Río Chiquibul, Upper, Guatemala (area: Petén; click here for the Guatemala table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV; Ave. Gradient: 7 m/km; Portages: yes; Length: up to 28 km; Time: up to 7 hours

Season: July to February; rafts? no; Highlights: nice scenery; Crux move: portaging over slippery boulders

Water Quality: good; Water Temperature: medium

PI: Los Olivos trail (425 m); TO: Las Flores Chiquibul

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

The Upper Río Chiquibul contains some class IV, a lot of class II/III, a fair amount of portaging, and nice jungle and limestone cliff scenery. It also requires a 1 hour hike-in, or more if the water is low. Contact me for more information.

Descent History: The first known descent was by George Pratsinak and myself in November 2007.

Flow Notes: The Machaquilá gauge gives a hint as to recent rain patterns.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Tikal Mayan ruins, Finca Ixobel guesthouse.