ThePADDLER 124
Actopan is another one of my favourite rivers in Veracruz , and for sheer excitement , it ’ s hard to beat . More a creek than a river , the crystal clear water of the Rio Actopan runs narrow and swift through a combination of mango plantations and tropical forests .
From the river source of Descabezadero , where springs gush out of a fern-covered natural limestone amphitheatre to the take out ( 20km 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 an excellent trip if you just have one day in the area .
No matter how much of Veracruz you have time to explore and paddle , Jalcomulco is a must-paddle destination in Mexico for all those who enjoy whitewater kayaking , rafting and stand up paddle boarding all year long .
Suppose Veracruz is good enough for professional kayaker Rafa Ortiz , who grew up in Mexico City and started rafting in Veracruz at age nine . In that case , we ' re sure it ' s good enough for you . As he says , “ the scenery is like something out of a movie ,” and I think you ' ll agree once here .
INFORMATION
IF YOU GO
You can contact the author for more extensive travel advice , local guide hookups , or take a week-long trip to Veracruz with her small company , Central Texas River Trips , which offers trips throughout the year .
TRAVEL PAGES https :// www . roughguides . com / mexico / veracruz /
Karla Held is an ACA kayak and SUP instructor who ' s fluent in Spanish and French - and has made both Texas and Mexico her base for operations . She can be contacted for trips and info for both locales .