels, so no prior canyoning knowledge is required. Certified guides provide a full safety induction and remain with the group throughout the tour, ensuring all professional equipment is used correctly. After the adventure, the group heads to La Roca Bistró for a provided lunch.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion starts at the Lost Canyon, where you will rappel down a series of waterfalls and navigate through a deep jungle canyon. The experience focuses on technical descent and exploring the rainforest terrain on foot and by rope. Following the canyoning, you'll head to the Balsa River for a rafting trip through Class 2 and 3 rapids. This stretch of river provides a balance of active paddling and scenery, suitable for those looking for a mix of excitement and nature. To finish the day, a tropical buffet lunch is served at the Hunters and Gatherers restaurant. The site is situated right by the El Salto swimming hole on the Río Fortuna, giving you a chance to see one of the area's well-known natural landmarks.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located at Go Adventure Park in Fortuna, this canopy tour features 13 platforms and 9 zip lines suspended over the Arenal River canyon. While traveling between cables, you can observe the rainforest's diverse wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and all three species of monkeys native to the area. In addition to the zip lines, the tour includes a 50-meter rappel. Once the adventure concludes, you will have access to the thermal hot springs at Montaña de Fuego Resort to relax in the volcanic mineral waters.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This full-day tour combines two of Arenal’s most popular activities: waterfall rappelling and white water rafting. Your day begins in the canyon, where you will use professional climbing gear to descend a series of waterfalls and rock walls surrounded by dense rainforest. Specialist guides oversee every descent to ensure safety and proper technique. After the canyoning session, the adventure continues on the river. You will navigate a series of rapids under the direction of an experienced rafting guide, paddling through tropical scenery and local wildlife habitats. This package includes all technical equipment and professional instruction for both activities, making it a comprehensive way to explore the rivers and canyons of the Arenal region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish