Canoe and Kayak~
Mexican Whitewater Adventures
Itinerary for Mexico Trips!!
What could be better than spending your vacation in a spectacular place paddling with some great people? We are looking forward to your upcoming trip to Mexico, and would like to be sure that you are ready.
Let me tell you a little bit about what to expect…
Where are we going?
We will be visiting the towns of Rayones, El Naranjo, and Pago Pago, and we will stay not too far away from the major cities of Monterrey (300 miles from Center), and Ciudad Valles(600 miles from Center). So, we generally eat out at the local restaurants together each evening, and everything that you need is readily available nearby. Generally the prices for food and everything else are slightly below what we expect to pay here in Texas with the exception of gasoline which is 30% to 100% more. We carpool whenever possible to minimize expenses and to share the adventure. So bring the cash that you would normally use on a one week vacation. We will be taking the toll-road (like the Autobahn) all the way from I-35 inside of Texas to I-85 in Monterrey early in the morning when traffic is low. We will more or less be on I-85 all the way down to Ciudad Valles with short side trips on Hwy 2 to Rayones to paddle the Pilon, Hwy 80 to El Naranjo to paddle the Salto, and I-70 towards Pago Pago to paddle the Micos, Gallinas, Tampaon, & Santa Maria. Each day depends on the skills, and progress of the group as well as the water levels. Here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1…
We will start the trip with dinner at the Center in San Marvelous, TX at 6pam October 11. We will take a nap before an early departure for Monterrey where we will pick up at the airport between 10-11am. Then we will drive to Rayones to camp at the put-in for the Pilon River. The Pilon drops continuously and quickly from the desert to the orange groves of Montemorelos through Canyon de la Boca. Here everyone will have the opportunity to warm up, and learn to make creek moves.
Day 2…
We will leave early in the morning to see the sun rise over the canyon, and so that we can get to El Salto in time to paddle. Then we will run down this travertine filled paradise to a grand waterfall at the take-out: El Meco practicing scouting, visualization, and boofing. We will dine on the strip of El Naranjo.
Day 3 & 4…
The Micos provide a base-camp for the rest of the trip which gives easy access to some of the most beautiful, fun class II-IV whitewater in the world. You will sleep within stone’s throw of a rapid very much like Rio Vista. There are a series of tall travertine waterfalls and slides at the top of the Micos where you can master some creek moves, and a fun set of play-filled rapids on the lower Micos where you can work on your river running skills. We camp at the takeout, so it is always easy to squeeze in a quick run, and there are numerous little restaurants and stands where you can get a great, hot meal nearby or may sleep in a hotel at the Tananul Hot Springs.
When we get our fill of soaking our cares away in the pools we can check out the ancient ruins.
Day 5…
On the 5th day of the trip we will aim to get up extra early for the opportunity to see some ancient ruins, or to run the Santa Maria. Those that choose to take it easy will get to enjoy the surrealistic sculpture garden of Edward James in Xalitla, and El Museo Regional Huasteco de Antropologia in Ciudad Valles. Those that choose to challenge themselves with the Santa Maria will be treated to some class IV+ whitewater in one of the most beautiful canyons in the world including a close up view of the 300+ ft. Cascada de Tamul. The run is steep and pushy with some must make lines (or portages). So this will give you the opportunity to test and take all that you have learned to the next level. We will all meet for dinner to swap stories and then get to bed early for a full day of paddling on the 6th day.
Day 6…
The 6th day will take us to the big water of Rio Tampaon which will give everyone the opportunity to see Puente de Dios at the take-out. We will focus on paddling technique on this trip where everyone will have plenty of room to practice. After this full day we will eat in Ciudad Valles, and enjoy the coming of the new year. To break up the return trip we will catch a quick run on the Micos or on the clear, spring fed Rio Guayalejo beside the Sierra La Maroma (the Somersault Mountains) on the way back home on Feb 11, 2007.
What do I need? See Packing List Here!
The most important thing to bring on this trip is a sense of adventure. We eat, sleep, travel, and paddle every day so you will need the essentials to enjoy each of these activities for the entirety of the trip.
Food…
We enjoy the local food, and drinks whenever possible, but bring snacks to eat on the road that require very little to no preparation. For lunch on the river, be sure to pack high quality food so that your diet does not take way from your enjoyment of paddling. We will have a freshly prepared breakfast available at camp for $5. We generally go out for dinners.
AGUA…
The tap water is not traditionally purified in Mexico, but bottled water is available everywhere that we go.
Accommodations…
We generally camp most nights, but there are hotels available if you prefer. So please bring camping gear (tent, sleeping bag pillows & pads, mosquito repellent, lights, etc.) if you need it.
Gear…
The rivers are around 78 degrees so generally a short sleeve paddling jacket with a lycra or aquashell layer beneath will suffice to keep you comfortable. Of course don’t forget the 5 essentials of paddling: boat, paddle, PFD, sprayskirt, and helmet. You are welcome to bring a spare paddle along since there will not be any opportunity to purchase whitewater gear in Mexico, but most other things are available and inexpensive.
Cash – The International Language…
So if you forget something it is not the end of the world, but bring cash because most little towns do not have ATM’s, and most merchants do not take credit cards.
Our vehicles are always safely parked or being driven by well known drivers so don’t worry too much about losing your stuff. There are a few essentials that are hard to replace when you are away from home, and these should be kept on your person at all times.
Passports and the Border…
Please have your birth certificate & voter’s registration or passport along with your driver’s license ready and available in order to make it as easy as possible to get your visa (which costs $20). If you are flying into Monterrey you need a passport starting in 2007.
Transportation…
If you are bringing your car you will need your title or a letter from you lien-holder stating that you may take the vehicle into Mexico. Car and traveler’s insurance is available on-line through HYPERLINK “http://www.motormexico.com/” \o “http://www.motormexico.com/” \t “_blank” www.MotorMexico.com for about $60 – $150, depending on the type of coverage that you need. You must get a permit to drive your car at the border. Fees for the permit range from $20-$50 depending on the type and age of your vehicle. In addition you must leave a deposit to prove that you will bring your car back to the border which be can held either on a credit card or in cash (refundable $200-$400 depending on the age of the car). Of course the hardest thing to replace is your spirit, so come enjoy warm, sunny Mexico, and take lots of pictures to show your family and friends at home!
Price: $300, deposit/ “membership”, and then $299 for trip!
*Price of trip does not include: shared gas, camping, and food.
Trip Itinerary for
November ACA Instructor Training !!
Come Join us for an awesome week of instruction then join us for a great weekend of whitewater paddling on some of the most beautiful rivers in the world! You will have the opportunity to collaborate with instructors from diverse backgrounds to improve, and increase you skills in sharing our amazing sport with others! You will get constant feedback to maximize your time in the instructor development workshops and you will have the opportunity to practice your teaching in collaboration with skilled instructors in the instructor certification exam.
Price: $450, Just the weekend$190 (with boat and gear $260)
To learn more about the ACA Whitewater Certification program click here.
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