A full-day-plus canyoning route in Sierra de Santiago featuring 20+ jumps, two waterfall rappels, natural slides and an overnight in rustic cabins. Expect technical water moves, certified guides and a 14 km descent through dramatic limestone walls.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You emerge from a pine-scented ridge after a two-hour approach and the canyon opens: a throat of polished granite, waterfalls threading thin as silver, and a river daring you forward. Matacanes pushes you into movement—jumps into cold pools, slick rock slides that hurl you downstream, and rappels that unspool vertical space beneath a thunder of water.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (approx 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Moderately high endurance and comfort with exposure; ability to swim and handle repeated jumps and rappels.
Wildlife
History
Local ranching and forestry communities historically used the mountain springs; the canyon has become a modern adventure destination while remaining culturally tied to nearby Santiago.
Conservation
Guides enforce leave-no-trace principles and limit group sizes to reduce impact; stay on established approaches and avoid introducing soaps or chemicals to pools.
Reserve your spot on the Adventure Matacanes Rappel Natural Slides and Night in Cabin today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and electrolyte up
Long swims and physical rappels deplete fluids—bring a bladder and electrolyte packets to sip throughout the day.
Wear high-traction water shoes
Grip is critical on polished rock; shoes with secure ankle support and toe protection reduce slips during slides and entries.
Start early to avoid storms
Mountain weather can change fast—begin pre-dawn to finish technical sections before typical afternoon thunderstorms.
Pack a small dry bag and spare clothes
You’ll be wet from the first jump; a dry change of clothes and a lightweight insulating layer make the cabin night comfortable.
High-traction canyoning/water shoes
Secure footing on wet rock and protection for toe impacts on jumps.
Hydration bladder with 1–2L capacity
Easy access to fluids during long, active sections.
summer
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Necessary for any low-light swims in caves or late arrivals at the cabin.
Small waterproof dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps clothes, documents and electronics dry during the canyon descent.