Mixco Viejo / WHITEWATER RAFTING Motagua River

Archaeology and whitewater rafting:
Trip Ruins 'n Rafting CODE: MOTCAN

Season: mid June thru October
2 DAY
CLASS II-III
Minimum Age - 8 years
Temples 'N The Canyon of the Mayas

Guatemala / Mixco Viejo / Motagua River Rafting / Guatemala

Season: mid June thru October
2 DAY
CLASS II-III
Minimum Age - 8 years
CODE MOTCAN

DAY 1 GUA / MIXCO VIEJO / RIO MOTAGUA / GUA
Meet at Maya Expedition's office at 7:00 am for 7:30 am departure (absentees will not be refunded). Arrangements can be made for hotel pick-up. . Breakfast on your own.. We take a short (2-1/2 Hr) drive from Guatemala City to the highland desert region of Chimaltenango, where the sun shines hot 90% of the time, even while the capital is overcast and rainy. With an archaeologists as our guide, we visit the archaeological site of Mixco Viejo, whose name is derived from Mixconco, "Place in the clouds."

After orientation and a quick run-down on the fundamentals of paddle rafting and oar-boat safety, we board rafts for an exciting ride through time. We will observe the beautiful array of vegetation and birdlife, experience class II+ white water rafting, beautiful cliff walls, old Spanish bridges, and even crossing the turbulent waters the way that the ancient Maya did and that the Maya of today still do, by cable bridge. As the river plunges downward each rapid provides more challenges to the beginner, eventually culminating in the hardest set of rapids on this section of the river, right before our campsite at the bridge Concuá. Enjoy the fresh air under a starry sky. A delicious meal is prepared at camp.

DAY 2 RIO MOTAGUA / GUATEMALA
After a abundant breakfast, board whitewater rafts to begin the attack down the Lower 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 similiar 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. (25 kms. on the river).

*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.

Note: If leaving from Antigua one must leave an hour earlier. Pick-up is at your hotel.