ABC Canyoning - Waterfall Rappeling in La Fortuna — Local services in La Fortuna

I did the Waterfall Rappelling tour a few weeks ago, and it was the highlight of my 10-day trip to Costa Rica. Alex and his team were incredibly focused on both safety and ensuring we were all getting what we hoped for out of the trip.

You start with getting helmets, harnesses, and gloves, along with a demo of safety and form for rappelling. While you're rappelling, the guides also give you tips as needed, like when you may need to lean back more, move to one side or the other, spread your feet out, etc. At no point did I feel like I was going down too quickly -- to the contrary, there were parts where I sort of got "stuck" and had to work to feed the rope more to descend -- but if you do start going too fast or veer off course, the guides at the top and bottom also have a hold on the rope and can slow you down or pull you back on track.

There were three smaller groups that started at different points, and my group happened to start with the largest waterfall. For me, I'm glad we started there, because it meant the others felt so easy and that much more enjoyable. The other four waterfalls are all in a series in one area, making for quicker transitions, which was also nice.

I highly recommend quick-drying sneakers over water shoes for the trip. While the hikes between various points aren't too long (I think we did a total of 3 segments that were about 10 minutes), they were incredibly muddy, slippery, and steep. You also spend some parts walking right in the middle of the streams, and the waterfall rock face is pretty uneven, so a more solid sole would be better. Two people in my group lost shoes on the biggest waterfall (and thankfully someone caught them near the bottom), so strong laces are a must.

Alex and his team were great about taking pictures and videos of every person throughout. I had initially planned to take my phone in a waterproof pouch, but the reality is that when you're in the middle of the waterfall, both your hands will be on the rope -- you can't just pull your phone out for photos. Just plan to spend the extra money on the pictures, and bring cash (I think they charged around $10-15 per person, cash only).

I have absolutely no regrets about going, but this activity is not for everyone, and they really mean it when they say you need to have at least a moderate level of fitness. I'm a decently active person -- bouldering, aerials, pilates, hiking -- but this beat me up, and getting down the biggest waterfall was probably one of the most physically challenging things I've ever done. I thought the height was what would get me, but I was not at all expecting just how powerful the waterfall itself was, that I'd be pelted in the face with water for 15-20 seconds at a time and struggle to breathe, that I'd struggle at times to lower myself/ change positions because of how powerful the water was, etc. I had some decent sized bruises afterwards, and my ribs and shoulders were fairly sore the next day not just from muscle exertion but from the power of the water. I think the upper age limit is 70, but I'd strongly advise people even in their 50s to think long and hard about if this is right for them. Even with the best safety equipment, this is an inherently dangerous activity, and it seems plausible to me that someone could break a bone from the side-to-side impacts at various points. You have the option of skipping the big waterfall (and if you happen to do the smaller ones first and struggle on those, you should DEFINITELY skip the big one), and you could still have a great time on the smaller ones with a few smaller bumps and bruises to show off as souvenirs.

All in all: Highly recommend, but come mentally and physically prepared for...

The 230ft falls rappel/canyoning was the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica, BUT I have some advice: If you do the rappelling, and you feel like the 3rd rappel (80ft) was plenty-hard and/or scrapes and bruises aren't your thing, then 230ft one is optional and you might want to skip it. I'm only saying this here because you can't see how difficult it is at the top. That said, don't be worried about safety. Even if forgot everything the guides told you, fumble every step, and turn into a sack of potatoes, aside from some scrapes bruises, the guides will make sure you are fine. My wife, who has never rappelled before and doesn't like heights, got to the bottom and still smiled afterwords (I've rappelled before and didn't get scratched or bruised). Its nice to have a backpack. Not for carrying stuff but as padding. Put extra clothes in a trashbag and put that in a backpack, and it makes for a nice cushion. Especially for the 230ft falls. Boots are great, I'd highly recommended them over water shoes, but bring an extra pair of shoes/socks because they will get soaked.

Friendly staff, great food, and amazing experience. In particular, its really really good how much the each waterfall increases slightly in difficulty. Perfect for learning.

@Jordin y Alanzo, Unas rodilleras habrían estado bien, especialmente para los rapeleros sin experiencia. Se hubiera agradecido más holgura por parte...

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I recently had the pleasure of going on a waterfall propelling tour in Costa Rica with my sister, mom, and friend, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! Our guides, Ramon and Arturo, were absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel safe and at ease, while also bringing a fun and energetic vibe to the adventure.

The hike to the waterfalls was breathtaking, with stunning views and a perfect mix of excitement and challenge. Their humor kept us laughing the entire way, making the experience even more enjoyable. Their expertise and passion for what they do really shone through.

After the exhilarating adventure, we were treated to a delicious home-cooked meal at a charming farm owned by a lovely couple. The food was fresh, flavorful, and a perfect way to end the day.

I can't recommend this tour enough! If you're looking for an adventure filled with laughter, stunning scenery, and wonderful hospitality, look no further. Thank you, Ramon and Arturo, for an amazing day that we will...