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

river photo

Class: III; Ave. Gradient: 6 m/km; Portages: perhaps; Length: up to 26 km; Time: up to 4.5 hours

Season: July to February; rafts? no; Highlights: easy access; Crux move: sharp rocks and wood

Water Quality: good; Water Temperature: varies

PI: Las Lajas (535 m), or highway (435 m); TO: highway, or balneario Las Pozas

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

The Upper Río Machaquilá has some travertine drops and takes you by the main source spring of the river above the highway. The section below the highway is plagued by sharp rocks and sometimes wood.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater Guatemala guidebook.

Descent History: I ran from Las Lajas solo in August 2012. Tubing has been popular on the section below the bridge for years (Finca Ixobel offers this trip).

Flow Notes: There is a convenient online gauge at the main highway.

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