Has anyone gone rafting on the Rio Balsa recently? I understand that water levels are low but that the Rio Balsa is dam released. We will be there the last week of March and are considering booking the Rio Balsa trip through Desafio. A mild ride is OK with us, but we'd like to have some rapids.
Rio Balsa is fine, it is dam released normally water levels do not change so much for the rafting.
The river is a bit low during the summer months, but it has rained a bit lately. Since it is dam controlled it almost always at a pretty good level.
I recommend Aguas Bravas, they are the only ones with a private exit, an amazing cultural tour and farm fresh lunch, not to mention running much smaller better quality and more personalized tours. You will love it I am sure.
We did the half day Rio Balsa Class II & III rapids with Desafio. It was first-rate from start to finish. The driver picked us up promptly, there was plenty of help at the river, & the meal afterward was great. As an example of their attention to detail, during the mid-trip fruit break, one of the rafts was turned upside down for a table & the fruit was sliced right there by the guides & arranged quite artfully. Our guide, Diego, made the trip safe & fun for us, especially our 10-year old who was pretty scared at first; he had her laughing & paddling away by the end. This is a great trip for those new to white water rafting
Thank you Lorraine...nice mini review...gracias!
roadadvisor
Just got back from Rio Balsa. Lots of rain in October, so the river was fast and fun. The guides were very professional, friendly, funny...and the ride was awesome. When they enter the gravel section of the river and ask if you want to jump out of the boat and float the river in your life jacket -- DO IT!!
