A Full Day of Fun: My 2025 Review of the Maquique Rafting & Canyoning Combo

I was, like, looking for something that packed a serious punch of excitement for my Costa Rica trip. Honestly, just sitting on a beach wasn’t going to cut it for this vacation. So, I stumbled upon this combo tour offered by Maquique Adventure, which, by the way, promised both white water rafting and canyoning in a single day. The idea of rappelling down waterfalls and then immediately hitting some river rapids was, frankly, too good to pass up. You know, it sounded like the perfect way to really experience the wild side of the La Fortuna area. As a matter of fact, I booked it pretty much on the spot, feeling that little thrill of anticipation right away. I mean, it seemed like an incredible value, packing two major adventures into one smoothly organized package.

The Day Begins: Pick-Up and Gearing Up

So, the morning started with a super punctual pick-up right from my hotel, which was obviously very convenient. A friendly face in a van greeted us, and right away, you know, the vibe was just really positive and energetic. Anyway, the drive out to their basecamp was filled with some amazing views of the countryside, with our guide pointing out interesting stuff along the way. First, when we arrived, we were introduced to the whole crew, who, I mean, were all incredibly professional but also really fun. They basically gave us a very clear rundown of the day’s plan, so we all knew exactly what to expect. Getting our gear on was, in a way, the first taste of the adventure. The guides helped everyone get fitted into a harness, a helmet, and gloves, and you could feel the excitement building in the group. I mean, they were so thorough with their safety briefing, which really helped put any nervous feelings at ease.

First Up: The Thrill of Canyoning

Alright, so canyoning was the first activity on the agenda, and honestly, it started off with a real “wow” moment. We took a short, rugged ride in a 4×4 vehicle up into the rainforest, which, frankly, was a bit of an adventure in itself. Then we took a little hike through this absolutely stunning canyon. The sounds of the jungle were just all around us, and, you know, the air felt so clean and fresh. Standing at the top of the first waterfall, looking down, was, at the end of the day, a serious heart-in-your-throat experience. The guides, however, were really amazing, showing us exactly how the ropes and rappelling system worked, so we felt pretty secure.

Facing the First Waterfall

Leaning back over that first edge is, sort of, a leap of faith. I mean, your brain is telling you it’s a crazy idea, but your guide is right there talking you through it, so you feel okay. That initial drop was, like, a huge rush of adrenaline. Actually, the cool spray from the waterfall hitting your face as you descend is an incredibly refreshing feeling. As a matter of fact, once my feet touched the bottom of that first rappel, I was completely hooked. The fear just, like, instantly transformed into pure exhilaration. Okay, so I was ready for whatever came next, you know? The guides really do a great job of making you feel capable, pretty much cheering you on the whole way down.

Into the Heart of the Canyon

Now, after that first one, we went deeper into the canyon, tackling a series of four more waterfalls. Each one was a little different, a little more exciting, and just incredibly beautiful. You really get into a rhythm, trusting the gear and your own strength, and it becomes, in a way, this really empowering experience. You are, quite literally, surrounded by dripping moss, giant ferns, and the constant, powerful sound of water. It’s almost a sensory overload in the best possible way. The guides sometimes have you do fun little things, like the “monkey drop,” which is basically a small freefall into a pool of water. To be honest, this part of the day was arguably my favorite, just because it felt so raw and connected to nature.

The Wild Ride: White Water Rafting on the Balsa River

After the canyoning, and a quick change into some slightly drier clothes, we were, you know, off to the Balsa River for the second half of our day. Frankly, the energy shifted from the personal challenge of canyoning to more of a team sport. We got another safety briefing, this time focused on paddling commands and what to do if you, like, fall out of the raft. Obviously, our river guide, who called himself “Captain,” had a fantastic sense of humor but was also clearly a total expert on the river. He got everyone in our raft laughing and working together before we even hit the first bit of choppy water. This part of the day was, at the end of the day, all about high energy and fun.

Paddles In! Teamwork and Rapids

The rapids on the Balsa are rated Class II and III, so they are pretty much perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike. You get some really big splashes and fun, bumpy sections, but it never feels out of control. I mean, shouting “Forward paddle!” and digging in with your teammates is a really bonding experience. The guide’s instructions are always super clear, so you pretty much know what to do. At one point, our guide expertly maneuvered us into a wave just right, and we got absolutely, completely soaked, which led to a lot of laughter. Honestly, the teamwork aspect of it was just as fun as the rapids themselves.

The Calm Between the Rapids

So, what’s really nice about the Balsa River is that there are these really calm stretches between the rapids. During these moments, you can, like, put your paddle down and just float for a bit. Our guide used this time to point out all sorts of amazing wildlife, which was seriously a huge bonus. We actually saw a family of howler monkeys high up in the trees and even spotted a sloth just chilling on a branch. Apparently, it is also a great place for birdwatching, and we saw a few colorful toucans fly by. Frankly, these quiet moments were a beautiful contrast to the chaotic fun of the rapids, letting you really appreciate the incredible natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Refueling: The Post-Adventure Lunch

By the time we got off the river, everyone was, as a matter of fact, completely starving. Luckily, the tour includes a really delicious and filling lunch at a charming local farmhouse. We were served a traditional Costa Rican `casado`, which, you know, is a platter with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of chicken, fish, or pork. I mean, it was absolutely perfect after a full morning of adventure. They also had fresh-squeezed juices and some locally grown coffee that was just incredible. To be honest, sitting around, eating good food, and sharing stories with the new friends you made on the tour was a really wonderful way to wind down the day. It just felt very authentic and well-deserved, you know?

Who Is This Adventure For? Honest Advice

Okay, so let’s be real about who should book this tour. Honestly, you probably need to be in reasonably good shape. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or anything, but, you know, there’s hiking, climbing, and paddling involved. If you have a moderate fear of heights, the canyoning could be a little challenging, but frankly, the guides are so good that it might be the perfect way to face that fear. It is probably not ideal for very young children, but for teenagers and adventurous adults, it’s absolutely fantastic. As a matter of fact, I went as a solo traveler and had a great time, easily making friends with the others in my group. It’s great for couples or groups of friends who, like, want to share a really memorable experience.

“I went as a solo traveler and had a great time, easily making friends with the others in my group. It’s honestly great for couples or groups of friends who want to share a really memorable experience.”

Here’s a quick list of what you should probably bring:

Sturdy shoes that can get wet: Something like secure water sandals or old sneakers, you know, are perfect.
Comfortable swimwear: Wear this under your clothes, as you’ll basically be getting wet from the very start.
A change of clothes: A completely dry set of clothes for after the tour is, honestly, a lifesaver.
A waterproof camera: You are definitely going to want photos of this, so something like a GoPro is a good idea.
Sunscreen: The Costa Rican sun is pretty strong, even on cloudy days, so this is really important.
An adventurous spirit: Basically, you just have to come ready for a good time!

Read our full review: [Maquique Adventure Review 2025: Rafting & Canyoning Full Review and Details]

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