If you are planning a trip to La Fortuna and looking for an adventure that goes beyond the usual sightseeing, canyoning is hard to beat. Imagine hiking through a lush rainforest, standing at the edge of a waterfall, clipping into a rope, and then slowly descending alongside the rushing water.
That is the experience Pure Trek Canyoning has been offering in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, since 2001.
Located in the Arenal region, Pure Trek specializes in canyoning and waterfall rappelling rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Its signature experience takes travelers into a privately maintained rainforest canyon for a combination of waterfall rappels, hiking, rock activities and the famous Monkey Drop.
For first-time visitors, it can sound intimidating. In reality, canyoning with a professional guide is an approachable adventure for many travelers, including families with children as young as five. Pure Trek’s emphasis on trained guides, specialized equipment and carefully maintained canyon infrastructure is a big part of the experience.
Here is everything you need to know before booking a Pure Trek Canyoning adventure in La Fortuna.
What Is Pure Trek Canyoning?
Canyoning combines several outdoor activities into one experience. Instead of simply hiking to a waterfall or viewing it from a lookout, you actually enter the canyon and move through the landscape using ropes, trails and natural features.
Pure Trek’s main canyoning tour is a half-day experience that includes four rappels: three waterfalls and one rock wall. Between rappels, guests hike along rainforest trails through the canyon. There is also rock climbing and the company’s signature Monkey Drop.
And yes, you are going to get wet.
That is part of what makes the experience so much fun. The canyon is not simply a backdrop for an adrenaline activity; you are actually interacting with the rainforest environment.
Pure Trek describes itself as a canyoning pioneer, having operated in the area since 2001. According to the company, its professionally trained and certified guides have taken thousands of guests through its canyon over the years.
Where Is Pure Trek Canyoning?
Pure Trek operates in the La Fortuna area, near Arenal Volcano. The canyon itself is outside the center of town, and transportation is included from La Fortuna hotels and vacation rentals for the standard canyoning experience.
For visitors staying in La Fortuna, that makes the logistics relatively simple. You do not need to figure out how to drive to a remote rainforest location and then find the canyon on your own.
The journey is part of the experience, too. The canyon is surrounded by the lush tropical landscape that makes the Arenal region one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations for outdoor adventures.
What Happens During the Pure Trek Canyoning Tour?
One of the most useful things to know before booking is what the day actually looks like.
The adventure starts with transportation from your accommodation and continues toward the canyon. Once you arrive, the Pure Trek team gets everyone outfitted with the appropriate canyoning equipment and explains how the activity works.
For a first-timer, this preparation is important. Rappelling down a waterfall is not something most people do every weekend, so having a guide explain the equipment, technique and safety procedures can make a huge difference.
From there, the adventure begins.
1. Hiking Into the Canyon
Canyoning is not simply a series of rappels. You will hike between the different sections of the canyon, following trails through the rainforest.
This is where you get a chance to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, as Pure Trek notes that guests may encounter toucans, monkeys, sloths and other tropical species during the experience.
2. Waterfall Rappelling
The main attraction is, of course, the waterfall rappelling.
The standard Pure Trek experience includes four rappels—three waterfalls and one rock wall.
You are secured into a harness and descend under the direction of your guides. Rather than simply jumping or dropping, you control your descent with the rope while your guides manage the technical aspects of the experience.
For many guests, the first rappel is the moment when the nerves really kick in. Once you get through it, however, the experience often becomes much more enjoyable. By the later descents, you have a better understanding of how your body and the equipment work together.
3. The Monkey Drop
Then there is the Monkey Drop.
Pure Trek’s FAQ explains that this part involves traveling from a canyon wall toward a small pool and dropping into the water. A guide at the bottom helps you out of the pool, which reaches about waist depth.
You do not have to be a strong swimmer to participate. Pure Trek also says guests can choose to skip the Monkey Drop while still enjoying the waterfall rappelling portion of the tour.
That flexibility is useful, especially for families or travelers who are excited about canyoning but less enthusiastic about jumping into a pool.
Is Pure Trek Canyoning Safe?
This is probably the question most first-time canyoners have—and understandably so.
Rappelling down waterfalls is an adventure activity, and it should be treated with appropriate respect. But choosing an established operator with trained guides and proper equipment is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Pure Trek places safety at the center of its canyoning operation. The company says its guides receive extensive professional international canyoning training and are certified through Costa Rica’s National Academy for Guides (INA).
Its safety procedures include separate safety and rappel lines, safety cables at the top of rappels, platforms and railings in key areas, and multiple guides managing different parts of the rappel system. Pure Trek also says its anchors are checked daily and its systems receive monthly inspections from an outside company specializing in climbing and canyoning systems.
Children also receive specialized equipment, including child-sized harnesses, helmets and gloves. The company uses a guide-controlled descent system for children rather than requiring them to manage the rappel entirely on their own.
Of course, no adventure activity is completely risk-free. Participants should follow their guides’ instructions, disclose relevant physical limitations in advance and make sure they understand the tour’s requirements before booking.
Can Children Go Canyoning With Pure Trek?
Yes, and this is one of Pure Trek’s distinguishing features.
The company welcomes children from age five on its Pure Trek Canyoning experience. It has specifically developed procedures and equipment for younger participants, including special harnesses, helmets and gloves and additional assistance during rappels.
That does not mean every five-year-old will necessarily be comfortable with canyoning. Temperament matters just as much as age. A child who enjoys climbing, water and outdoor activities may have a fantastic time, while a child who is nervous around heights may need more encouragement—or may prefer a different activity.
Parents should discuss the adventure with their children beforehand so they know what to expect.
Do You Need to Be Physically Fit?
You do not need to be an elite athlete to go canyoning with Pure Trek.
The company recommends being in moderate physical condition. There is hiking involved, and the canyon environment can be demanding at times, but the guides can provide additional assistance to certain participants who may have difficulty handling the rappels independently.
Pure Trek specifically mentions accommodating small children, older adults and people with physical disabilities or challenges by using a special system to lower participants down the waterfalls without requiring them to rely entirely on their own strength or technique.
If you have any physical limitation, it is best to discuss it with the company before your tour rather than waiting until you arrive.
What Is Included in the Tour?
One advantage of booking a guided canyoning experience is that you do not need to bring a garage full of climbing equipment.
Pure Trek’s standard canyoning tour includes:
- Four rappels: three waterfalls and one rock wall
- The Monkey Drop
- Hiking through the canyon
- Professionally trained bilingual guides
- Transportation to and from La Fortuna hotels or vacation rentals
- Canyoning and rock-climbing equipment
- A Costa Rican lunch
- Towels
- Access to a photographer, with photos available for purchase afterward
The included lunch is a nice touch, particularly after several hours of hiking, rappelling and getting soaked in the rainforest.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meal options are available, although guests with serious allergies should communicate their dietary requirements in advance.
What Should You Wear?
Do not overthink your canyoning outfit.
You want clothing that dries relatively quickly and footwear that stays securely on your feet.
Pure Trek recommends quick-dry clothing and secure shoes such as running shoes, hiking boots or adventure sandals. The company specifically warns that you will get wet, so bringing a complete change of clothes is essential.
A practical packing list would include:
- Quick-dry shorts or athletic pants
- A comfortable quick-dry shirt
- Secure closed or strapped footwear
- Dry clothes for after the tour
- A swimsuit if you prefer
- Sunscreen
- Any personal medications you may need
- A GoPro or action camera if you want to capture your own footage
Avoid loose sandals or anything that could easily come off your feet.
Pure Trek provides the technical canyoning equipment, so you do not need to bring your own harness, ropes or helmet.
What If You Cannot Swim?
Not being a confident swimmer does not automatically rule out the Pure Trek Canyoning experience.
According to the company’s FAQ, the only portion of the tour where participants are submerged in water is the Monkey Drop. The landing area is a small pool, and a guide assists you until you are standing in waist-deep water. Pure Trek also allows guests to skip the Monkey Drop if they prefer.
That makes it important to tell your guide about your swimming ability before starting.
Pure Trek Canyoning or a Private Tour?
Pure Trek offers both group and private canyoning experiences.
The standard group tour is a good choice for travelers who enjoy meeting other people and want the traditional Pure Trek experience. A private tour, on the other hand, allows you to keep the adventure within your own family or travel group.
A private experience can make particular sense for families with young children, couples celebrating a special occasion, or groups that simply prefer a more personalized pace.
Can You Combine Canyoning With Other Activities?
Absolutely.
One of the easiest ways to maximize your time in La Fortuna is to combine canyoning with another adventure.
Pure Trek offers several combination experiences, including canyoning paired with whitewater rafting. The canyoning-and-rafting combination turns the day into a full adventure, with waterfall rappelling and rainforest activities followed by approximately two hours on the river. Children eight and older can participate in that particular combination.
There are also combinations involving cooking experiences and other Pure Trek adventures.
This can be particularly useful if you only have a few days in La Fortuna and want to experience several sides of Costa Rica’s outdoor culture.
Pure Trek Canyoning vs. Rainforest Falls
Pure Trek also offers another rainforest adventure called Rainforest Falls.
Although both experiences involve waterfalls and rainforest scenery, they are not identical. The company’s newer Rainforest Falls experience focuses on waterfall rappelling, swimming in clear pools, river exploration and optional jumps. Pure Trek introduced it in 2024 as a different way to combine rainforest scenery with adventure.
Pure Trek Canyoning is the more classic choice if you specifically want the company’s signature canyoning experience, four rappels and the Monkey Drop.
Rainforest Falls may appeal to travelers who want a broader mix of hiking, swimming and waterfall activities.
Why Canyoning Is Such a Good Fit for La Fortuna
There is a reason La Fortuna has become one of Costa Rica’s best-known adventure destinations.
The area sits beneath Arenal Volcano and is surrounded by rainforest, rivers, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Instead of experiencing these landscapes from behind a vehicle window, canyoning puts you directly into them.
You are walking through the forest, listening to rushing water, navigating trails and looking up at waterfalls from below. Then you clip into a rope and descend.
That combination of scenery and adrenaline is what makes canyoning different from a conventional zipline or sightseeing tour.
It also gives travelers a story to take home. You will probably remember the waterfall you rappelled down long after you forget which restaurant you had lunch at on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pure Trek Canyoning
1. Is Pure Trek Canyoning worth it?
For travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, waterfall rappelling and rainforest experiences, Pure Trek Canyoning offers a distinctive way to experience La Fortuna. The half-day tour combines four rappels, hiking, the Monkey Drop and rainforest scenery, with transportation, equipment, guides and lunch included.
2. Is Pure Trek Canyoning safe for beginners?
Yes. You do not need previous canyoning or rappelling experience. Pure Trek provides professional guides, equipment and instruction, and its safety procedures are designed to support first-time participants as well as experienced adventurers.
3. What should I wear for Pure Trek Canyoning?
Wear quick-drying clothing and secure footwear that you do not mind getting wet. Running shoes, hiking shoes and adventure sandals are among the options recommended by Pure Trek. Bring a complete change of dry clothes for afterward.
4. Can kids do Pure Trek Canyoning?
Yes. Pure Trek welcomes children from age five on its canyoning tour and uses specialized equipment and guide-controlled descents for younger participants. Parents should still consider their child’s comfort with heights, water and outdoor activities before booking.
5. Do I need to know how to swim to go canyoning in La Fortuna?
No. Pure Trek says swimming is not required for the canyoning experience. The Monkey Drop finishes in a small pool where a guide assists participants, and guests who prefer not to do the Monkey Drop can skip it.
6. How many waterfalls do you rappel down with Pure Trek?
The standard Pure Trek Canyoning experience includes four rappels in total: three waterfall rappels and one rock-wall rappel. The tour also includes hiking through the canyon and the Monkey Drop.
7. How long does Pure Trek Canyoning take?
Pure Trek describes its main canyoning experience as a half-day tour. The exact schedule can vary depending on the day’s tour timing and logistics, so travelers should check their booking details when reserving. Transportation from La Fortuna accommodations and a Costa Rican lunch are included in the standard experience.
Final Thoughts
Pure Trek Canyoning is not simply a waterfall tour. It is an active way to experience the rainforest around La Fortuna—one rappel, trail and splash at a time.
The company has been operating since 2001 and has built its reputation around canyoning and waterfall rappelling. Its combination of professionally trained guides, specialized equipment, family-friendly procedures and a rainforest setting makes it an appealing choice for both first-time adventurers and travelers who want something more exciting than a traditional nature excursion.
If you are visiting La Fortuna and want to put a little adrenaline into your Costa Rica itinerary, Pure Trek Canyoning is an experience worth considering. Just remember three things: wear secure shoes, bring dry clothes, and be prepared to get wet.
The rest is up to the rainforest.