With over 35 pristine rivers surrounding veracruz This area offers some of the most beautiful and remote paddling experiences in the world. This exceptional place is a whitewater playground for intermediate to advanced kayakers.

Veracruz Mexico Itinerary

Day 1 On the morning of the first day you will be met at the Tampico Airport. From there we will load the gear in the van and do a short drive to Cuidad Valles. Here we will check into a quaint hotel and get acquainted during a nice lunch, then head out to the Rio Micos. The Rio Micos is a great introductory run consisting of many waterfalls ranging from 10 to 25 feet that we can paddle. The seven falls on the Micos is a waterfall play ground for all skill levels.

Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast, we will head for the world famous Rio Santa Maria. The Santa Maria deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. The run begins with the Rincon Grande canyon, which is mostly class 3 with narrow canyon walls. Then we will enter the Tamul canyon which has rapids consisting of steep, pool drop type rapids with three big class 5's(possible portages). These two canyons can be run in a fairly easy day. The trip ends at the impressive Tamul falls where the Rio Gillinas plummets 240 feet into the Santa Maria. From here we will drive to the Rio El Salto camping beside the majestic travertine cliffs.

Day 3 After breakfast, we put in on the Rio El Salto. The El Salto is an incredible blue water run of travertine waterfalls with warm water and a lush jungle setting. This class3 and 4 run will be a favorite to all. After paddling the 5 miles of the Salto, we will drive and camp on the Rio Santa Maria.

Day 4 We will do a short paddle day on one of two rivers in the area, The Rio Gillinas or the Lower Santa Maria. Both runs offer quality whitewater, but also allow us to take off the river at a reasonable hour. This will enable us to pack the van and travel south towards the town of Papantla. Here we will check in to a nice hotel and dine at a local restaurant.

Day 5 We will take a tour of the El Tajin, a local ruin which was first occupied in 100 A.D. Afterwards, we will continue our drive to Altotonga in the coastal state of Veracruz. Here we will stay at a local hotel and prepare for the next day of paddling.

Day 6 Waking early, we will load our gear on a local bus which will transport us to the small village of Zapotitlan (There will be a short hike into a remote section of the Rio Alto Filo). The Alto Filo is a great class 3 run with some wonderful play waves and ruins that have not been visited by many Westerners. After taking off the river, we will drive to the quaint town of Talapacoyan. Here, camp will be set up on the beach and dinner prepared.

Day 7 We will break down camp and head for the Rio Actopan outside the town of Jalapa. The Actopan is a wonderful class 2,3 run through paradise. The run begins with a sweet 15 foot waterfall into a crystal clear pool of warm riverwater. Just downstream is a spectacular giant falls that spills into the canyon. The chance of seeing exotic bird and wildlife on this run is a given. After leaving Actopan, we will stay in a local hotel and dine in a local restaurant.

Day 8 This day will be spent exploring the Rio Pescado. The Pescado is a larger volume run that can reach 10,000 cfs, which can make for some of the best surfing in the area. Most of the rapids are a shoal type rapid where the current is forced up against the cliffs, but are still manageable at all flows. The difficulty is rated at mostly class 3 with some class 4šs. The popularity of the Pescado is flourishing with the growth of the middle class in Mexico City and the growing numbers of Mexican outfitters in the area. After a great day of play boating we will set up camp and dine on one of the many beaches available on the banks of the Pescado.

Day 9 The day will be spent exploring one of three sections in the area. We will choose from the Rio Pescado, Rio Antiqua, or the Actopan. All of which are quality runs that will allow us to get off the river early enough to spend the afternoon in Veracruz doing any last minute shopping for souvenirs. This night we will be staying in a hotel in Veracruz and dining at a local eatery.

Day 10 We will shuttle everyone to the airport for your appropriate departure time. Then depending on flight departure, there may be time to finish up on any last minute shopping or sight seeing.

Trip departures November 12th - November 21st November 22nd - December 1st December 3rd - December 12th Equipment list Boating gear (kayak, paddle, skirt, PFD, splash gear, polipro, etc.) Top of the line kayaks will be available upon request. Tent and sleeping gear Rain gear Headlamp or torch

A.V.A will make hotel reservations and handle logistics to make sure trips run smooth on and off the river. All the meals on the river will also be taken care of by A.V.A. You will want to bring cash for dining out and any activities that are not covered by A.V.A. Trips will have no more than 10 guests, which means that there will be one guide/instructor for every two to three guests. Paddle instruction will be a focus on all trips. Teaching the latest paddle techniques. Our staff is certified in First Aid, CPR, speak Spanish, as well as A.C.A. certified instructors.