Río Achuapita, Nicaragua (click here for the Nicaragua table of rivers)

river photo

Class: IV ; Flow: 250-1,200 cfs; Average Gradient: 8 m/km; Portages: yes; Length: 29 km; Time: 6-7 hours

Season: June to October ; rafts? no; Highlights: lots of nice IV between the portages; Crux move: portaging between the IVs

Put-In: Caraos (295 m); Take-Out: Valle Las Pilas (57 m)

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

The Río Achuapita showcases a wide variety of volcanic river features inviting a variety of portage and charging options in between the otherwise scenic and enjoyable class III/IV. Besides the rocky parts, be extra wary of downed trees in the river.

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

Descent History: I ran this in October 2019, with a high 500 cfs at the PI.