Río Gualcarque, Upper, Honduras (click here for the Honduras table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV+; Flow: 350-1,500 cfs; Average Gradient: 21 m/km; Portages: yes; Length: 16.5 km; Time: 6 hours

Season: June to November; rafts? no; Highlights: bigger volume clean water; Crux move: logistics and politics

Put-In: La Vega (875 m) or Venado (754 m); Take-Out: Valle de Ángeles (532 m)

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

The Upper Río Gualcarque is right up there with the Río Cangrejal as one of Honduras' premier advanced kayaking runs. They both have clean water and reliable flows, with lots of beautiful granite. However, this run is more remote and committing, with usually bigger water, and with much more limited access. Also, you should be aware that several planned hydroelectric projects on the river are quite contentious. (In 2021, there were no access issues, but ask about construction or protests before venturing in.) 138 Western Honduras

A full description is in the Mayan Whitewater El Salvador, Honduras, & Nicaragua guidebook.

Descent History: Emilio Salaverri and I ran this in October 2021, with 800 cfs at the PI and 1,200 cfs at the TO.