Río Negro (or Guarajambala), Lower, Honduras (click here for the Honduras table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV ; Flow: 400-3,000 cfs; Average Gradient: 5 m/km; Portages: one; Length: 22 km; Time: 6 hours

Season: June to October; rafts? portages; Highlights: scenery and gorges; Crux move: watching out for the V+

Put-In: Susuma hammock bridge (175 m); Take-Out: Puerto Lempa (70 m)

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

The Lower Río Negro is, according to what I noted at the time, a fun section with pretty scenery and a remote feel. The river has a few long pools, especially at the beginning, but it makes up for it with more than a few fantastic gorges. You will likely scout several times on the large boulders. I also noted one very difficult rapid which I rated a V+, but I did not note where in the run it appears, so scout defensively. The portage and other scouting is straightforward and allows some good photo ops.

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

Descent History: I ran this with George Pratsinak in June 2005, with 1,700 cfs at the start.