Rio Chama
Full-day
*(4) Guest Minimum Required for this Trip
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The Full-Day Rio Chama trip takes you through one of New Mexico’s most beautiful and sought-after river canyons.
The Rio Chama, an enchanting and beautiful area of New Mexico, unfolds its wonders as you navigate through 11 river miles with class I-III rapids. Your experienced river guide will lead the way, allowing you and your party to paddle through exhilarating rapids while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
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Tentative Schedule:​
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7:30 AM: Meet at the Santa Fe Boatyard.
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8:00 AM: Depart for Chavez Canyon put-in.
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9:30 AM -- 10:00 AM: Distribute gear, safety speech and paddling instructions
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10:00– 3:00 PM: Raft 11 miles through class I-III rapids (4.5–5 hours on the water).
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Midday Break: Enjoy a riverside lunch with sandwiches, fresh veggies, fruit, chips, salsa, and cookies.
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3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Your guides will pack up all gear while you change into dry clothes and load up.
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4:30 PM/ 5:30 PM: Drive back to Santa Fe.
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What to Expect:
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Scenic Beauty: Towering sandstone cliffs, serene desert landscapes, and a remote wilderness feel.
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Exciting Rapids: Navigate five class II-III rapids, including Skull Bridge Rapid and Gaging Station.
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Relaxing Floats: Peaceful stretches of calm water to take in the surroundings.
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Wildlife Sightings: Look for bald eagles, beavers, and other native wildlife.
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Expert Guides: Professional instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Convenient Transportation: Round-trip service from Santa Fe included.
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The Rio Chama offers a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, making it a great choice for both new and experienced rafters. Book your trip today for an unforgettable day on the water.​​
WHERE DO WE MEET?
Meeting Point: Meet your river guide at the Santa Fe Boatyard, located at 1000 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, ensuring a seamless start to your expedition. If specific pick-up plans at your hotel or the river are arranged, follow the agreed-upon schedule.
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Complimentary Shuttle Service: Santa Fe Rafting Co. takes pride in being the only rafting company in northern New Mexico based in Santa Fe. This unique advantage allows us to offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the river, not only saving you gas money but also adding convenience to your entire river trip experience.
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Guided Journey with Interesting Insights: During the 45-minute to 1-hour drive to the river put-in, enjoy the company of our knowledgeable guides. They'll share fascinating facts about New Mexico's history and geology, enriching your journey with insights into the local landscape.
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Option to Meet at the River Take-out: While we encourage meeting at the Santa Fe Boatyard for the full experience, you do have the option to meet your guide at the designated river take-out. For instance, if your post-rafting plans involve heading towards Taos, feel free to park at the "take-out" location of your designated trip. This way, you can seamlessly continue your adventure without the need to return to Santa Fe. Plan accordingly based on your next destination.
Inform Us of Your Meeting Preference: If you choose to meet us directly at the river take-out, please call or email us in advance to inform us of your preference. Your communication ensures that we are well-prepared and ready to accommodate your chosen meeting point.
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At Santa Fe Rafting Co., we strive to provide flexibility and convenience to enhance your overall experience. Whether meeting at the Santa Fe Boatyard or opting for a river put-in rendezvous, we look forward to ensuring your white-water rafting adventure is both thrilling and hassle-free. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions or specific requirements – we're here to make your river trip unforgettable!
​Santa Fe Rafting Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Period
Upon confirmation of your reservation, you may cancel your white-water rafting trip outside of 72 hours from the scheduled departure time and receive a refund minus a 12% service fee. This fee accounts for processing costs, administrative time, and scheduling efforts.
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Forfeiture Within 72 Hours
Any cancellation within 72 hours of your scheduled rafting trip will result in the forfeiture of any refund for the reservation.
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Assured/Guaranteed Reservation
Santa Fe Rafting Company operates under special permits from the Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office, and USFS Santa Fe National Forest. Reservations, once confirmed, become assured/guaranteed reservations.
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Cancellation or Denial by SFR
SFR reserves the right to cancel or deny any person's participation in a trip or guided activity based on safety issues related to medical conditions, physical limitations, water levels, river conditions, and wildfire. Trips go out rain or shine, and river activities proceed even in the case of thunderstorms.
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No Exceptions to the Cancellation Policy
Santa Fe Rafting Company does not make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including personal illness or injury. No refunds will be given for late arrivals, no-shows, or early departures.
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Trip Insurance Encouraged
We strongly urge our guests to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances through your preferred travel insurance company. We do not offer trip insurance through our booking system.
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Refund Details
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Outside 72 Hours: Reservations canceled outside of 72 hours from the scheduled departure time will receive a refund minus a 12% service fee.
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Within 72 Hours: Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time will not receive a refund or trip credit.
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Thank you for your understanding and adherence to our cancellation policy. We look forward to providing you with an exceptional white-water rafting experience!