White Water Rafting

Few thrills exceed the joy of riding down a roaring river filled with rapids. Very few places in the world offer the variety of living waters found in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. And ridable rapids can be found all through the state, from the Huayacotla Mountains in the Huasteca Region of Northern Veracruz clear down to the mysterious Las Tuxtlas region in Southern Veracruz. There are whitewater adventures in the Nautla highlands basin of Los Bobos and all about the High Mountains region of Orizaba and Córdoba. But the best-known area for rafting and kayaking centers around the lovely mountain town of Jalcomulco, just 45 km outside Xalapa. This picturesque mountain hamlet serves as a training area for members of the US Olympic team. One of several whitewater rivers in the area, the Río Pescado, runs through the center of town.

My trip down the river was arranged through the good offices of the Conventions and Visitors Bureau of the State of Veracruz. Upon my arrival in Boca del Río, I met with the Executive Director of the Bureau, Sr. José M. Barquín, and the Manager for Tourism, the breathtaking Srta. Luz Edith Tamer Reyes. I seriously doubt that there is anyone alive more interested in introducing the world to the joys of Veracruz than Sr. Barquín and his staff. While we were discussing the limitless attractions of the state, I mentioned my love for high places and fast water. By the following morning, Sr. Barquín amd Srta. Tamer Reyes had made all the arrangements and had set up my trip to Jalcomulco.

On the appointed morning, promptly at 9:00 am, a shiny new Chevrolet Suburban pulled up to the front door of the Hotel Costa Sol. The truck proved to be one of the fleet of vehicles operated by Transportacion Toristica Palmeras. Operating the vehicle was none less than the President of the company, Sr. Felipe Guevara Castillo. In less than 90 minutes, I was through the city, into the mountains, and in the lovely hamlet of Jalcomulco, also spelled "Xalcomulco." Initially, the trip was threatened by a lack of business at the Hotel La Villa. As it was the low season, the hotel had no paying customers for their ride. But this was where being with a professional saved the day. Within half an hour, Sr. Guevara had located another outfitter and secured my passage on the rive. The folks at Luna Roja made sure that the next three and a half hours were one unforgetable adventure!

Here's some of the folks who can help with your adventure:

Outfitters and Tours

• Luna Roja; Camino a la Playita del Rincón; Jalcomulco, Veracruz, Mexico; 228-818-1509. Their Xalapa office is at California21; Colonia Belisario Domínguez; CP 91050; Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
• Proadventure Team; Ursulo Galván No. 96; Colonia Central; Jalcomulco, Veracruz, Mexico 94000. Telephone/Fax 279-832-3535
• Amphibian Operadora Ecoturística; En Los Portales; interior del Hotel Colonial; Lerdo 117; Central; Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico. Telephone 229-931-0997. They offer rafting not only in Jalcomulco but also in Las Tuxtlas.
• Explorando Turismo de Aventura; Jalcomulco, Veracruz, Veracruz; Telephone 279-832-3725. All these great photos are courtesy of the good folks at Explorando.
• Viajes Aquario; Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho S/N; Local 4 y 5; CP 91900; Plaza Acuario; Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico. Telephone 229-931-6596. These folks also offer rafting in the Las Tuxtlas.
• Transportacion Turistica Palmeras; Telephone 229-931-5520. Sr. Guevara will get you where you want to go throughout the state.

. . . always something new in the Visitors' Comments

Right now, the river's flow is at it's lowest level for the year. At that, it was 3.5 hours of non-stop ones and twos with the occasional three. I'm really looking forward to doing this run in late Spring or early Summer, when it's solid threes and fours with the occasional "Holy sh*t, do I really want to do that?" Want to see the rest of the pictures? Click here.