ThePADDLER 122 “ A 20-minute shuttle up to the put-in , and we launched in a 14 ' raft with a support kayaker . This river section is my favourite type : it starts up towards a secluded area , flows through a scenic gorge punctuated with many class 3 / 4 rapids , then you float out into a colourful small town ( Jalcomulco ).
“ Oscar , being the nice guy that he is , let me borrow his personal cataraft to take down the rapids the next day . Lulu and Oscar went out of their way to accommodate us and even took us out to dinner in Xalapa a few days later . Rio Antigua reminded us a lot of the world-famous Pacuare River of Costa Rica , except much closer to the US . It is a place to return to over and over again .”
SAFETY RESCUE
I couldn ’ t agree more , and we aren ’ t the only ones . Jim Coffee , who owns Esprit Whitewater in Canada , has been bringing groups down here to Jalcomulco for over 20 years . This month I had the privilege of joining some of his training trips and safety rescue classes .
Here in Jalcomulco , I can attest to the fact that he offers excellent trips and outstanding training .
Sharon Schierling , a participant of this month ’ s ‘ Wild Mexico 2021 ’ trip run by Coffee , also finds Mexico an easy place to return .
“ This is my fourth whitewater paddling trip in Mexico . The first three times , I came for a week – twice in Veracruz and once in the Huasteca Potosina region . Now I ’ m thrilled to be back in Jalcomulco for five weeks of paddling ! It ’ s a welcoming town in a stunning locale with amazing whitewater rivers in the vicinity . The take out for the Pescados is in the heart of Jalcomulco so that you can end your run with Cerveza and a delicious meal right on the river , then walk back to your hotel .”
DINING AND DRINKS
Apart from having great paddling , Jalcomulco is an easy town to navigate and a great place to enjoy riverside dining and drinks . There ’ s also great hiking , biking , and climbing in the area , as well as one of my favourite spots , the Carrizal hot springs .
Moreover , Veracruz is one of Mexico ’ s most diverse states . It offers Mexico ’ s highest peak ( Orizaba ), beaches , surfing , historical ruins , fantastic seafood , and various other world-class rivers such as Actopan , Rio Filobobos and the Alseseca near Tlapacoyan .