In Guatemala one can do rafting on various rivers and in different times of the year. The rapids are classified according to difficulty, from class I to VI. Class I signifies calm waters and class VI is a rapid that you cannot run safely. The majority of the rivers run commercially are from class II to class IV.

In the following information, the Grade stated indicates the highest class of rapids that each river has. The minimum age in order to participate in a trip, is indicated for each river, and is in relation to the class or difficulty.

HOW TO CHOOSE TRIPS
Cahabón River

1 Day from El Estor or Rio Dulce, Izabal - from Lanquín Alta Verapaz
3 Days from Guatemala City, or Cobán (this is one day of rafting) - from Guatemala City or Rio Dulce (one day rafting)
4 or 5 days from Guatemala city (this is 2 or 3 days of rafting)

Location: Alta Verapaz, to Izabal
Season: year round
Grade of Rapids III-IV
Minimum age: 12

For people who love nature, beautiful scenery and who seek adventure, a longer trip with camping. During higher water season the adventure will be of higher intensity. The one-day trip eliminates the camping for those not so inclined.

You can combine your trip:
In Izabal: El Boquerón, Finca Paraíso, Río Dulce, Livingston, Quiriguá, Copan, and Bungee Jumping over the Rio Dulce.
In Alta Verapaz: Quetzal Reserve, Lanquín caves and Semuc Champey, Candelaria Caves, Mountain Bike or Climbing and Lanquín

Nahualate River
1 day from Guatemala City or Antigua

Location: Matzatenango
Season: June to November
Grade of Rapids: II-III+
Minimum age: 10

For people who seek adventure of moderate intensity, a short trip and to have fun.

You can combine your trip:
Naranjo and Coyolate River for two or three days rafting without camping.
Archaeological sites, La Democracia, Las Ilusiones Costa Sur museum, and a fun time on the beach.

Coyolate River
1 day from Guatemala City or Antigua

Location: Sta. Lucia Cotzumalguapa
Season: June to November
Grade of Rapids: II-III
Minimum age: 8

For people who seek adventure of moderate intensity, a short trip and to have fun.

You can combine your trip:
Naranjo and Nahualate River for two or three days rafting without camping.

Archaeological sites, La Democracia, Las Ilusiones Costa Sur museum, and a fun time on the beach.

Naranjo River

1 day from Coatepeque or Quetzaltenango

Location: Coatepeque, Quetzaltenango
Season: June to November

Grade of Rapids III+
Minimum age: 12

For people who seek excitement and continuous adventure, in good physical shape and willing to paddle.

You can combine your trip:
Archaeological sites of the Pacific coast; Abaj Takalic, El Baúl, Las Ilusiones museum; beaches, Hot springs, and the Highlands.

Coyolate and Nahualate River for two or three days rafting without camping.

Motagua River

1 or 2 days from Guatemala City or Antigua

Location: Between Guatemala City and Baja Verapaz
Season: June to October
Grade of Rapids: II-III
Minimum age: 8

For people are looking for a fun rafting trip with beautiful blue skies and interesting geological formations. One can decide between rafting all day or half rafting and half visiting a post classic Maya site. The two-day trip can include camping or the group can return each night to the comforts of hotel in Guatemala City.

You can combine your trip: Archaeological site of Mixco Viejo

Los Esclavos River

Barberena 1 day from Guatemala City or Antigua

Location: Barberena, Santa Rosa
Season: July to October
Grade of Rapids: III-IV+
Minimum age: 16

For those in good physical shape, in search of high excitement and intense adventure. Preferably with raft paddling experience.

You can combine your trip:
Hot springs of Los Esclavos, Pacific coast and beaches

Chiquibul River

1 or 2 days of rafting from Flores, Tikal or Melchor de Mencos (Petén) the border with Belize.

Location: Melchor de Mencos (Petén)
Season: June to February
Grade of Rapids II+
Minimum age: 6

For people with families. This is a perfect trip to introduce the kids to the wilds of the jungle, rafting and to teach them about conservation and the Maya in a fun manner. For the more adventurous we offer inflatable kayaks under their own power.

You can combine your trip:
Yaxhá, Tikal and various sites of Petén and Belize.

Usumacinta River

4 to 5 days of rafting from Flores, or Tikal

Location: Sierra Lacandon Maya Biosphere Reserve (Petén)
Season: Dec - June
Grade of Rapids II+
Minimum age: 10

For people who are interested in visiting remote Maya Sites in pristine Jungle. One can also do this without rafting by using the local motorboats, a more eco-tourist venture. The rapids of the Lower Canyons are avoided in this option and the time on the water is cut in half.

You can combine your trip:
Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and Tikal.