Day 1: Mexico City Arrival, Mariachi Band Fiesta Afternoon arrival in Mexico City. Welcome dinner. Fiesta with Mariachi bands at famous Garibaldi Plaza, discovery spot of Mexico’s most famous singers and musicians. Located in the heart of the largest city in the world. Hotel stay. Day 2: Archeological Complex of Cacaxtla Travel towards Tlapacoyan, Veracruz. On the way, tour the archaeological complex of Cacaxtla, built by the Cacaxtlan-Xicalancas, descendants of the Olmec Culture. Interpret the longest mural yet found in Mesoamerica. Enjoy a local meal before continuing through the state of Tlaxcala, Puebla and Veracruz. Arrive in the evening to Tlapacoyan. Same hotel stay next three nights. Day 3: Raft Rio Filos and Archaeological Site of Coajilote Raft/kayak Rio Filos (class III), flowing through the Filo-Bobos ecological reserve. This all-day river trip includes exploration of two different and recently discovered archaeological sites: Coajilote and Vega de La Peña, both built by the Totonac Civilization along there right bank. Several waterfalls of 100 feet cascade from the left canyon wall. Hike in this lush subtropical rainforest to see pyramids, ball courts, palaces for the noble class and mythological stone carvings. Day 4: Rafting Rio Bobos, El Encanto Waterfall Hike Rio Bobos (class III). Another full day awaits you. First explore a tributary stream laced with magnificent waterfalls. After a short hike, you are treated to breathtaking Cascada Tomata, then paddle through a narrow and magical canyon to climb, swim and explore the fabulous natural grotto and 70-foot waterfall of El Encanto, a truly natural temple. After lunch, run the Bobos for an exiting afternoon of whitewater. Special dinner at the local guide house, accompanied by Marimba fiesta. Day 5: Rafting Rio Antigua, Hot Spring Resort of Carrizal Morning travel to Xalapa, capital of Veracruz. Rio Antigua (class III/IV), depending on flows and group dynamics you may elect to run the Pescados or the Antigua section of this river. Either way, finish the afternoon at the riverside hot spring resort of Carrizal. Relax in the perfect 90-degree water, famous for its therapeutic attributes. Xalapa hotel stay next two nights. Day 6: Rafting Rio Actopan, Salsa Club in Xalapa Rio Actopan (class III/IV), a spectacular put-in, a very unique river. This jewel gets almost all its flow from a pristine mega spring gushing out of a natural ferned wall. This water originates from the 18,000-foot peaks of the Sierra Madre range that includes nearby Pico de Orizaba, the tallest mountain in Mexico. The headwaters are continuous, and after the first couple of rapids, the difficulty eases to class II/III for a memorable and enjoyable river finale. Evening in Xalapa, visit the local Salsa club. Day 7: Teotihuacan, Sun and Moon Pyramids, UNESCO Heritage Site Morning travel to Teotihuacan. After a delicious lunch, tour this remarkable ancient city. Climb the huge pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Walk through the temple of Quetzalcoatl. Hide in mysterious meeting chambers. Marvel at the mere size of this Mesoamerican metropolis. Time for shopping at the local market and an hour ride back to the heart of Mexico City. Visit downtown square and enjoy a farewell dinner party. Hotel stay. Day 8: Mexico City Shopping and Departure Normal departure day. Depending on flight itinerary, time for additional touring. Departure from Mexico City Airport. |