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.