Río Zarco, Guatemala (area: Cahabón-Polochic; click here for the Guatemala table of rivers)

river photo

Class: III+; Ave. Gradient: 11 m/km; Portages: yes; Length: 9 km; Time: 1:30

Season: July to November; rafts? no; Highlights: pretty scenery; Crux move: driving and hiking in

Water Quality: decent; Water Temperature: not noted

PI: San Marcos (120 m); TO: main road (20m)

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

The Río Zarco is a charming stream in a remote pocket of the Sierra de Las Minas. It is a bit out of the way and the run is not very long, but the scenery is appealing and the water is a stunning aquamarine color.

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater Guatemala guidebook.

Descent History: I ran the Río Zarco solo in December 2005, with 350 cfs.

Flow Notes: The gauge on the larger parallel Río Matanzas might be your best online hint.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Bocas de Polochic nature preserve.