On the Lower Gorge, 1 Day

Class III - IV, Min. Age: 12

DAY 01:
Meet with a Maya Expeditions representative at 7:00 a.m., at the hotel or at the municipal dock in El Estor (on Lake Izabal). (Pick up at Rio Dulce can be arranged on request, must leave no later than 6:15 a.m.).
Transfer by land to Chulac, along the banks of the Cahabon river. After a safety and orientation talk we board the rafts for an incredible ride running the river below. The day is full of excitement as we run the "Lower Gorge" where the river enters a beautiful and lush canyon for a perfect combination of exciting rapids, tranquil pools, pristine cave formations and natural jacuzzi formed by a thermal side stream, we've dubbed "The Little Paraiso". Take advantage of this remote place to admire the multicolored birds surrounded by the beautiful scenery of this rarely visited region. In the afternoon we arrive at the bridge of Cahaboncito, our takeout, where we transfer to awaiting vehicle for a short ride back to El Estor. (We arrive in El Estor arround 6:00p.m.)

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Included:
Land transportation from El Estor and back, lunch, all river and safety equipment and professional river guides.
Not Included:
Sodas, beers or alcoholic beverages, extras and tips.

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What to bring:
You must consider that the environment is that of a tropical region. Sun may be bright at noon and mosquitoes, even though not overwhelming, are something to take into consideration. Space is limited in this type of expedition, to avoid inconvenience, your personal equipment must be only a small handbag with your personal belongings.

Suggested personal equipment:
1 pair shoes to get wet (tennis or river sandals)
Swimming suit (already on)
Shorts
1 T-Shirt
Hat or cap
Insect repellant
Sun block
Strong eye glass (or sun glass) holder (if needed)
Light jacket or raincoat (for the rainy season)
flash light with good batteries
Small duffel with a towel and change clothes, for the take out when you get off the river
*Photographic camera (optional, we provide waterproof boxes, but we can't guarantee 100% waterproof protection).

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Suggestions :
We suggest that you make the arrangements to visit other places along the river and lake and enjoy a full weekend. Near El Estor the Rio Sauce forms a beautiful canyon called "El Boqueron". Finca El Paraiso is another place to go, hot springs and a cool stream where you can choose between ponds of hot, warm and cold water.  Bocas del Polochic (the delta formed by the Polochic river) is a natural reserve. Castillo de San Felipe (Spanish fort built to fight against the pirates), Biotopo Chocon Machacas, Tatin river, Livingston, Siete Altares, English Channel, etc. are the other places you can visit. You could even make arrangements to go sailing and scuba diving to the Belize Keys.

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How to get to El Estor:
If you have plans of visiting the Rio Dulce or lake Izabal area, this is a perfect combination.
If you are in Guatemala city or Antigua Guatemala, or any other part of the country, you must plan to start your trip one day before, to get to El Estor or a near town, in order to leave early morning next day.
* Option 1- Direct to El Estor: There is a direct bus from Guate. City to El Estor once a day (Fuentes del Norte:17 calle 8-46 zone 1, tel.2238-3894, 2251-3817). It leaves at 10:00 a.m. (Please confirm with them their schedule since it may change).
At El Estor: Hotel prices vary from Q.35 to Q.120 a night, per person. We recommend Hotel Villela for a less expensive option, or Cabañas del Lago for a more private and nicer environment.
* Option 2- Via Rio Dulce: Take a pullman bus (you can use Litegua or any of the buses that go to Peten) from Guatemala city, directly to Rio Dulce. From here, you can take a "chicken bus" to El Estor, or you may decide to spend the night at any of the hotels or lodges in the area. Make sure you leave early next day to be on time for the trip. People at any of the hotels should be able to help you with schedule and place of departure of the buses.
* Option 3- By the Polochic Valley: (the least recommended). Take a pullman bus to Coban, Transportes Monja Blanca. In Coban take a chicken bus to El Estor, Transportes Valenciana (about 6 hours of dirt road from Coban to El Estor).
* Option 4- By Boat: if you want a more scenic trip (but longer) you can take a boat (motor boat or sailing boat) from Mariscos or from Rio Dulce to El Estor. A fast motorboat from Mariscos takes about 1 hour and from Rio Dulce takes about 2 hours. It may be a very nice trip early in the morning. On the afternoons, the lake becomes a little rough, and it is not advisable to navigate it.