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At first, the idea of doing a canyoning waterfall rappel in Costa Rica with my two children in tow sounded a bit intimidating. I have never rope climbed, rappelled, zip lined (at this point) in my life so attaching myself and my children to a rope for 165 feet drop felt risky.
I had nothing to be worried about however as the Pure Trek guides are a Pure delight in all senses of the word. They are extraordinarily skilled and professionally trained in rock climbing and ropes courses. I learned during a conversation with a guide, Allen, they not only perform daily safety checks of the ropes courses, many of the guides go through continual training and certification every year. Safety is number one. My fears were soon put to ease when I saw how they checked and double checked my kids as well as engaged with them and talked them through the whole process.
The second delightful surprise came in the friendly, helpful and joyful attitude of the guides. They not only know how to do what they do. They have a grand time doing it and sharing their passion for adventure and Costa Rica. The Pure Trek guides are the best guides we encountered our whole trip in Costa Rica. They made a lasting memory with their friendly, and outgoing demeanor.
An added bonus, lunch! Before we departed we were served a hot, delicious typico Costa Rican lunch, with rice, beans, chicken, and veggies along with delicious coffee or juice.
Caution, you will get wet.
This is a waterfall rappel after all! You will also get bragging rights, a lifetime of memories, laughter, and smiles, and the chance to glide down a waterfall in the Costa Rican jungle.
Waterfall Rappel in Costa Rica
As for the kids and what they thought? After an initial trepidation, they were proud of repelling down the mountainside waterfall on their own. My 9-year-old daughter said there was really nothing to be afraid of and thought the monkey drop was the most awesome part of the adventure. What is a monkey drop you ask? You’ll have to go on the adventure to find out!
Buy the photos, you won’t regret it.
The first waterfall, at 165 feet, is the tallest. After getting strapped into our gear, we began a short hike to the top of the waterfall. (After, of course, the drive up the mountainous volcano.) The guides demonstrate how to sit back into the ropes and push off with your feet. As I sat back and bounced off the first podium I heard whoops and hollers from the guide below and cheers of encouragement from the guides above. “There ya go, Tonya! Woohoo!” I smiled and laughed the whole way down. I’m sure my form was not as great as some. Yet pausing to look at the water gushing beside me, feeling the mist on my face and sharing the experience with my family is something that still brings me joy and happiness.
My Waterfall Rappel
Have you ever done something crazy with the kids that you never thought you’d do? Would you do a waterfall rappel in Costa Rica? I’d love to hear more. Leave a comment and tell me so we can find our next adventure!
Sarah says
February 4, 2016 at 3:42 pmY’all are intense! I love it. It looks like so much fun!
Megan says
February 4, 2016 at 4:28 pmThis looks so amazing! The views must’ve been incredible- so jealous! Great pics 🙂
Megan X
http://Www.lifewithmcm.com
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
February 4, 2016 at 6:10 pmWow. What an amazing adventure that was for you guys. It sounds like the experience of a lifetime.
Ellen says
February 4, 2016 at 6:33 pmBeautiful photos! I lived in Costa Rica for a short time and absolutely loved the culture. Looks like y’all had so much fun!
laura londergan says
February 5, 2016 at 1:15 amI used to want to do something like this but my niece recently fell off a zip line and got hurt pretty good and it has me spooked now so I will just be one who watches. 😉
Ana De- Jesus says
February 5, 2016 at 4:21 amThis is simply breathtaking. I did something similar when I was in Primary school where we abseiled over the ocean and it was stunning. Love the pictures.
Katarzyna says
February 5, 2016 at 5:32 amThis looks like a great adventure! I’d love to try it one day 🙂 And OMG the views! Breathtaking!
Yanique says
February 5, 2016 at 5:57 amIt seems like an exhilarating experience. Kudos to you for being brave and doing it with your kids. I’m sure it’s an experience they will never forget and that’s what counts!
Heather lawrence says
February 5, 2016 at 8:59 amI love how you mentioned “crazy” ’cause as I was scrolling past the photo’s all I could think of was “This girl is nuts!” I would love to hang out by a waterfall but I am so fearful of heights it would take a lot for me to repel down for a closer sneak peak!
Skye says
February 5, 2016 at 10:14 amI love love love to zipline!! Oh it is my favorite thing to do wherever we go! We went in St. Lucia on our honeymoon and it is my favorite memory from the trip!
Stacey says
February 5, 2016 at 12:59 pmThis looks like so much fun! I have zip-lined in Costa RIca and it was beautiful! But there were no waterfalls were we were. You are adventurous for sure!
Heather says
February 5, 2016 at 2:07 pmThat looks like something I would love to do with my family! My kids are still a little young for this, but I am excited for the days when we can do the more adventurous stuff!
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
February 5, 2016 at 2:15 pmWow, this looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica. This would be a must when I go!
Blythe A. says
February 5, 2016 at 3:19 pmThis reminds me of the fun adventures my family took when I was a kid. We never repelled, but we did do a lot of hiking. Looks like a great time.
Amy Jones says
February 5, 2016 at 4:14 pmI’d love to do this. It looks like a really good time with the family I hope I can go and do this one day
Pam says
February 5, 2016 at 6:44 pmThis looks like SO much fun! I’m definitely adding this to my list of things to possibly try someday!
Kimberly says
February 5, 2016 at 8:57 pmThese are gorgeous views and it looks like fun. I’ve only been zip lining in Georgia! Can’t imagine Costa Rica.
MyTeenGuide says
February 5, 2016 at 9:29 pmWhat a great adventure you had. The views are amazing.
Kacie says
February 5, 2016 at 11:34 pmOh my gosh, I bet your kids had a blast!! It looks fun, but I might find it a bit terrifying! I have trouble with heights!
HilLesha says
February 6, 2016 at 12:07 amHow beautiful! I have never been zipling before, but I almost tried it a few years ago. Maybe someday! 🙂
Amanda Love says
February 6, 2016 at 10:09 amI’ve never been to Costa Rica but have a few family members there. I keep telling them that I’d visit and I just might make the trip one day.
Susannah says
February 8, 2016 at 12:56 amThis looks like SO much fun! We’re going to look for something like this when we’re in Mexico next month!
Di says
February 8, 2016 at 1:20 amI admit I’ve rappelled, or abseiled as we called it in England.. It was when I was in school though so a while ago now 😉 Definitely enjoyed it though and would do it again in a heartbeat. Life is too short not to!
Scott says
April 9, 2016 at 10:43 amWhat fun for a family! Definitely a way to raise adventurous kids. Great job instilling that in them.