Going deep into the Lost Canyon on a Costa Rica canyoneering adventure

Part mountaineering and part rock climbing, but in reverse, with the added challenge of pounding water, the waterfall rappelling extreme sport of canyoneering is the latest top popular adventure tour in Costa Rica.

One of the best places for canyoneering, also called canyoning, is by the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. The rugged, mountainous rainforest around the popular volcano is ideal for canyoning in Costa Rica.

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company, the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour at Arenal is a must for adventure junkies and thrill-seekers. Deep in the Costa Rican rainforest, the Lost Canyon got its name when Desafio owners Suresh and Christine Krishnan were exploring the beautiful canyon on the outskirts of the Children's Eternal Rainforest at Arenal that was so “lost” it wasn't even on the topographical maps at the time.

You don’t need experience for this canyoning tour; just a good sense of adventure and good physical condition. What’s involved? You will hike through the rainforest, get drenched rappelling down huge tropical waterfalls – the largest is almost 200-feet-high, navigate the natural obstacle course of a river canyon, jump into refreshing pools, slip down natural water slides and splash in pure rainforest water. When you’re done, the tour serves you a great typical Costa Rican lunch at their café.

Professional guides thoroughly explain important rappelling and down-climbing techniques, along with safety procedures before you start. You will use high-quality technical climbing gear, like Edelrid helmets and Sit Work harnesses. All rappels are controlled by guides.

There are four rappels on the tour, including the first confidence-building 10-foot drop aptly named “Baby”, the 150-foot waterfall known as “Big Boy”, and a guided rappel and guided free-fall drop down a 200-foot majestic cascade. Feel the adrenaline surge! A photographer accompanies all trips, and during lunch after the tour, you can review the photos for purchase.

Desafio also combines Lost Canyon Canyoneering with horseback riding to the La Fortuna Waterfall or whitewater rafting; or you can do a private canyoneering tour. Extreme adventure enthusiasts will want to also try the new Gravity Falls Jumping Canyon Rainforest Adventure Course – an intense canyoning tour that involves rappelling and some waterfall jumps.

Desafio Adventure Company is an owner-operated, family business that operates Costa Rica adventure tours in Arenal of whitewater rafting, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking, as well as activities in other popular Costa Rica destinations.

Article by Shannon Farley

15 years of Costa Rica adventures has been dream come true

When Massi Devoto used to guide small groups around Costa Rica, he noticed that out of all of the experiences the tourists shared, the ones they enjoyed and talked about the most were the simplest. Buying tropical fruits at a roadside stand. Watching a monkey in a tree. Meeting friendly folk in a rural town. Walking through the rainforest.

The realization led him to start his own tour company in 1999 with his associate, Ronald Bottger, with the goal to combine adventure and the natural attractions of Costa Rica with the cultural experience of meeting the friendly, happy people for which the country is well-known. It was a dream come true.

Fifteen years later, Explornatura is one of the top adventure and nature tour companies in Costa Rica.

“We always try to combine adventure with nature and culture,” said Devoto. “We don’t do any adventure that involves motors – no ATVs, etc. We want people to enjoy nature and have contact with the communities where we do our adventures – whether indigenous communities or local Costa Rican populations.”

Based in the rural town of Turrialba, two hours east of San Jose that is named for the Turrialba Volcano, Explornatura focuses mainly on rafting, canyoning, hiking and biking. They also offer horseback riding, a coffee tour and a cultural visit to the Guayabo National Monument archeological site. Their motto is “real adventure accessible to everybody.”

Turrialba is the “whitewater rafting capital” of Costa Rica and some of the country’s best rivers are right in Explornatura’s backyard. The company rafts the traditional 16-mile lower section of the famous Pacuare River – one of the world’s best – but also the lesser-known top section. Additionally, they guide hiking tours to the indigenous communities by the Pacuare River, and can combine rafting and hiking for those interested. Easy family rafting trips are conducted on the Pejibaye River.

Explornatura’s canyoning tour on a private reserve in the Puente Vigas Canyon by Turrialba takes you on an unforgettable adventure. You start by rappelling down the first waterfall, then cross two zip-lines, rappel down a second waterfall, cross two more zip-lines, traverse a 132-foot hanging bridge, rappel a third waterfall, climb up a rock wall, and finish with a rappel down a fourth waterfall.

Explornatura is located in Turrialba, Costa Rica. You can make reservations online, by emailing to puravida@explornatura.com or by calling 1-866-571-2443 (from the U.S. & Canada) or +(506) 2556-0111.

Article by Shannon Farley