Canyons and Walls, 1 Day
Class: III - IV , Min. Age: 16 years
Season: June to October
ITINERARY:
Meet at Maya Expeditions office at 7:00 am for departure from Guatemala
City (6:00 am departure from Antigua). Board minibus to town of
Barberena, breakfast at local restaurant and continue to the put-in
on the Esclavos river, (approximately 20 min.from the town). After
safety and river orientation board self bailing paddle rafts for
an exciting day of intense white water and dense tropical vegetation
nestled in a beautiful canyon setting.
Blast through rapids such as "Ecstasy" and "Ratón
Loco" ("Chutes and Twists"), ending with the satisfaction
of the last class IV rapid "Graduation".
Lunch on the river, taking time to enjoy the numerous waterfalls
that cascade down along the 200 ft. walls.
Birders may chance to see the beautiful Laughing Falcon, flocks
of Mealy Parrots among a myriad of other tropical birds. Take out
before the Esclavos Dam project, around 3:00 p.m.. Board minibus
for return transfer to Guatemala City (or Antigua).
The Esclavos river is rated Class IV+, however one must take into
account that tropical rains can raise the water level of canyon
rivers in a matter of hours which can also increase the rating of
the individual rapids.
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
Shorts
1 T-Shirt
Hat or cap
Insect repellant
Sun block
Strong eye glass (or sun glass) holder (if necessary)
Light jacket or raincoat (for the rainy season)
Small duffel with a towel and change of clothes, for the take out when you get off the river
*Photographic camera (optional, we provide water proof boxes, but we can't guarantee 100% waterproof protection)
Small overnight bag with personal items for Hotel stays
A HUGE SMILE !
• Maya Expeditions has been running Guatemalan rivers since
1987.
• We understand the different aspects of high and low water
and will make our decision on how the rapids are run based on our
experiences.
• We need 100% collaboration from participants, whether it
be in paddling to our commands or the possible need to carry (portage)
the boats around rapids.
• The minimum age limit is 16 years old as all participants
must be able to exert energy for paddling in the rapids and the
carrying of boats.
• Participants must be in good physical condition ready to
paddle continuously and carry boats around congested rapids.
• Maya Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation
to anyone due to lack of collaboration or inebriation.
Other Suggestions:
From June to November:
• Naranjo River:
Non-stop class III+ rapids (one day from Coatepeque).
• Coyolate River:
Beautiful canyon, class II-III (one day fromGuatemala City or Antigua).
• Motagua River:
Combine archaeology (ruins of Mixco Viejo),interesting geological
formations, with fun whitewater (class II-III). One or two days.
All Year Round:
• Cahabón River:
Intense whitewater (class III-IV), beautiful natural surroundings,
caves, hot springs, side creeks and waterfalls, lush forest and
abundant wildlife. One day or Multiday trips.
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