Rio Pejibaye - Upper and Lower - 10.29.06 - III-IV

The Pejibaye River begins near the mountain village of Taus. Although getting to this river was quite the challenge, the payoff in the upper 3 miles of the river was well worth the drive. We put in at a small finca (farm) about .3 miles above Taus, but there is also river access at the school in Taus for a small fee ($1US).

The river begins with a few of the most challenging rapids before mellowing out into the lush jungle scene. Many of the trees in the section overhang, creating a seemingly isolated river canyon of canopy. The rapids are continuous, although not particularly difficult. The trip was for Serendipity, and was a staff duckie trip. Although no one knew where to go, nor how to paddle a duckie, everyone made it out alive, which was quite amazing, actually. We had numerous wraps, swims and lost paddles. Very entertaining.



About an hour into the run it began pouring rain. Although I was only wearing a PFD, it was warm. Amazing. This is one of the great things about being in the tropics. It poured for about an hour, non-stop, and was great. The water was warm although the locals told me that the Pejibaye is one of the colder rivers in the area.

There are lots of small slots on the river which could easily become strainers if the overhanging trees dropped limbs or fell in the river. The gradient is about 80-90 fpm for the Upper and mellows to 40-50 fpm in the lower.

The lower section has one significant rapid where the river drops out of sight on a sweeping right turn with some boulders down below. It can be run right or left, but had an enormous tree wedged in the rocks when we were there. Approach cautiously.

The takeout for the lower Pejibaye is at the bridge at Oriente. There is a large parking area and picnic area on the right side of the bridge.