Tour to Matacanes, jumps into the water, rappelling, incredible landscapes

Imagine spending a full day surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural scenery Mexico has to offer, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you rappel down towering cliffs, leap into crystal-clear pools, and slide along natural water slides. That’s exactly what you get with the Matacanes canyoning tour, a highly praised adventure that’s been ranked among the world’s top 10 canyoning experiences. For $613.32 per person, and lasting about 9 hours, this tour offers a perfect blend of excitement, nature, and teamwork, led by passionate guides like Paco, Lalo, and Andrea.

What truly makes this experience stand out for us is the variety of activities—from 27 jumps into the water, ranging from 1 to 12 meters (with only a few mandatory jumps), to rappelling down almost 30-meter cliffs. Plus, the landscapes here are nothing short of spectacular, featuring aquatic caves, natural slides, and turquoise pools that make every moment feel like a scene from a wild adventure film. Another big plus: the guides go out of their way to ensure safety and fun for everyone, regardless of experience level.

One consideration to keep in mind is the physical demand of the tour. It’s not suited for those with recent injuries, high or low blood pressure, or certain health conditions, and is recommended only for travelers aged 12 to 55. Also, transportation to the start point isn’t included, so planning your own transfer is essential. But if you’re someone who loves a challenge and wants authentic, hands-on nature experiences, this tour will fit like a glove.

This adventure suits those with good physical fitness, a spirit of adventure, and a love of outdoor activities. It’s especially appealing for travelers who enjoy extreme sports, breathtaking landscapes, and teamwork in the wild. Based on glowing reviews, it’s clear that most who try it walk away with unforgettable memories—and often, a newfound confidence in their outdoor skills.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes and adrenaline-fueled activities make this a memorable day out.
• Professional guides like Paco, Lalo, and Andrea prioritize safety and fun.
• The variety of jumps and rappels keeps the experience engaging for all levels.
• Excellent reviews highlight the attentive staff and well-maintained equipment.
• The tour includes regional breakfast tacos and snacks, adding local flavor to the day.
• Transportation isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

The Adventure Begins: An Overview of the Matacanes Canyoning Tour

The Matacanes canyoning tour is a well-regarded, internationally recognized adventure that ranks among the top 10 canyoning excursions worldwide. Based in Mexico, it promises a full day of physical activity, natural beauty, and adrenaline in one of the most pristine environments. The tour operates roughly from 5:00 am, allowing for a full day immersed in nature, with transportation starting at the hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo—though your transport to and from the meeting point is up to you.

At a glance, the price of $613.32 per person might seem steep, but when you consider the comprehensive experience—guides, safety gear, regional breakfast, snacks, and the sheer variety of activities—it provides excellent value. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, typically with groups of no more than 15 travelers, preserving an intimate and safe atmosphere.

Detailed Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

Meeting Point and Early Start

The tour begins early in the morning—at 5:00 am at the hotel—so you can beat the heat and crowds. This early start is typical for adventure tours to maximize daylight hours and ensure safety. You’ll be greeted by guides who are well-trained professionals, as multiple reviews emphasize their attentiveness and expertise, like Paco, Lalo, and Andrea, who all seem dedicated to making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.

The Journey to Matacanes

Once assembled, there’s a short drive to the canyon, where you’ll receive a quick safety briefing and equipment check. The equipment included—helmet, wetsuit, life jacket, and harness with descent system—are all of high quality, according to reviews, and essential for navigating the rugged terrain safely and comfortably.

The Main Activities

The core of the trip involves approximately 27 jumps into water, ranging from just 1 meter to a maximum of 12 meters, with most mandatory jumps around 5.5 meters. Many reviewers mention that the wetsuits help cope with the cold water, making the experience more enjoyable despite the chill. Expect to swim through aquatic caves, sliding down natural water slides, and climbing or rappelling along large waterfalls.

Of particular note are two rappels of about 27 and 18 meters, which are the highlight for many. These descents are carefully supervised, and guides are attentive to individual comfort levels. Several reviewers appreciated the careful attention to safety, noting that the guides “helped when you couldn’t” and “always looked out for safety,” which is reassuring when tackling such heights and water challenges.

Scenic Highlights

Throughout the canyon, you’ll witness some breathtaking natural formations. Reviewers highlight the beautifully clear turquoise pools and the views that make the physical effort worthwhile. The natural environment is described as demanding yet rewarding, with some mentioning that the landscapes aren’t traditionally “beautiful,” but the raw, wild beauty more than compensates.

Food and Breaks

Midway through the tour, you’ll enjoy a regional breakfast of tacos, offering a well-needed break and a taste of local flavor. Plus, snacks like tuna and energy bars are provided for refueling, which many reviewers find helpful to keep energy up during the long day.

End of Tour and Return

After a few more jumps, slides, and rappels, the day ends back at the meeting point. The return trip is smooth, with guides ensuring everyone is accounted for and comfortable before heading back.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing, emphasizing the professionalism of guides like Paco, Lalo, and Andrea, who are described as “attentive,” “careful,” and “very friendly.” Several mention that safety is a priority, which is vital in such physically demanding activities.

Reviewers also appreciate the landscape views, describing them as “incredible,” “beautiful,” and “stunning,” with some mentioning that the water was cold, but the wetsuits made it manageable. Many highlight the exhilaration of jumping into the water and rappelling down cliffs. As one reviewer states, “You carry your body to the limit, and your mind too,” capturing the challenging yet deeply satisfying nature of the tour.

Notable Practical Tips from Reviews

• Bringing gloves for rappelling is recommended, as they help grip the ropes better and prevent blisters.
• The equipment is well-maintained, but a careful safety briefing ensures everyone knows how to use it properly.
• The group size is kept small, fostering a friendly, personalized experience.
• Some mention that the experience can be tiring and long, so come prepared physically and mentally.

What’s Not Included and Important Considerations

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the meeting point. The tour is best suited for adventurers with good physical fitness, and it’s not recommended for those with high or low blood pressure, recent operations, injuries, obesity, or under 12 or over 55.

Weather plays a big role—if conditions are poor, the activity could be canceled, but you’re eligible for a full refund or rescheduling. The maximum group size of 15 helps keep the experience intimate and safer.

Why Choose This Tour?

This canyoning experience in Matacanes is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting a thrilling challenge in a beautiful natural setting. The combination of jumps, slides, and rappels means no two moments are alike, and the scenery provides a perfect backdrop for those stunning photos you’ll want to share. The consistent positive feedback about guides’ professionalism adds to the confidence, making it a worthwhile investment for thrill-minded travelers.

For travelers who enjoy physical activity, team spirit, and outdoor beauty, this tour offers a balanced dose of all three. If you’re looking for a safe, well-organized adventure that pushes your limits in a natural environment, Matacanes is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own ride to the hotel Hacienda Cola de Caballo, where the tour begins.

What should I bring?
Bring sturdy footwear, a change of clothes, and possibly gloves for rappelling. The tour provides wetsuits, helmets, and safety gear, but bringing gloves is recommended based on reviews.

Is this experience suitable for children or older adults?
It’s recommended for ages 12 to 55. The physical demands and heights involved make it unsuitable for younger children or older adults with health concerns.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires good physical fitness. Reviewers describe it as demanding but very rewarding, with some noting the importance of being prepared for a long, active day.

What should I expect in terms of safety?
Guides like Paco, Lalo, and Andrea are attentive and experienced, prioritizing safety at all times. The equipment used is high quality, and safety procedures are emphasized.

How cold is the water?
The water can be cold, but wetsuits help manage the chill, making the jumps and swims more comfortable.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, and receive a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date aren’t refundable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a challenging, exhilarating day in nature, the Matacanes canyoning tour offers a well-organized, highly praised experience that combines adventure, stunning scenery, and expert guidance. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor sports, are in good physical shape, and appreciate authentic natural environments. The combination of jumps, rappelling, slides, and beautiful landscapes makes it a standout among outdoor excursions and a memorable way to connect with Mexico’s rugged beauty.

While it’s not for the faint of heart or those with certain health issues, for those ready to push their limits and enoy genuine adventure, this tour delivers a safe, fun, and truly unique day out. Prepare for a full day of activity, laughter, and breathtaking views—you’ll likely be talking about it for years to come.