Tour & River Difficulty: The biggest misconception about river trips & adventure travel may be that you need to be in excellent shape, be a strong swimmer, have previous experience, etc. While having any or all of the above attributes would not hurt, the standard itinerary is suitable for first time rafters with a minimum age of 12 years. The rivers included range from Class I to Class III+, and the side hikes are not too demanding. There is a pleasant mix of cities, small towns, rafting, archeological sites and natural wonders. Custom trips are available for groups with optional Class IV/V rafting and also strenuous adventures such as a Class V+ expedition descent of the world classic Santa Maria River . We offer these trips with full confidence, and they are supported by state of the art river and safety equipment. In addition, our experienced guides and staff take pride in exercising good judgment to assure your river experience goes smoothly, is fun and truly unforgettable. Our trips are modeled after the nature of the river: it is never the same twice. Expect not to take a trip, but instead, let the trip take you. Go with the flow so you can discover and enjoy the unique character of your trip.
Group Dynamics: Our group size is typically 6-10 people, with 4-5 guests per raft. Choosing a specific date or customizing the length of the stay are some of the benefits enjoyed by individual groups. We pay special attention to group dynamics and recognize it as a key factor in our continued success. No two groups are ever alike, so room is allowed for flexibility, keeping in mind that we all share a common desire to have an in-depth view of what the real Mexico is all about. The value and nature of the tours make it easy to form your own group, with a minimum group size of eight participants.
Accommodations: Vary from four-star rooms in Mexico City to more modest facilities in the smaller towns, but these still provide the main amenities. A Single Occupancy option is available at an additional cost of $175 per person.
Transportation/Mileages: We use a 15 passenger van for transportation. The total land distance traveled during the tour is approximately 500-530 miles. The distance between Mexico City and Veracruz region is 165 miles. The longest travel days are day 2, when we travel from Mexico City to Cacaxtla (1.5 hrs), then after touring the complex, we continue on to Tlapacoyan , Veracruz (3 hrs) and on day 7 when we travel from Jalapa to tour Teotihucan (4.5 hrs) and then continue to Mexico City (1 hr.) for our farewell dinner.
Travel Documents/Requirements: Travel in Mexico requires a US passport or certified birth certificate and picture ID. Citizens of other countries require a passport and US resident card or passport with Mexican visa. You should keep copies of all your documents separate from originals. There are currently no vaccinations or immunizations required. However, it is advised that you check with your physician on what they suggest for travel in the areas we will visit. Current recommendations can also be found on www.travax.com.
What to Bring: You should be able to travel fairly lightly, as our trips are scheduled during the drier months after the rainy season, and temperatures can normally be expected to be in the low 80’s during the day and the low 70’s overnight. However, bring a light jacket and sweater along with the rest of your clothes since we may encounter cooler weather in Mexico City (50F – 70F). A full checklist will be included in the confirmation package. Last but not least, bring your good humor, the desire to have fun and a sense of adventure with a good dose of freedom and flexibility.
Cell Phones: You should check with your provider regarding coverage out of the USA . Cell phones may be rented at the airport on a ‘pay as you go’ basis.
Medical Emergency / Insurance: River access points and evacuation routes as well as nearest medical facilities have been identified in case of emergency. A safety kayak and / or paddle raft is along on every trip to provide extra support. Liability and basic medical insurance for up to $4000 per incident is provided during the trip. Additional coverage may be purchased. Many insurance providers do not cover some or all costs incurred while in another country, so we strongly urge you to check with your provider.
Food & Water: Some guests refer to the food as the best Mexican cuisine they have ever tasted! Frankly this does not surprise us one bit, after all there is nothing like the real thing and we have lots just waiting for you. We visit the same restaurants on every trip and they have been selected based on hygiene, menu selections & hospitality. Special diets can usually be accommodated, so please provide details so we may make prior arrangements. An ample amount of bottled water and soft drinks are readily available during entire trip.
What is Included: All land transportation, meals, hotels, tours, guides, equipment and any services listed in the itinerary.
What is Not Included: Any services not listed in the itinerary, additional alcoholic beverages and admission to night clubs. Please note that conditions out of our control that delay your arrival or departure may add to your cost. All extra charges caused by such delays or any variations from the itinerary are also a customer expense. No refunds or credits will be given for unused services.