If you love adventure, then you’re going to love this article. And we have a surprise for you. We are offering 2 lucky people a free rafting trip. All you need to do is to go to our Instagram page @revista_quepasa
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If you drive about and a hour and a half southwest of La Antigua, tucked amidst the rubber trees, sugar cane, banana and teak farms, you’ll find the Coyolate river. On the river it’s easy to forget about the plantations around you and feel like you’re on a true adventure. The river flows through a canyon with waterfalls cascading down the sides, jungle vines swinging from above and ferns climbing up the rock walls.
Although the brownish complexion of the Coyolate may lead you to believe otherwise, compared to many rivers in Guatemala, it is quite clean. The river’s appearance is derived from sediment, a common feature in coastal rivers. Fish like cuatro ojos and catfish call the river home. RIOS Guatemala, a Guatemalan non-profit working to promote environmental preservation through outdoor adventure activities, has teamed up with Old Town Outfitters to offer a rafting trip down the Coyolate.
It’s been over 10 years since I last rafted, so when Old Town mentioned the trip I jumped at the opportunity. The trip left from La Antigua and began with a scenic drive to pueblo Naranjo. We were accompanied by Max Baldetty, the director of RIOS and a certified rescue technician as well as Roberto, a long-term rafting guide who was the first to navigate the Coyolate river. Their passion and vision for RIOS was inspiring and evident throughout our day.
When we arrived at the river, the entry point was calm and I was feeling confident. During the safety check as we went over all possible scenarios, I started getting nervous. I hadn’t been rafting in a long time and the rest of the group was comprised of more experienced rafters. But as soon as we hit the water, my worries washed away. I realized just how capable Max and Roberto are as guides – giving firm but friendly directions to keep the group on track maneuvering through the water.
During the 6 hour trip, there was plenty of time to take in the surrounding landscape, stop for snacks on the riverbanks and bond with the rest of the group. We came up with a team name and cheer, and even a name for the raft: Ol’ Bessie.
“The river is a lot like life,” – Max explained during one of the more calm parts of our ride, “It has a beginning and end. It can be fast and slow, fun and challenging.”
About Old Town Outfitters
Founded in 1998, Old Town Outfitters is a full service adventure travel and destination management company (DMC) located in La Antigua. They specialize in designing custom-built trips for both organized groups and independent travelers. Find them:
5a Avenida Sur #12C – (MAP C4)
7832-4171
