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Rafting in Veracruz, Mexico |
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The state of Veracruz is located on the central gulf
coast of Mexico. There are more than forty rivers that run
from the inland mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, making
it an ideal place to go river rafting. In fact, Veracruz
has everything for the adventurous traveller; besides the
rivers, there are several volcanic mountains, including
the 4274-metre high volcano, Cofre de Perote, where
many of the rivers in this trek begin, and Pico de Orizaba
which is Mexico's highest peak at 5611 metres. You can hike
both these peaks, along trails that wind through tropical
jungle and up to alpine scenery. The state of Veracruz is
also important historically; this was the first place that
Cortes landed in April 1519, so starting Spanish domination
of Central and South America.
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Highlights
- Riding the whitewater of the crystal clear Rio Actopan.
- Exploring the ancient ruins of Cuajilote.
- Swimming in at the foot of 80 metre high, El Encanto
Waterfall. |
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Our Journey Path (as featured in Treks in a
Wild World)
Zay Harding's challenge in this trek is to navigate two rivers.
First, he starts on the Rio Filobobos. The trip begins
at Puente de Filo where Zay launches his raft and floats
downstream along steep limestone cliffs and dense semitropical
vegetation. Near the junction with the Asaseca River is
the 80-foot high El Encanto waterfall. Continuing on
downstream, Zay visits the archaeological ruins of El Cuajilote.
From here, Zay travels to the Rio Actopan, to tackle
it's Class 3 and 4 whitewater. For shear excitement the Rio
Actopan is hard to beat. More a creek than a river, the crystal
clear waters runs narrow and swift through a combination of
mango plantations and semitropical forests. From the river
source of Descabezadero where springs gush out of a
fern covered natural limestone amphitheatre to the take out,
20 km downstream, the river offers almost non-stop Class II
and III whitewater. The rapids are perfect for first timers
as well as technical and challenging enough for experienced
river runners to enjoy. This is a great trip if you just have
one day in the area.
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Guiding the raft through a narrow gorge on the Veracruz river.
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travellers tips
The biggest whitewater waves for rafting in Veracruz occur
in October, but you can raft all year round! The weather is
hot and humid - you'll be glad that you can easily take a
dip in the rivers to cool off.
Be environmentally cautious when on overnight trips, outfitters
take portable toilets. This is so that when you leave, your
waste goes with you! It's the best way to keep the rivers
crystal clear.
Don't forget to visit some of the area's salsa bars
- Veracruz is known for its music and is considered one of
Mexico's most festive and historic cities. |
Did you know?
Veracruz is one of the best place to view the migration of
raptors. The numbers of passing raptors are estimated
at five million birds each fall, surpassing numbers sighted
at the world-renowned migration sites of Eilat, Israel and
the isthmus of Panama. More than 200 species of neotropical
migrant birds migrate throughout this region. Nearly the entire
world's population of Broad-winged and Swainson's
hawks and Mississippi kites pass through Veracruz
each spring and fall, with most birds passing in a two-week
period in early October. Wading birds number in the hundreds
of thousands and include white pelicans, anhingas, wood storks,
and white-faced ibis. |
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Raft moored on the banks of a river
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The layout of El Cuajilote reflects the natural topography
of the surrounding mountains and the site, along with its
sister city Vega de la Pea, was a ceremonial and trading
center between the Aztec cultures of the Altiplano
and the coastal cultures of what is now Veracruz. One of several
ruins along the rivers of Veracruz, Cuajilote was discovered
in 1992. It's believed that the site was inhabited by Nawa
Indians, who considered it an important site for fertility
worship. No one yet knows for sure how old these ruins are,
although they do predate Mexico's great Mayan civilisations.
Veracruz was the first place Cortes landed when he
came to the Americas in april 1519. By 1523, all of the Gulf
Coast was in Spanish hands. |
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