Río San José, Middle, and Río Shutaque, Lower, Guatemala (area: Low Motagua; click here for the Guatemala table of rivers)

Class: II/II+; Ave. Gradient: 7 m/km; Portages: none; Length: 16 / 14 km; Time: 2 hours

Season: June to October; rafts? if high; Highlights: good practice; Crux move: ignoring the trash

Water Quality: poor; Water Temperature: not noted

PI: San José La Arada (418m) or Vado Hondo (420m); TO: San Antonio bridge (325m)

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

The Middle Río San José offers the easiest run in the Chiquimula area, and also the best chance to find both water and garbage.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater Guatemala guidebook.

Descent History: Rocky Contos and I ran different parts at different times.

Flow Notes: The Río Shutaque has a flow gauge.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Copán Mayan ruins across the Honduran border; Esquipulas cathedral pilgrimage site an hour away.