Río Ocosito, Middle & Lower, Guatemala (area: Pacific West; click here for the Guatemala table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV-, III+; Ave. Gradient: 11 m/km; Portages: yes, in Middle; Length: up to 31 km km; Time: up to 6 hrs

Season: June to October; rafts? when high; Highlights: bigger rapids; Crux move: negotiating small dams

Water Quality: decent; Water Temperature: medium

PI: Río Ocos bridge near San Luis (400 m) or Cabañas bridge (230m); TO: Caballo Blanco (60 m)

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

When looking for medium-sized, not-too-committing class IV in this part of the country, the Río Ocosito might fit the bill—when the water is up. The Middle section has some fun rapids, but also a couple of small dams, to negotiate. The Lower section is a nice long class III stretch suitable for some exercise, working on intermediate paddling skills, and sometimes for some play.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater Guatemala guidebook.

Descent History: Roberto Rodas and I ran the Río Ocosito, from the highway down, in October 2003. We had only 350–500 cfs.

Flow Notes: The more water the better on this run. Upstream, the new Las Fuentes dam forecasts and reports releases. Downstream, there is a gauge at Caballo Blanco, which includes water from the Ríos Xab and Nil. The actual flow is about 15% less than reported.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Xocomil/Xetulul water/amusement parks; Champerico beach.