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INTRODUCTION
Río Grande, in Coclé Province, was first pioneered for rafting by Aventuras Panama in 1999. The river is classified as
Class III+ at its upper section and Class II-III at the lowest section. It
runs through tropical dry forest. Most of its basin is devoted to
cattle and farming.
Coclé has become Panama´s meca of beach tourism due mostly to Playa
Blanca, a gorgeous white sand beach in the Pacific Ocean. Playa
Blanca has attracted all included
beach hotels such as Decameron and Barcelo.
Coclé, besides its beautiful beach, is also well known for El Valle,
a mountain village, inside a exticnt volcano crater.
About Rio Grande:
Upper Section,
Class
III+
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Lower Section,
Class
II-III
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This is the best part of the river. It runs through breath
taking gorges with some nice drops.
We could choose not to run it with high water due to lack of
shores in some sections. If this is the case we always have the
lower section alternative to have fun.
We only run this section in kayaks/duckies or small rafts.
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Characterized by big water pools followed with
rapids.
It runs mustly through planes and small hills.
It is a introduction to rafting well suited for the whole family. Very
exciting with good water level.
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ITINERARY
From Panama City: Pickup at 6:00 a.m. We
will arrive to the put in about three hour later to start rafting around 11:00
a.m. We should arrive to the take out zone around 2:00 p.m. and back to the
original pick up place about 5:30 p.m.
From Playa Blanca beach area: Pickup
around 8:00 a.m. We will arrive to the put in about hour and half later to start
rafting around 9:30 a.m. We should arrive to the take out zone around 12:30 p.m.
and back to the original pick up place about 1:15 p.m.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned
transportation, rafts(or duckie, inflatable kayak) and gear, guides, and lunch. Our guides are
trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid, and CPR.
WHO CAN GO ? On the Lower Section any person from 8 to 70 years old, in good health.
On the Upper Section persons 15 through 60 years old in good health and physical
conditions.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Swimsuit or a pair
of shorts for navigating, sneakers or straped sandals with good
soles, a baseball cap, and sun lotion. A replacement set of dry clothes
for return trip.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN ? Any object that
could be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash,
credit cards, etc.
PRICE: USD $ 125.00 per person from Panama
City or the Beach area. For groups with 8 members or more meeting us at the take out
we would gladdly extend a discount.
SEASON
The river is at its highest water level by November at the
peak of the rainy season and at its lowest water level by March-May, end of the
dry season.
We usually raft the Lower Section from June through
December and kayak the Upper Section from December through June. From June
through December we only paddle in kayak and duckies the Upper Section
with persons that have previous paddling experience in rivers
Class
III+.
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