Bonilla Canyon
verified
ACA 4C2 III R
Extreme flood risk
Turrialba, Cartago
Big committed Turrialba descent with twin 100 m rappels, the technical headliner of the eastern Costa Rica cluster.
The longest single drops on this list, and the biggest commitment window in the Turrialba cluster (7 to 14 hr door to door). The Turrialba Canyoning Team is the local reference for access; a 3 km shuttle is optional.
Logistics
| Manager | Private landholders, with Turrialba Canyoning Team coordinating local access |
|---|---|
| Permit | No formal permit required. Local relationships matter, the Turrialba Canyoning Team carries the standing access arrangements. |
| Time | 7-14 hr (descent alone 5-8 hr, exit 2-6 hr) |
| Technical | Big-water Turrialba canyon. Ropewiki rates 4C2 III R (v5a4 IV). 6 to 7 rappels, longest is a chain of 100 m drops (R3 and R6) for a maximum total drop near 328 ft. Multiple high consequence hand lines. Prone to very heavy water flow. Loose rock at R6. Optional jump at R5 that can also be downclimbed canyon left. |
| Season | Jan-Apr |
| Flood risk | Extreme. Atlantic-slope Turrialba catchment, the canyon is prone to very heavy water and the published advice is to attempt only with ample swift water experience. |
| Vehicle access | Passenger car |
| Crowd | Low but high regard (5.0 on 5 ratings) |
| Coordinates | 10.0223, -83.6906 |
Sources
- ropewiki: https://ropewiki.com/Bonilla_Canyon