Río Piyá (Primavera), Guatemala (area: Pacific Suchi; click here for the Guatemala table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV-; Ave. Gradient: 11 m/km; Portages: small dams; Length: 12+ km; Time: 3+ hours

Season: June to October; rafts? no; Highlights: narrow micro-canyon; Crux move: short boat

Water Quality: decent; Water Temperature: warm

PI: Finca San Ricardo (320m); TO: CA-2 (240m) or Río Coyolate TO (72 m)

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

The Río Piyá is a showcase for low gradient micro-creeking, when you can catch the water. The Upper part is a narrow volcanic canal with an average depth of 10 feet (above water). The Lower part, which ends at the Río Coyolate, also has some gorge sections.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater Guatemala guidebook.

Descent History: I ran this solo in August 2010.

Flow Notes: This creek rarely has a boatable flow.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Lago Atitlán, Los Tarales nature reserve.