Arco is a small but lively town famous for its stunning cliffs, clear waters, and outdoor activities. Unlike more typical tourist destinations, Arco offers a variety of hands-on experiences that really get you into the action—whether that’s rappelling down waterfalls, climbing rock faces, or discovering local craft beers. We particularly love the Rio Nero canyoning tour, which combines natural beauty with adrenaline, and the via ferrata Rio Sallagoni, a short but exhilarating climb inside an impressive canyon. These experiences capture the essence of what makes Arco special: authentic outdoor fun set against breathtaking scenery.
If you’re after adventure, the selection below includes everything from challenging canyoning trips to family-friendly climbing sessions, plus unique local tastes like craft beer tours. Each offers a different way to connect with the landscape and culture—so whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or a curious beginner, there’s something here for you.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of tours that made our list: Canyoning trips at Rio Nero and Palvico Gorge, climbing adventures including top-rope and via ferrata routes, and local craft beer tastings. To help you choose, we’ll walk through each experience in detail, highlighting what makes each one special. Let’s start with the most adrenaline-packed option.
1. Arco: Rio Nero Canyoning
At number 1, the Rio Nero canyoning adventure near Lake Garda stands out for its mix of natural beauty and active fun. This 3.5-hour guided tour is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of abseiling, sliding, and jumping in a stunning canyon setting. The guide leads you through grottoes, lakes, and impressive rock formations, making each step feel like a mini expedition. The longest abseil hits 25 metres, and jumping from heights of up to 7 metres keeps your adrenaline pumping.
This tour is rated 4.8/5 with 30 reviews, reflecting its popularity among adventure lovers. Tour guide expertise shines through, with many visitors commenting on how safe yet exciting the experience feels. The natural water slides, rock jumps, and swimming passages are what set Rio Nero apart from more commercialized activities. It’s suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness who’s comfortable in the water—no prior canyoning experience needed.
What makes this tour truly special is the combination of scenery and activity—each jump and slide reveals a different facet of the canyon’s beauty. The tour’s price offers great value for the 3.5 hours of fun, and the manageable length makes it accessible for most travelers. Expect a mix of moments that make your heart race and others that make you pause and take in the view.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a full-throttle canyoning experience that combines natural beauty with excitement, Rio Nero is a top choice in Arco.
2. Garda Lake: Fun Climb
At number 2, the Garda Lake: Fun Climb offers a more relaxed but equally engaging introduction to climbing. This 4-hour session emphasizes top-rope climbing and basic safety techniques—perfect for beginners or families wanting a safe, guided experience. The focus here is on having fun while learning the essentials of rock climbing, making it a great option for those new to the sport.
Rated 5/5 from 7 reviews, many visitors appreciate the friendly instruction and manageable pace. The guide introduces core skills in a straightforward way, helping you build confidence on the rock. The setting, overlooking Lake Garda, adds an inspiring backdrop that elevates the experience. No prior climbing experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided.
What makes this trip stand out is its balance of instruction and enjoyment. It’s less about conquering the highest crag and more about learning safe climbing techniques in a stunning environment. It’s perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a fun, low-pressure introduction to climbing.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a friendly, safe way to try climbing while soaking in Lake Garda views, the Garda Lake: Fun Climb is an excellent pick.
3. Garda Lake: Guided Palvico Gorge Canyoning Trip
At number 3, the Palvico Gorge canyoning tour offers a demanding yet rewarding adventure. This 4-hour guided trip takes you into one of Garda Lake’s top canyoning spots, featuring longer abseils, high jumps, and rock slides. The tallest abseil is a significant 50 metres, and the highest jump is 6 metres, making this suitable for those with some canyoning experience or a good level of fitness.
Rated 4.8/5 with 12 reviews, explorers consistently praise the diverse natural features and adrenaline rushes. The itinerary includes a 2-hour guided canyon descent, with scenic drives and quick transfers that keep the pace lively. The experience includes rock jumps up to 6 metres, slides up to 7 metres, and swimming passages amid towering cliffs.
The tour’s highlight is its challenging abseiling and jumps, which elevate it above more beginner-friendly adventures. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with certain health issues. The price and length make it a good value for thrill-seekers prepared for a full-body workout.
Bottom Line: For adventure lovers eager for a challenging canyoning experience in a stunning setting, the Palvico Gorge tour delivers excitement and natural beauty in equal measure.
4. Arco: Birra Artigianale Impavida Guided Tour and BeerTasting
Number 4 on our list, the Impavida craft beer tour is a different kind of experience—ideal for those interested in local flavor and authentic brewing. This guided tour takes you inside a local craft brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and taste four of their freshest beers. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a perfect way to unwind after a day outdoors or to enjoy a social experience in Arco.
Rated 4.8/5 from 8 reviews, visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides and the unique taproom setting. The tour covers everything from the ingredients to the brewing techniques, with plenty of time for tasting. The brewery’s location and design add a distinctive charm that makes the experience memorable.
Priced for a full-day experience, the tour offers an authentic taste of Arco’s local craft scene. It’s suited for beer lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a break from physical adventure with a flavorful twist. The only potential downside is that it’s a single-day activity, so plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, flavorful experience in Arco that highlights local craftsmanship, this brewery tour is a highlight, especially if you enjoy craft beers.
5. Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni
Rounding out our list at number 5, the Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni offers a short, adventurous route inside a stunning canyon. This 3-hour route has a medium difficulty (C) rating, with scarce exposure and easier variants available for beginners. The route includes two Tibetan bridges, with one spanning approximately 10 metres, and a quick approach and return—just 10 and 30 minutes respectively.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, the experience is praised for its spectacular environment and manageable challenge. The shaded canyon setting provides relief from the sun, while the bridges and pathways deliver just enough thrill for intermediate climbers. The route ends near the Drena Castle, adding some extra sightseeing.
This activity suits those with some basic fitness looking for a short and manageable via ferrata experience. The safety measures and guided nature make it accessible for most, but those with a fear of heights or vertigo should consider their comfort level.
Bottom Line: If you want a quick but impressive via ferrata experience with fantastic scenery, this route inside the canyon is a great choice.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Arco
When deciding which adventure to pursue, consider your fitness level, interests, and time available. If you’re after heart-pumping canyoning, Rio Nero and Palvico Gorge are excellent options, with Rio Nero being more accessible and Palvico offering a challenging descent. For a gentler introduction to climbing, the Garda Lake: Fun Climb provides a safe, scenic environment. Beer lovers should not miss the Birra Artigianale Impavida Guided Tour, perfect for savoring local flavors. And for a quick adrenaline fix, the via ferrata Rio Sallagoni offers a safe but exciting route inside a beautiful canyon.
Booking early is advised, especially in high season, as popular tours fill fast. Think about your physical readiness—canyoning and via ferrata demand a decent level of fitness, while the beer tour is more laid-back. For those with limited time, combining a canyoning trip with a beer tasting can make for a memorable day.
Arco’s wide range of outdoor and cultural activities ensures you’ll find something that excites you. Whether you prefer the rush of canyoning, the challenge of via ferrata, or just relaxing with a craft beer, this town has it all. Our top picks—Rio Nero canyoning and the Palvico Gorge—are perfect for adventure junkies, while the beer tour offers a taste of local life. Whatever you choose, book early, and get ready for some authentic Arco experiences.
