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Cahabon is a long river, its headwaters are located in the mountains of Baja Verapaz, near the reserve for the protection of the quetzal, "Biotopo Mario Dary". It may be navigated in inflatable rafts in a section that is roughly one third of its total length (almost 60 kms from a total of almost 200 kms). The part that may be rafted is divided in 3 sections, which result in the different itineraries. One way to get to the river is in Alta Verapaz, and the other way is in Izabal. Sites of interest to combine with rafting on this river, if you are traveling through the Alta Verapaz would be: the ruins of the oldest sugar mill in Central and North America (and one of the oldest of the Americas), in San Geronimo, Baja Verapaz; the natural reserve "biotopo Mario Dary", or the natural reserve "Ram Tzul". The caves that abound in the area, like the little known cave of "Chicoy", it has a complicated access, but is very interesting since it is a sacred place for the Mayan people and rituals are frequently practiced there. Other caves like the "Rey Marcos", "Candelaria", "Bombil Peck" or "Lanquin" are more frequently visited by tourists, and each one has its particular interest. In Candelaria it is possible to float through the river that flows in the caves and that formed them. The limestone soil of the area has made it possible not only for caves to form, but for another natural beauty which are the travertine pools of "Semuc Champey" or "Las Conchas". Both are perfect to swim and relax, and Semuc Champey has the added interest of being a natural bridge, under which the Cahabon river is flowing. The city of Coban, that once was the "coffee capital" of Guatemala, is a good place to take a coffee tour and learn the whole process of this grain, from the moment that the tree is planted to the moment that you may drink a cup of this delicious beverage. The variety of orchids that are native to the area is impressive, they may be appreciated in a nursery, where the owner will explain about the species and varieties that exist. Going North, one finds the archaeological site of Cancuen, unique for having big palaces but no temples (were the Mayans of Cancuen atheists?), and from here the road to Peten with all its archaeological wonders. Sites of interest to combine with rafting on this river, if you are traveling through Izabal would be: the archaeological site of Quirigua, considered the twin city of Copan, since they share similarity of art and architectural style, it is a smaller city but the tallest and more elaborate stelae of the Mayan world are found here. On lake Izabal you can find the natural reserve area of the Polochic river delta, the beautiful canyon of Sauce river, known as "El Boqueron", and the hot thermal springs and caves of "Finca Paraiso". On Rio Dulce you will find the old Spanish fort "Castillo de San Felipe", the natural reserve "Biotopo Chocon Machacas", small islands where lots of sea birds come to nest, smaller creeks and tributaries like the "Tatin"; and the Garifuna town of Livingston. At the Amatique Bay (Guatemala's Caribbean) you may find white sand beaches and calm sea, more nature reserves with either mountains or mangrove covered canals, and easy access to the keys of the South of Belize. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR TRIP:
SLEEPING Spacious tents and comfortable sleeping
pads are provided. You will need to provide either a light sleeping
bag or a light sheet and blanket.
Participants should be in good physical conditions and be able to judge wisely their abilities. |
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* PERSONNEL: Our personnel have many years of experience leading expeditions on remote sites through white-water rivers and in far-flung regions. They are highly experienced, specialized and trained under USA standards. INSURANCE: We strongly recommend you protect yourself and your baggage with a short term traveler's insurance policy. Baggage is carried entirely at owner's risk; Maya Expeditions assumes no liability whatsoever for damage, loss or delay of property beyond our control. Trip cancellation insurance will cover your losses on non refundable air and land costs on trips cancelled due to illness or other emergency. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* RESERVATIONS CANCELLATION Trip Cancellation: Maya Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient bookings, though a supplementary charge can be paid to operate a trip below our minimum. In the event of trip cancellation all deposits and payments would be refunded in full. Maya Expeditions reserves the right to cancel a trip due to river conditions, weather, natural disasters, political or social unrest or any other type of apparent risk to the security of the group and equipment. In this case, the client will receive a reimbursement equivalent to the price paid, MINUS THE COSTS ALREADY SPENT (transportation, hotels, food. or any other directly related to the trip). Maya Expeditions and participating outfitters are not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members such as personal equipment, medical costs, air tickets, etc. Maya Expeditions reserves the right to exclude any person at any time or place from any trip, if the person reflects a negative attitude, abuse of drugs or alcohol, lack of respect for: the local population and its culture, nature and the environment, the cultural or natural heritage; or for not following the directions of the guide putting at risk the security and cohesion of the excursion. In this case there will be no refund and the cost incurred to return the person to the initial meeting point of the trip will be covered entirely by said person.
To participate in any of our trips, we ask that you prudently judge maturity level and physical endurance of each individual to meet with the rigors and challenges nature can offer.
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