Minas Viejas

[TomRobey]

Minas Viejas is a popular waterfall for tourists southwest of Naranjo on the back road from the El Salto run and Cascadas Micos.  There is also a difficult kayak run located above and below the falls.  The canyon above the waterfall was recently discovered by Rocky Contos.  Below the waterfall are two canyons that are more difficult; the last canyon is after the run appears to open up and before the bridge.  The canyon above the waterfall is easier while the ones below are probably class V.

- Tom Robey

[TomRobey]

A group running Minas Viejas recently had a kayaker get stuck in the travertine.  The drop was not one of the more difficult drops and several people had been running it with no problems.  However, a kayaker was a bit off the right line and pinned in a crevice.  He tried to exit his kayak but could only get one leg out.  The other kayakers in his party could not extricate him and went for help.  Seven hours later the rescuers arrived and cut part of the kayak and freed him.  I was told that when the rescuers returned the water was up to his chest and by the time they freed him it was up to his chin.  He spent several days in a local hospital but has now been released and is expected to recover.  The kayak is still in the travertine.

- Tom Robey