• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
MytanFeet

MytanFeet

Costa Rica Travel Blog

  • Home
  • Start
  • About
  • Blog
  • Deals
  • Contact
    • Work with us

Canyoning in Arenal | Life Changing Adventure Rappelling Down 200 Foot Waterfalls

February 3, 2018 By Sammi 50 Comments

It changed my life, no joke! You have to do it!

I listened to my friend describe her experience canyoning in Arenal with a bit of skepticism. Changed your life? Sure… everyone says that every time they travel! But I was curious. She wasn’t the type of girl to say things lightly so it had to have been something special for her to say it changed her life.

So when I was planning my brother’s Costa Rica itinerary, I made sure to book a canyoning tour in La Fortuna. And well, I have to say that my friend was right. It actually changed my life.

If you’re visiting La Fortuna/Arenal and you love nature and adventure, canyoning is a must. Read on to see our pictures and videos from this amazing day and why canyoning in Arenal made such an impact on my life (and get 7% off this tour!).

This post was updated February 2018.

That time we went canyoning in Arenal

We went with Pure Trek Canyoning which is the leading canyoning company in Costa Rica so we were in good hands. They drove us to the main office, located in the forest surrounding La Fortuna waterfall on one of those indestructible Toyota 4X4 to get all suited up.

For those who have visited Central America before, you know that it’s incredibly common to ride in the back of these trucks as transportation, especially in not so nice roads. But as it was my brother and friends’ first time here, this was kind of a surprise.

“We have to ride that?” my brother asked in dismay. “Hey, be grateful because in Nicaragua we didn’t have seats… or a cover… or bars to hold onto!” I replied.

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
Waiting to go down to the canyoning area

I think we were all kind of nervous and excited to do the canyoning. We suited up and the guides gave us the shortest safety presentation I’ve ever heard.

Hold the line with your left hand above, right hand down by your waist. Don’t hold tight or else you won’t move. Space your legs evenly apart. 4 waterfalls, 1 one rock wall.

Even for ziplining they give you this long schpeel and that’s super easy! Well I guess we’ll see how it goes. It must be a lot easier than it looks, after all you have someone on top and someone on bottom, two ropes and a harness to help you down. They said that if you get stuck or have trouble, the guides will do most of the work for you (phew).

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
Our canyoning outfit.

The first rappel was the longest, about 200 feet right next to a waterfall and they let us go 2 at a time. My brother and his wife went first and we could hear them yelling all the way down but I peered over the edge and saw them safely on the bottom. So why were my legs shaking so much?

I have to admit, I was nervous. I consider myself an adventurous person because I’m willing to try anything but I hadn’t done many adventures. Ziplining, yes. White water tubing, yes. Ziplining upside down, check. But that was about the extent of my adventure list!

So when it was my turn, I looked at Yeison who was going down the same time as me and smiled big to hide my nerves. See you on the other side! I yelled out. I turned around to position myself and when the guide gave the signal, I took my first leap down into the jungles with only 2 ropes to hold me.

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
best waterfall rappeling in Costa Rica experience!
Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
Waterfall rappelling La Fortuna – down I go!

They weren’t lying when they said don’t hold tight with your hands. Even if you pinch the line ever so slightly, you don’t move at all. You have to let open your left hand and just lightly wrap the rope with your right. At first my legs kept flailing around as I got my balance but as soon as I got one good push off, I steadied myself and hopped down like a bunny.

I glanced over at Yeison who was already halfway down, leaping who knows how many feet while here I was, moving only half a foot at a time. OK I need to let go more I told myself. Or else I would’ve been on that rock forever! I loosened my grip and gave a good push off the rock. Heck yea now that’s way more fun!

I landed in the pool and thankfully the guide helped me get straightened as my legs were wobbling a little bit. Though I nearly fell face first into the water, I didn’t care – I MADE IT! I eagerly trotted over to the next waterfall to get ready to go again.

The next one wasn’t as high but you definitely get wet because you’re right inside a waterfall. You have to jump and swing down about 40 feet because there is no rock to push off of and you get a nice spray of water in the face. Refreshing!

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
My brother going down the second waterfall
Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
We all made it to so far!

One more rock wall rappel down, another mini waterfall and then onto the last one, a big wide waterfall. By now I felt like a pro and I was wanting more. Pure Trek picked a great last waterfall as this one could be done in two ways. One big leap down or small leaps.

Our guide was encouraging everyone who wasn’t sure if they could push off strong enough to go in small jumps. But I think he secretly wanted to get everyone soaked.

Well if everyone else is doing it, I might as well too! I decided to try my luck at taking one giant jump.

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
Our guide encouraging us to jump it all at once

I didn’t end up pushing off hard enough and landed about halfway in the waterfall where the guides playfully pulled me into the water. Ahhhhhh! I cried out as the cold water rushed into my face. Woo hoo!

Canyoning in Arenal - Pure Trek Canyoning
Wheeeee!

At the end, I was wanting more. More waterfalls, more rock walls. If I had to describe it one word, it’d be awesome. Freaking awesome! I really don’t know why I was scared. Honestly! I was so proud of myself for doing it.

Pictures don’t do the canyoning justice so you have to check out the video. Trust me, after you watch it you’ll be looking up airplane tickets to come and do canyoning in Arenal!

Canyoning Video

Our experience canyoning in Arenal opened up my eyes to outdoor adventure and this is the activity that got me hooked. I can actually trace it back to this very day and whenever anyone asks me what my favorite thing to do in Costa Rica, canyoning is on top of the list. The feeling you get when it’s just you, the waterfall and nature is like no other. And that sensation of adrenaline rushing through your body, coursing through every vein makes you feel like you can do anything.

Costa Rica has given me many things including love and a new perspective on life but I never expected an appreciation and necessity for outdoor adventure would be one of them. I hope you feel the same way when you visit as well because there is no feeling like conquering your fear with nature or experiencing nature to the fullest.

Tips for the Best Canyoning in Arenal

  • Wear clothes that can get wet and dry quickly. You’ll wear the blue top over your shirt but your pants will get. I wore jeans which was a terrible idea!
  • You don’t need previous experience. Kids can also do this tour and if they are too scared, they can go with a guide who will take them down. Kids do need to be at least 5 years old to do the tour.
  • No need to swim.
  • Wear shoes that can get wet and go from water to land easily. Closed toed hiking sandals are the best since they’re the most comfortable compared to wearing sneakers and socks since your feet will get wet. Hiking sandals also give you some traction. Wearing closed toed shoes will be super uncomfortable since you’ll have soaking wet socks at the end!
  • The best camera to use is a GoPro or Sony Action Cam. Some helmets have the mount but you need to bring the attaching mount piece. A point and shoot waterproof camera won’t work since you have to use both hands to go down
  • Don’t try to bring your phone to take pictures, you end up getting soaked so don’t take any risks. The company has a photographer which you can purchase pictures after.
  • Price includes lunch.
  • They have a morning and afternoon tour. The entire tour takes around 4 hours.

The Pure Trek Canyoning tour is $114 USD per person. If you want to do this tour, we have a 7% discount for canyoning in Arenal!

Read about other things to do in Arenal here!

Arenal Volcano Tours

Cerro Chato

Rio Frio nature safari

La Fortuna waterfall

There are Amazon affiliate links in this post.

Filed Under: Activities and tours Costa Rica

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shannon says

    February 27, 2021

    Hi! First off, your site is soooooo helpful and informative! Thank you!

    This canyoning tour looks amazing! I did have a question….when you jump off and down the cliffs do you drop quickly? Do you get that same feeling in your stomach that you get on a roller coaster when it drops? I ask because this looks like an amazing experience but I hate that feeling you get in your stomach from quick drops on rides and whatnot haha.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 28, 2021

      hi Shannon, I’m glad the blog is helpful.

      You don’t have to take huge jumps when canyoning. The first waterfall, I was actually nervous so I took tiny baby steps and the guide had to encourage and kind of pull me down because I was going super slow and they had to keep everyone moving. By the last waterfall, I felt more confident and they said the last one you can take a bigger leap, the distance is not that far and it’s not like a straight drop since you kind of like, glide down and the guide at the bottom holds you steady.

      Reply
  2. Len says

    January 21, 2020

    How cold is the water in February? I am planning to do this and I easily get cold. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 21, 2020

      Not that bad, we did it in August in slight rain and you kind of get over the coldish water soon because you’re moving a lot. February is dry season and very hot so it’ll be nice weather, when we went in August it was cloudy and drizzling.

      Reply
  3. Marissa Z. says

    July 17, 2019

    Hi! MY fiance and I are looking to do this activity and the horseback riding one as well. Can both be done in the same day and if so, which order do you suggest?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      July 17, 2019

      Hello! Yes you can. We usually recommend canyoning in the morning during rainy season.

      Reply
  4. Rosemary says

    June 5, 2019

    1st, I LOVE your site! This has been so helpful in planning our trip.
    I think I’ve convinced 3/4 of our group to do the canyoning! Can one person come with, take pictures, but not rappel?
    Also, we wanted to zipline, would you recommend doing both in the same day? Are we able to book those together?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      June 5, 2019

      Hi Rosemary!

      The canyoning goes through 4 waterfalls and you have to go down the waterfall to get to the next one so the only thing the person who doesn’t go is to watch the group for the first one and then wait for them to finish.

      You can do ziplning in the same day as canyoning and ziplining are half day activities.

      Reply
  5. Basil says

    February 8, 2019

    Thank you for the wonderful blog. We haven’t done Canyoning before (only ziplining) and are excited to try it. With a family of four, with two boys (ages 11 and 12) we are debating between Sky Limit and Pure Trek (or Spider Monkey) canyoning. Have you done Sky Limit? It seems it has canyoning over one waterfall only… but also includes ziplining, Tarzan swing and Sky Tram. If we had more time in Arenal, we would have preferred to do these activities separately. With our limited time, would you recommend Pure Trek or Sky Limit? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 9, 2019

      Hi Basil, we haven’t done Sky Limit but it sounds like a fun obstacle course. I’m sure that either one will be fun, but Pure Trek is all canyoning, sounds like Sky Limit has one canyon and then the rest of the activity is a variety of an obstacle course.

      Reply
  6. tom says

    December 16, 2018

    For Arenal..Are the SkyTrek ..Ziplines and SKY-Limit 10 event packages Too hairy or too difficult for most normal people and kids?? want the adventure nots sure the level to do..
    ecoglide maybe too tame??

    thanks

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 17, 2018

      Skytrek zipline is pretty intense…I would say that’s definitely not for someone who is scared of heights. Check out the Aventuras Mundo Park, that one has a nice zipline over La Fortuna waterfall.

      Reply
  7. Maggie says

    December 1, 2018

    Love your site! I know you recommend close toed water shoes like Keen, but will original Teva sandals do the trick? It looks like that is what many in your party were wearing. I love my Tevas and don’t want to shell out for Keen’s unless it really is worth it.

    I am beyond excited!!! We fly out Dec 27

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 1, 2018

      Hi Maggie, those should be fine ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Jul says

    September 2, 2018

    Hi Just great !! I know!! There is also one in Golfito, smaller but wilder !! For those going to South Costa Rica !! byee ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  9. Karley says

    April 15, 2018

    I think I have to add canyoning to our list of things to do when we visit Costa Rica next month! I’m trying to decide between this tour and the one offered on the Mistico site. I am considering the Spider Monkey Canyon + Hanging Bridges Walk. Do you know anything about that tour? Thanks so much! Your blog has been such a huge help in planning out trip!!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      April 16, 2018

      Hi Karley! Canyoning is soo fun I highly recommend it. I haven’t done the Mistico one but I saw a video of it on Youtube. We personally love the Pure Trek one and I believe they have the tallest waterfalls for canyoning in the area.

      Reply
  10. Nadia says

    February 27, 2018

    Will we be able to see the La Fortuna Waterfall on this tour?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 27, 2018

      Hi Nadia, no this tour doesn’t go to La Fortuna waterfall. You’ll have to go there separately.

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Hamm says

    February 24, 2018

    Is there an age requirement for this tour?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 25, 2018

      Hi Jennifer, the minimum age is 5 and maximum is around 65-70 depending on their physical condition because it does require you to be in moderate physical condition and have good knees and ankles so for people who have trouble walking, they will not be able to do it.

      Reply
  12. Jamie says

    January 22, 2018

    Is this tour still the same as when you went? I looked at their website and it didn’t seem the same as the pictures and videos you posted. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 23, 2018

      Hi Jamie, it is the same tour, you can see the photos are actually the same shots and they post the same ones on Facebook (there are only 4 waterfalls and they take photos at the top of the first one, bottom of the second one, and top of the last one). They do have an extra monkey drop and rock climb that we didn’t do though, I think they added that part of the tour recently.

      Reply
  13. Sammi says

    January 15, 2018

    Hi! For your kids, canyoning would be perfect for them! The minimum age is 5 so that’s perfect. They would probably also like ziplining and horseback riding and if they like water, there is a great white water rafting tour for kids that is Class 2 and 3 they can do.

    But for your girls, I highly recommend the canyoning, white water rafting and ziplining. If they like animals, horseback riding is also super fun!

    Reply
  14. ST says

    January 15, 2018

    Loved your guides and blog! I have a 7 and 10 yr old girls. Both adventurous and love hiking. Do you recommend canyoning for them? Is there a minimum age? Also what other fun activities do you recommend for kids?

    Reply
  15. Sammi says

    November 14, 2017

    Hi Mona, you can see here the list of La Fortuna tours discount.

    Reply
  16. Mona says

    November 14, 2017

    We are visiting Aernal in Feb 2018. We are planning to do PureTrek combo tour of rappaling and rafiting. Do you provide discount for that?

    Reply
  17. Sammi says

    June 11, 2017

    Hi Jill, for canyoning we went with Pure Trek.

    Reply
  18. Jill says

    June 10, 2017

    What tour companies do you recommend in Arenal?

    Reply
  19. Michelle says

    April 2, 2017

    This looks amazing! But neither I or my sister are swimmers, would we be able to take part in this if we cannot swim?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      April 2, 2017

      Hi Michelle, you don’t have to swim in the canyoning, you’ll land in the waterfall pool but it’s super shallow.

      Reply
  20. Kathy Zepeda says

    March 24, 2017

    Sammi,

    I was looking at your suggestion on a week in Costa Rica, do you think we good squeeze in Arenal if we had one or two days ?

    Kathy

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 24, 2017

      Hi Kathy, you can. A lot of people do day trips if they don’t have enough time or stay at least one full day so they can go to the hot springs and visit the national park which is probably the most popular 2 activities to do together.

      Reply
  21. Tonya Denmark says

    March 22, 2017

    I absolutely loved the guides at Pure Trek. True professionals. And just fun overall!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 22, 2017

      They are awesome!

      Reply
  22. Tonya says

    May 8, 2016

    You mention a discount if we go through you on this. How does that work?

    Reply
  23. samantha says

    May 17, 2014

    I am doing this in one week. Are you able to bring your camera? I know it said there is a guide there taking pictures and you can purchase them afterwards.. is that what you did or were you able to bring a camera

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      May 17, 2014

      If you have a GO Pro you can attach it but these pictures are from the guides taking the photos. It’d be pretty difficult to take your camera if it’s not a go pro where you can strap it on because you need both hands for holding the rope at all time.

      Reply
  24. Travis says

    October 20, 2013

    Great post. We went canyoning when we were in Costa Rica 3 years ago, and it was definitely one of the most fun things we’ve done on our travels. Our guides were great and very goofy (I think we went with a different company, but possibly to the same spot). We also had a 200 foot descent at the end. The best moment was going down about 190 feet on your own, and then them telling you “the guide needed to let you down the rest of the way since you were away from the waterfall wall”…which was basically a ruse to drop you into the pool at the bottom. Great fun! Glad to hear you are enjoying Costa Rica, we had a blast there!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 20, 2013

      Thanks! It actually kind of sounds like Arenal – the last waterfall our guides would deliberately swing us under the waterfall to get us wet haha. Definitely one of the best tours and I want to do it again! pura vida!

      Reply
  25. Jessica Zais says

    October 3, 2013

    haha. Ya they were behind schedule so they were like, “No, you’ll be finnnnne.” haha. One of the things that made we want to do the arenal canyoning trip was I noticed you didn’t have to wear wetsuits. hahaha. And yes, I totally did keep that photo. It makes me laugh so hard every time I see it.;D

    Reply
  26. Jessica Zais says

    October 2, 2013

    Haha. Totally. Ya canyoning in Switzerland was really cool! The only problem was we had to wear full wetsuits and they gave me one that was way too small so
    I could barely bend my knees and arms which was a tad frightening. haha. I probably looked like a waddling penguin. There was a photographer with us taking photos and everyone has this shot of them surfacing after jumping off a waterfall and my shot is of my helmut submerged in the water because I couldn’t swim in the wetsuit. hahaha. Preeeetty funny. But I felt awesome at the end (especially after taking off the darn wetsuit)! ; D

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 2, 2013

      Oh my gosh that’s too funny but considering how much you have to move around while canyoning that’s pretty uncomfortable! They just gave us jackets which was nice since the water was a tad chilly. I hope you kept that pic just for memories sake ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  27. Jessica Zais says

    October 2, 2013

    I was thinking of the whale shark when I wrote magical. lol. Wrong post! But ya, stuff like that totally changes you, even if it’s just in a small way – it shows you you’re tougher than you think! ๐Ÿ˜€ I remember canyoning in Interlaken, Switzerland and I was so scared but then after I was like, “Damn straight I did that.” haha.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 2, 2013

      OH man I had the same thought, i was pretty freaked out right before but afterwards it’s such a cool feeling and you’re like hell yea! haha, canyoning in Switzerland sounds pretty awesome!

      Reply
  28. Jessica Zais says

    October 2, 2013

    I believe it! Pretty magical!

    Reply
  29. Jessica Zais says

    October 2, 2013

    Awesome- another thing to add to my list of things to do when I’m down there this winter! Thanks guys!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      October 2, 2013

      Yes you have to do it! Changed my life… well not that intense but pretty close haha

      Reply
  30. Elle says

    August 29, 2013

    This looks like so much fun! We planned on visiting here when I went to Costa but, unfortunately, we didn’t make it ๐Ÿ™ Maybe next time!

    Reply
    • yeison says

      August 29, 2013

      Hi Elle !

      Yes, You have to do it next time, we know the right people so let us know when are you coming, and they will give you a special price. Pura vida !

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Primary Sidebar

About Mytanfeet

Hi! We are Yeison and Samantha

Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect โ€‹trip to Costa Rica.

Our Costa Rica City Guides

Tamarindo Costa Rica Travel Guide
Sponsored Ads
Costa Rica Destinations Map

Special rent a car rates for Mytanfeet readers

Check Rates or Reserve


Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You!

Yes, send me the tips

Footer

About

Who are we ?
Contact us
Copyright & Disclaimer

Travel

Get $20+ Airbnb credit
Start here
Destination Map
Join our YouTube Channel

Exclusive deals

Save up 20% on Car Rentals
7% off Arenal tours
White water Rafting special
See all our exclusive deals

Mytanfeet LLC Copyrightยฉ 2013 - 2021 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog!

MytanFeet
  • Home
  • Start
  • About
  • Blog
  • Deals
  • Contact
    • Work with us