Rio Motagua

Location: Guatemala

The Rio Motagua has the interesting distinction of flowing through the only valley in Mesoamerica in which jade has been discovered. Sourced from Guatemala’s Rio Grande River, the Motagua’s course marks the boundary between Guatemala and Honduras before it spills into the Gulf of Honduras.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

Gentle class II and exciting class III rapids give paddlers opportunities for relaxation, bird watching, and the spontaneous fun of whitewater rafting.

Wildlife and History: Bird Watching and Mayan Ruins

Like many Guatemala river rafting adventures, trips through Rio Motagua are excellent opportunities for bird watching. River trips here take paddlers near Mixco Viejo, one of Guatemala’s historic Mayan ruins. Mixco Viejo’s location near the Rio Motagua speaks to the river’s importance as a pre-Columbian trade route.

Season: June – October

One to two day river rafting trips on the Motagua River are available from June into October.