Yesterday we had a blast whitewater rafting. There was no real cultural value in this, but it sure was fun.
They claimed it was class 2-3 rapids, but it seemed a LOT more challenging than the Class 2-3 trip we went on recently in North Carolina.
They decked us out in wetsuits, spray jackets, helmets, and life jackets. It was just 4 of us on the trip, and a guide. The cost was 40,000 pesos per person (about $25). Magdalena Rafting
Later in the day, we set out on a walking tour of the last major artifact site here... the Parque Archaeologico San Agustin. This is the most 'maintained' grouping of artifacts... there is actually a museum, cement walkways, etc. But again, not much signage. This time we hired an English speaking guide, named 'Jerry Lewis'. (I doubt that's his real name, but it makes it memorable).
This guy was a hoot. He spoke very good English and seemed very knowledgable. He says he can guide in 5 languages. But when we asked him where he learned all his stuff, he said 'on the streets'. The only problem was that he is convinced that there are signs of Egyptian and African presence here in San Agustin. So some of his 'facts' about the site and the monuments are pretty fantastical. But it was a nice walk and an amazing amount of sculpture and burial sites. Wish we knew more about the people that made it.
Today we move to Popayan by bus over a very rough road. The trip is only 100 miles, but it takes 5-6 hours.
More Pics of San Agustin
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