Rivers in Guatemala
GuatemalaGuatemala is a land of rugged mountains, thick rainforests, and lovely rivers. The rivers often descend from mountains and empty their contents into oceans or lakes. Exploring one of Guatemala’s rivers can be fun and fulfilling. The most commonly visited rivers include the Río Dulce and Río Cahabón, although there are many others that are worth seeing. Guatemala’s rivers are often surrounded by picturesque jungles and are good places to swim, kayak, or relax; some rivers also have excellent white-water rapids that are perfect for rafting.

Guatemala Highlights
A curated look at the best Guatemala has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Cahabon River
The Río Cahabón is a fast-flowing river near Lanquín. Boasting Class III-IV rapids, it’s Guatemala’s best white-water river. The Río Cahabón also feeds the beautiful limestone pools of Semuc Champey.
Explore DestinationPasion River
La Pasión River flows through the western half of Petén. There are a number of Mayan archeological sites near its shores that travelers can visit via a scenic boat tour. La Pasión River is often used for transportation during the rainy season, when the water is much higher than other times of the year.
Explore DestinationChiquimulilla Canal
The Canal de Chiquimulilla is a man-made canal that extends from Guatemala’s border with El Salvador to Puerto San José. Running parallel to the Pacific coastline, this canal is lined with mangrove wetlands that harbor a number of animals.
Explore DestinationFeatured Guatemala Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Guatemala itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

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