One day. Two adrenaline hits. This La Fortuna combo stacks Sky Trek zip lines with Pure Trek canyoning: multiple waterfall rappels, a rock climb, and the Monkey Drop. I especially love the long, high zip-line run (up to about 600 ft and 2,600 ft) and I like that the canyoning hits big right away with several tall drops. One heads-up: the canyoning includes real hiking between descents, so you’ll need a moderate fitness level and you’ll get wet.

You start with hotel pickup (for selected hotels), then change clothes at Pure Trek’s base and refuel on a Costa Rican lunch before heading into the Arenal area in 4×4 trucks. The day runs about 8 hours, it can run in all weather, and it keeps group size capped (up to 50), which helps the guides manage everyone closely—especially if heights make you nervous.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Sky Trek zip lines deliver serious height and distance, with runs up to about 600 ft high and 2,600 ft long
• Pure Trek canyoning includes waterfalls, a rock climb, and the Monkey Drop, all in one rainforest canyon
• You get a full lunch break between activities, plus time to change clothes at Pure Trek’s base offices and gardens
• Safety is hands-on, with expert guides actively managing each rappel and your gear
• Expect wet, grippy conditions and plan footwear for slick rock (Chacos/Keens get mentioned as favorites)
• Free lockers and Wi‑Fi at Pure Trek make it easier to stash phones and go hands-free

One Day, Two Styles of Adrenaline: From Treetops to Waterfalls

This is the kind of La Fortuna day that feels efficient in the best way: you don’t choose between flying above the rainforest or getting wet in a canyon. You do both. First you’re suspended high over treetops on the Sky Trek side, then you drop into the rainforest canyon with Pure Trek for rappels, a rock climb, and the Monkey Drop sequence.

What I like here is the pacing. You’re not thrown straight into chaos. Zip lining comes first with clear guidance and solid equipment, then you reset with a lunch and a clothing change. After that, the canyoning shifts to a more physical challenge: walking trails between drops, then committing to steep descents on wet surfaces.

The main consideration is simple: your body has to work twice. Zip lines are mostly about mindset and balance, while canyoning adds hiking, gripping, and a lot of time in wet gear. If you can handle moderate effort, this combo is a standout way to spend a day near Arenal.

Sky Trek Morning: Hotel Pickup, Treetop Zips, and Arenal Views

Your day starts around 8:00 am, with pickup from your hotel if you’re at one of the selected hotels. Then you drive to the zip-line starting area outside La Fortuna, get fitted with high-quality gear, and get the briefing before you take off.

The zip-line portion is built for big thrills. You’re flying above the rainforest canopy, with heights reported up to about 600 ft and long runs up to about 2,600 ft. That combo—height plus distance—means the views aren’t just a backdrop. The scenery is part of the ride, and it helps you stay focused instead of overthinking what your feet can’t control.

There’s also a nice practical element: groups are kept to a maximum of 50. That helps avoid the “wait forever” feeling and usually means more focused attention from guides during checks and transitions.

If you’re nervous about heights, this is where the guidance matters most. Several experiences in the mix highlight that the guides help people feel secure even when fear kicks in. That doesn’t remove the adrenaline, but it can turn panic into concentration.

Lunch and Clothing Change at Pure Trek: Reset Before the Canyon

After zip lining, you head to Pure Trek’s base offices and gardens. You’ll change clothes there, then eat a proper sit-down lunch.

The lunch is described as a Costa Rican typical meal: arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) with beans and salad, plus a fresh papaya juice. This is more than a bonus. It’s what makes the second half of the day actually enjoyable. You’ll be wet and working your muscles later, so having food in your system (and not just snacks) pays off.

Pure Trek also provides a place to check out photos afterward and even has coffee as part of the wrap-up. The vibe is practical and friendly: you’re not just dropped off after the chaos. You get a moment to process the day and see what you did.

The 4×4 Ride Into the Mountains: Gear-Up at the Ranch House

Once lunch is done, the schedule moves into the Arenal area. You’ll drive out of La Fortuna (about 20 minutes), then go into the mountains in 4×4 trucks. The ride is part scenery time and part logistics. You’re headed into a rainforest canyon where the canyoning begins from a ranch-house setup point.

At the ranch house, guides handle the gear-up. This is where you’ll be checked and prepared for what comes next: rappels down waterfalls, a canyon wall section, and the Monkey Drop moment, plus a rock climb.

A good thing to know: canyoning is described as active, not just “stand on a platform and go down.” Between rappels, you’ll walk trails back toward the top of the valley. That uphill movement is manageable, but it’s more than many people expect.

Waterfall Rappels, Monkey Drop, and a Rock Climb

This is the part most people remember long after the zip lines fade. Pure Trek canyoning runs in a spectacular rainforest canyon with a series of features built for variety, not repetition.

Here’s the general flow:

• You rappel down multiple waterfalls.
• You also do a canyon wall section.
• Then there’s a Monkey Drop that blends a zip-line-style element with rappel action.
• You finish with a rock climb component.

Several details point to big descents. One description notes four waterfalls with averages around 100 ft, with the first one labeled as the most epic. Another highlight calls the Monkey Drop insane—in the best way—since it adds something different from a standard “rappel, repeat” route.

The reality of the canyon:

• You get soaking wet quickly, often almost immediately.
• The rock surfaces can be slippery, which is why grip footwear matters so much.
• You’re not just “going down.” You’re also hiking and moving between descents, sometimes more uphill than expected.

If you’re thinking about filming or bringing valuables: it’s not the day for a careful, dry hands plan. One set of tips suggests skipping taking your own phone/camera on the rappelling since the staff takes lots of photos (available for purchase). That trade-off makes sense. You’ll focus on the next command, not on keeping gear safe.

Rain isn’t a deal-breaker. The combo is described as operating in all weather conditions, and at least one experience notes it ran even with rain. So plan for water and treat “weather day” as normal, not unusual.

Safety and Guide Control: The Stuff That Actually Reduces Stress

If you’re trying to decide whether this combo is safe enough for you, pay attention to how the guides operate during the hard parts. The clearest theme in the experiences is that safety is not just talked about—it’s managed step by step.

You’ll see:

• Expert guides actively belaying and managing your setup during the canyoning portion
• Backup safety systems and visible safety devices
• Guides who stay patient and encouraging, especially when someone is terrified or new to heights
• Clear instruction that keeps you moving even if your brain wants to freeze

That support matters most on the steep, wet sections. A rock climb adds another challenge layer, but it’s still done under guide supervision.

If you have balance issues, the zip lines may still feel intense, but the equipment quality and instruction are repeatedly described as confidence-building. People even noted doing the canyoning despite not being in great shape, which suggests this isn’t “let’s only take elite athletes.” Still, moderate physical fitness is required because the hike-between-repels piece is real.

Gear, Footwear, and Photo Tips for a Wet Day

This is a day where your choices before you leave matter. The guides provide equipment, but they can’t give you traction.

For canyoning footwear, tips point to:

• Chacos or Keens as working well for grip on wet conditions
• Closed-toe water shoes or closed-toe sandals with good traction
• If you wear shorts, expect to wish you’d brought something that dries quickly; capris or longer quick-dry options get called out as better than basic shorts

Eye protection and wearables:

• One tip is to avoid eyeglasses if you can manage without them during the rappels (unless you truly need them to see)
• If you want to carry a phone for the non-rappel parts, consider a way to keep it secure—one tip suggests a fanny pack

Convenient extras:

• Pure Trek offers free lockers and Wi‑Fi, so you can store items and reset after the zip lining
• There’s a photographer for canyoning, and photos are available for purchase
• At the end, you return to the base offices to view photos and enjoy coffee before heading back

Basically: dress for wet. Bring grip. Let someone else worry about the camera angles.

Price and What’s Included for $259

At $259 per person, you’re paying for a full-day package that strings together two different adrenaline activities under one schedule. The value comes from the way it’s bundled: you’re not just buying a ticket for a single attraction.

Here’s what’s included that affects value:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels
• Professional guides for both portions (zip lining guidance and canyoning belaying)
• Lunch at Pure Trek (arroz con pollo, beans, salad, and papaya juice)
• Photographer for canyoning, with photos available for purchase
• A day that runs about 8 hours, meaning you’re getting serious time in both environments

Could you do these separately? Maybe. But this combo saves you from coordinating two different days and two sets of logistics. And honestly, the pacing makes the second half feel possible—lunch and a clothing change are doing real work for your energy level.

If you hate wasting time on tours that feel rushed, this is structured well. If you want a laid-back day, you might find this too intense. But for active travelers, it’s priced in a way that matches what you get: height, water, and guided safety.

Should You Book This Combo in La Fortuna?

I’d book it if:

• you want a single day with two types of adrenaline
• you’re okay with getting wet and moving between stops
• you value safety that’s actively managed by experienced guides
• you like the idea of a standout feature like the Monkey Drop rather than only standard rappels

I might skip it if:

• you’re not comfortable with moderate hiking uphill between waterfall rappels
• heights make you panic hard and you know you’ll freeze, not focus (the guides help, but canyoning still isn’t a gentle ride)
• you want a dry, easy souvenir day

If you’re torn, focus on this: the schedule includes a real break with lunch and a change of clothes. That’s the difference between a “thrills” day and a “we survived the logistics” day.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Pure Trek Canyoning & Sky Trek Zip Line combo?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour take place?

It’s based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, on the Arenal area mountain side.

What activities are included?

You’ll do Sky Trek zip lining, then Pure Trek canyoning with waterfall rappels, a canyon wall/rappel sequence, the Monkey Drop, and a rock climb.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served at Puré Trek Canyoning.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

You get hotel pickup and drop-off for selected La Fortuna hotels.

What time does it start?

Start time is 8:00 am.

Does the tour run in rain?

Yes. It operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

How physically demanding is canyoning?

It’s listed for moderate physical fitness. There is hiking on trails between each repel and back up to the top of the valley, and some walking is uphill.

What footwear should I wear?

For rappelling, tips recommend closed-toe water shoes or closed-toe sandals with good grip. Chacos or Keens are mentioned as working well.

Is there somewhere to store items during the tour?

Yes. Free lockers and Wi‑Fi are mentioned at the Pure Trek facility.

Is there a photographer, and can I buy photos?

There is a photographer for canyoning, and photos are available for purchase.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.