Río Platanar, Chiapas, Mexico (area: north; click here for the Chiapas table of rivers)

river photo

Class: III (IV upper); Ave. Gradient: 10 m/km; Portages: none; Length: up to 25 km; Time: up to 4:30

Season: August to December; Rafts? no; Highlights: nice intermediate run; Crux move: catching the water

Water Quality: decent; Water Temperature: cool

PI: San Carlos bridge (elev: 190 m), or Nicapa for upper (305 m); TO: lower Sunuapa bridge, or Platanar bridge

Description: (click here for general notes about my descriptions)

The Platanar is a small river, a bit out of the way unless you are also checking out the nearby Magdalena and La Sierra rivers. When the water is up it is a good option for those looking for an easier run.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater: Chiapas & Belize guidebook.

Flash Flood Danger: normal, put on early.

Descent History: The only known descent was by Jeff Hastings and myself in September 2009.

Flow Notes: You will need a bit of luck it seems to find a nice flow. My impressions are from a run with 100/300 cfs at the top/bottom.

Accommodations: There are hotels in Pichucalco.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Not much in this area.