About Chiriqui River Rafting

First, about the classes:

Class I: Moving water with small waves (ideal for beginners)
Class II: Rapids with waves up to three feet high. Clean, unobstructed channels with some maneuvering required. Guide must be able to maintain course.
Class III: Irregular waves, scouting necessary, complex maneuvering, obstacles concealed. Difficult to control and maneuver.
Class IV: Long, difficult rapids with tight passages. Boat tipping and swamping are real possibilities. If a customer falls in the water a possibility of injury is ever present.
Class V: Quick rescue procedings must be in place. Precise and professional knowledge of the river course is a must.

 


The classes of the rapids are based upon Panamanian classifications.  We have been told many times that these classifications are understated compared to American and other classifications.  Be aware especially during the rainy season that our class III’s are easily comparable to U.S. class IVs and so forth.

We reserve the right at any time to cancel trips if water levels exceed our standards of river safety for customers and guides.


RANKED FROM MOST INTENSE TO LEAST:

Rio Chiriqui ViejoChiriqui Viejo River
If you are looking for Panama’s most exciting and intense river rafting, the Rio Chiriqui is your river, well known for its thrills.  The river meanders along the Panamanian-Costa Rican border and is not as easy to access as some of the other rivers, but provides rafters with a spectacular drive full of views which certainly make up for the lost time.  While driving higher and higher up to the put in, rafters will get to take in beautiful scenes of untouched, dense rain forest corridors, breath-taking views of Volcan Barú and even Costa Rica’s rows of teak plantations. 

Palon Section - Class III and IV * The Palon Section (literally "big stick") of Rio Chiriqui Viejo river is a class III and IV where non stop excitement, pristine tropical forest, and more.  Considerably narrower than its counterpart and dropping at a faster speed, the Viejo requires quick, tight maneuvering to get through the many rock gardens and enormous boulders and delivers continuous white water that contribute to its class IV ranking.  This is a guaranteed ride of a lifetime for rafters seeking a thrill.
All Year
4 hours/Minimum Age 12 Chiriqui Viejo River
*Rafters on the Palon Section will have to hike about 15 minutes down to reach the river while our guides find ingenious ways to get our 100+lb rafts down to the put in.  Do not worry, this short hike is downhill and in no means strenuous to the average person.  We recommend bringing comfortable waterproof shoes or sneakers.

During dry season (Dec.-May): During your decent down the river, you will stop for lunch at beautiful location. Here, you will take a short hike to an incredible picturesque 30 foot waterfall. This is a truly remarkable sight.
During rainy season: (June-Nov.): With more water, and more speed, this time of the year is ideal for those searching for the biggest thrill. During this excursion, the river guide will lead a descent through the entire Palon section and most of the Sabo section of this river.

Sabo Section - Class II and III This section of the Viejo is a fun ride where plenty of high and deep wave trains provide continuous excitement.  Ranked as a class II with several class III rapids, the Sabo section is also a great place for bird watching.  Kingfishers, Cormorants, and Egrets are common sights down the Sabo section of the Rio Chiriqui Viejo.  This less technical section is great for beginners looking for excitement.
All Year.
2 hours/Minimum Age 8

Chiriqui Viejo RiverWARNING: Come quick! This river may not be around for long! HELP WANTED: The world famous Chiriqui Viejo River, one of the best river runs in Panama and Central America is being threatened by a series of proposed river dams to produce electricity. The Palon Section is considered by many river experts, one of the finest river runs in the world for its continuous and challenging rapids.  It is suggested that you write your concerns to the Minister of Tourism, Ruben Blades. It is also suggested to write to the opinion section of La Prensa (lflamarique@prensa.com) one of the leading newspapers of Panama to initiate an awareness program to help preserve one of the jewels of rafting in this hemisphere.  Once this river is dammed, the rafting will be gone forever. Your help is appreciated.

Rio Chiriqui
Witches Section - Class III A highly technical class III with one class IV rapid, this is the perfect setting for rafters desiring a medium intensity river.  This section is characterized by technical and fun maneuvers that keep this whitewater ride exciting.  In addition, this river is a mere 35 minutes drive from the town of Boquete, affording the customer the opportunity to be back in the town by mid day.
June – November Only.
2 hours/ Minimum Age 12
Rio Gariche
Bijagual Section - Class II and III
If abundant vegetation, exotic birds, pristine waterfalls and sightings of monkeys are your delight, then the Gariche River is the perfect river tour for you. Consisting of mostly Class II and III rapids, this river offers that quintessential combination of sheer tropical beauty and exciting whitewater for the whole family.
June – November Only.
3 hours/Minimum Age 8
Rio DolegaBajo Mendez Section
Bridge Section - Class II and III
If you are looking for a fast technical river with abundant vegetation, the Dolega River is for you.  Suitable for first timers brave of heart. This river has mostly Class III rapids with excellent tranquil spots for swimming and nature observation. Only a half hour ride from our office in Boquete.
July – November Only.
4 hours/Minimum Age 7
Rio MajaguaBajo Mendez Section
Lower Section - Class II and III
Located close to the town of David, this section is convenient for families looking for an introduction to the whitewater world.  Adults and children alike will take pleasure in this river's exciting whitewater as well as swimming through the many calm and pretty pools found throughout this section.
June – November Only.
2 hours/Minimum Age 5

Rio Esti
Lower Section - Class II & III
The scenery of the Lower Esti is similar to the beautiful upper section.  This section includes more complex and difficult rapids for more excitement, not to mention an extra hour of rafting.
All Year Bajo Mendez Section
3 hours/Minimum Age 8

Upper Section - Class II
This river is ideal for a family adventure.  This section introduces its participants to an unforgettable tropical river adventure full of wildlife such as cormorants, kingfishers and more.  Come prepared to sample exciting white water, and swim in the many swimming holes throughout this section.
All Year.
2 hours/Minimum Age 5

Rio Grande - Cocle Province
Cope Section - Class II
If you arrive in Panama City during the month of July - November and are interested in a mild rafting, then consider Rio Grande.  At just two hours drive in a four lane highway this is the perfect rafting tour for family and beginners. Call or e-mail our office for details.
4 hours/ Minimum Age 6
Note: a minimum of four (4) people are required to conduct this tour.

rafting@panama-rafting.com

tel: (507) 720-1505
Fax: (507) 720-1506