Central Pacific, Costa Rica , Costa Rica

Half-Day Canyoning in Balsar Abajo

Active

(38 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come and get your fill of adventure. We start a few kilometers up the mountain with a short 20 min hike through the rainforest to our starting point.

The first descent starts on the side of a waterfall, so that you get to practice the process without juggling the water – at least until the second waterfall. In total, there are 8 rappelling descents down waterfalls, a handful of smaller cascades that we carefully climb down, and some hiking through the waterway between rappels.

Prepare to get wet on this tour – it is guaranteed!

Part-way through we’ll pause to enjoy a pre-packed snack en route and enjoy the purely natural surroundings.

Available options

Half-Day Canyoning in Balsar Abajo

What's included

Use of harnesses and safety equipment

Snacks are provided on the tour

What's not included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Entrance: From the entrance point, it’s about a 20 minute walk through the rainforest to the platform for our first rappel. This is under shade and oftentimes we’ll spot some wildlife along the way.

Descent 1 Depending on the group size it takes about 25 minutes to get everyone down the first rappel. It’s about 45 meters high and is our highest one.

Descent 2 To get to the second rappel, it takes about 10 minutes walking through the waterway to make it to the first waterfall descent. We’ve allowed about 20 minutes for the rappelling in this first waterfall of about 12 meters.

Descent 3 Between the 2nd and 3rd descent we’ve got our longest hiking section of about 35 minutes through the waterways. Once we get to the next waterfall, the next 3 descents are only steps away from one another. For the 3rd descent we take about 15 minutes to get everyone down. This waterfall is about 8 meters high.

Descent 4 Now at the 3rd waterfall, we take about another 15 minutes for the rappelling of the whole group. This waterfall is about 7 meters in height.

Descent 5 This next waterfall is about 10 meters tall and takes about 25 minutes to get everyone over the edge and down into the natural pool below. While we’re here we also have a snack while waiting for everyone to finish up so we add about 10 minutes on for that.

Descent 6 Before the next waterfall we’re back on for a hike – only for about 20 minutes to get to our next spot. We’ll be about 20 minutes rappelling down descent #6 of about 9 meters.

Descent 7 Another short hike of 25 minutes to get to our 7th rappel, where we need about 15 minutes to get a group down the 7 meter descent.

Descent 8 Between the 7th and 8th rappel there’s no distance at all, so we get right into it, and given that it’s our second-highest rappel at 35 meters, it takes us 25 minutes to get the crew all the way down.

After all the descents, we have a 20 minute hike out of the waterways and to the vehicles.

Meeting point

There are signs at the turnoff point along the Costanera, to Osa Canyoning Adventures. We will meet you at the church (when you have a reservation).

About Central Pacific, Costa Rica

The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica is a vibrant coastal area known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. It's a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it a top destination for travelers seeking a mix of nature and activities.

Top Attractions

Manuel Antonio National Park

One of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

Nature Half to full day Moderate: $16 per adult, $5 per child

Jacó Beach

A popular beach town known for its surfing, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful sandy beaches.

Beach Half to full day Free

Carara National Park

A wildlife-rich national park known for its diverse bird species, including the famous scarlet macaw, and lush rainforests.

Nature Half to full day Moderate: $10 per adult, $5 per child

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

A refreshing dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains fish and seafood, gluten-free if prepared without additives.

Gallo Pinto

A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice and beans, cooked with onions, peppers, and spices.

Breakfast Vegetarian, can be made vegan by omitting butter.

Casado

A typical Costa Rican lunch plate consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of protein, usually chicken, fish, or beef.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based protein options.

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Ziplining Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset watching Local markets Coffee tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and wildlife spotting. It's the most popular time to visit due to the ideal weather conditions.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

GMT-6

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take common-sense precautions, especially in tourist areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices before starting a tour.

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km from San José
Tobías Bolaños International Airport • 5 km from San José

By bus

San José Terminal 7-10

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are frequent and connect major towns and tourist destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jacó Manuel Antonio Quepos

Day trips

Tarcoles River Boat Tour

80 km from San José • Half day

A scenic boat tour along the Tarcoles River, known for its diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and birds.

Punta Leona Beach

120 km from San José • Full day

A beautiful and less crowded beach with white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quepos • August Jacó Surf Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and see more wildlife.
Try local seafood dishes like ceviche and fresco at beachfront restaurants.
Explore local markets for authentic souvenirs and handicrafts.
Be cautious of strong currents and riptides when swimming at beaches.
Use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life and coral reefs.