Temples and Canyons, 2 Days

Class: II - III , Min. Age: 10 years

Season: June to October

DAY 1 GUA / MIXCO VIEJO* / RIO MOTAGUA
Meet at Maya Expeditions' office at 7:30 a.m. for departure. (Arrangements can be made for hotel pick-up). Begin short (2-1/2 Hr) drive outside of Guatemala City to the highland desert region of Chimaltenango, where the sun shines hot 90% of the days even while the capital remains overcast and rainy.

Visit the archaeological site of Mixco Viejo*, whose name is derived from Mixconco, "Place in the clouds," Recent archaeological findings tell us that the Chajomal capital, "Mixco Viejo's" real name is Saqik'ajol Nimakaqapek , (a tongue twister to western speakers!).
It is located just 40 miles outside of Guatemala City. It loosely translates to "White-son Big Rock of the clay bed". Built on top of a high ridge surrounded by steep gradient cliffs it forms a strong defensive city for 6 different Kaqchikel groups or a chitinamita. Located between the Maya city of Kaminaljuyu (now Guatemala City) and the bountiful obsidian mines of San Martin Jilotepeque, Mixco Viejo, was a prominent city of the Post Classic Mayan history. According to the documents written during the Spanish conquest, the king of the Chajomal was known for his non-diplomatic brutality. When another king of the Kackchiquel of Iximche sent a bride to the King of the Kaqchikel of Chajomal he promptly ate her, starting a war between the city states.
We will visit the 6 different groups of this site which was built around 1470AD by various Kaqchikel groups, and examine the Popol Na, the long buildings where burials where found in front and beneath the floors in each group.

Lunch and transfer to the river banks to start an exciting trip.
After orientation and fundamentals of paddle rafting and oar-boat safety, board rafts for an exciting ride down through time. Join in a group effort to travel through the rapids with the ease of a professional.
Observe the various array of vegetation and bird life. Experience class II+, whitewater, beautiful cliff walls, old Spanish bridges or try your hand at crossing the turbulent waters below, the way the ancient and the Maya of today still do; by cable bridge. As the river plunges downward each rapid provides more challenges to the beginner, until it culminates into the hardest rapid on this section right before take-out at bridge Concuá.

Camp and dinner by the river.

DAY 2 RIO MOTAGUA / GUATEMALA
Early breakfast and board whitewater rafts to continue the attack down the Rio Motagua. Feel the adrenalin surge as all the river converges into a narrow canyon, the water volume increases to provide you with the challenge and excitement of a miniature "Grand Canyon", complete with waves similar to a freight train. You'll experience the satisfaction of meeting and surmounting the challenges nature has to offer, all under beautiful blue skies, surrounded by sheer canyon walls and the ever changing fauna.
Experience the wonders of that world only a few short hours away.
Lunch on the river. Return to your hotel by late evening with many fabulous stories to share. (37 km. on the river in total).

*The famous story of Mixco Viejo where Pedro de Alvarado finds a tunnel entrance and a secret tunnel exit to the site where his army was able to capture the Indians and protect his soldiers with shields actuality occurred at a site called Chinaulta Viejo, a Pocoman site, which is SE of the site of Mixco Viejo.
Mixco Viejo should be more accurately called Jilotepeque Viejo.

Maya Expeditions does not insist upon an age limit for the Motagua excursions. We ask that you prudently judge maturity level and physical endurance of each individual to meet with the rigors and challenges nature can offer.
Note: The Rio Motagua is a free flowing tropical river that is dependent on rains in its watershed in the departments of Quiche and Totonicapán to give it its volume and power. Rapids, level of difficulty and volume, can change with the rains.

WHAT TO BRING:
CLOTHING:
- 2 or 3 T-shirts
- 1 Long sleeve shirt
- Shorts or bermudas
- Swimming suits
- 1 Pair of long pants
- 1 Pair of light shoes for camp
- 1 Pair of tennis shoes to get wet, or river sandals
- Sweater or a light weight jacket
- Rain gear or synthetic pants suit
- 1 Pair of sleeping pants (optional)
- Blanket or light sleeping bag
- 2 or 3 pairs of socks
- Cap or hat
- Personal identification (legalized photocopy)
- Personal toiletry articles
-1 Towel
- flashlight (extra batteries)
-1 or 2 liter canteen
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (strong), lip protection and lotion
- Sun glasses (with safety cord)
- Extra pair of glasses /contacts, extra solutions
- Small knapsack or small waterproof bag
- Several garbage and Ziploc bags
- Medications you need
- Personal cup with handle for clipping
- Small pillow (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera and films (optional)
- Earplugs (optional)

A HUGE SMILE AND GOOD ATTITUDE