Tarahumara
Quick Details
Trip Dates for 2023
We recommend submitting a booking request for your desired dates, even if there is a waitlist. As soon as a spot becomes available, we will notify guests in the order we receive bookings.
*12 spots max per group
May 29 - June 7
October 8 - October 18
October 9 - October 18
October 23 - November 1
Trip Itinerary
Orientation Day – Chihuahua
Canyon Entry – Sierra Madre Occidental
Float day – Pillars
Float day – Jurassic Confluence
Float Day – Pink Canyon
Float Day – Paradise Island
Float day – Nordic Cliffs
Float day – Desert tribes
Canyon Exit – Transport to Chihuahua
Departure
Personal Packing List
Our drinking water along the river comes from clean, natural springs. To be extra safe we still recommend bringing a water bottle that doubles as a filter. We recommend the LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle.
Keep in mind we will be in and out of water everyday. Choose footwear that is comfortable while wet, and comfortable enough for the final hike out of the canyon. Chaco Sandals have been a popular choice, and can be worn throughout the entire trip. Our guides opt to use Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes. Although with this option our shoes will get small rocks in them, we have the advantage of better traction and entire-foot protection while walking on and around rocks.
We will be getting wet every day while on the river. Water clothing during the day is best. Be sure to bring at least one long sleeve shirt and leggings / pants to protect against sunburn, and river safe sunscreen. We also recommend bringing a swim suit, lightweight rain jacket, light puffy jacket or fleece and dry clothes for camp / evenings. Merino wool is best for quick drying and smell resistant properties.
Lightweight is best. If you and someone in your group decide to share a tent, you’ll benefit from having less weight to carry, and more space amongst you in your packs.
Light and compact sleeping bag for temps down to 40f. Try to avoid big bulky sleeping bags so you can have more space for food and other gear in your pack.
Small, inflatable, compact and light pads are best. Sea to Summit and Therm-a-Rest are two brands we would recommend.
Our guides use the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow.
Like all nights out camping in the wild, a headlamp is a must. We recommend bringing extra batteries as we will be entering an incredible cave on Day 6 of the expedition. We recommend the Black Diamond Storm 400 headlamp.
We will be boiling water for meals two times per day–for breakfast and dinner. The best meal solution is backpacking meals. These are pre-made, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals that are prepared simply by adding water. Popular brands include Mountain House, Good To-Go Meals and Backpackers Pantry. We will spend 7 days on the river. We recommend bringing 2 meals per each day on the river.
Spoon, fork and a foldable knife.
This is an optional item. If you choose to bring one be sure to pick a lightweight option. We recommend the Helinox Ground Chair.
What is included?
Included
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Guide Services
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Fees and Permits
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Transportation
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Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
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Canyon extraction with gear
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Porter services
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Alpacka Raft, Aquabound Paddles, Lifejacket & Helmet
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Meals as indicated in the itinerary
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Camping stoves, gas and pots for boiling water
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Luggage storage during the expedition
Not Included
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Airfare to and from Chihuahua International Airport
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Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
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Personal gear (included in Personal Packing List)
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Backpacking food (meals on the river)
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Meals on Day 10
Skill Prerequisites
Why Us?
The know-how
Guides, trails, river entry and exit points, permits, wildlife, locals, weather, camping, and more.
The right equipment
Lightweight packrafts are a must on this trip. We provide all expeditioners with premium, hand made packrafts made by Alpacka Raft. All of our rafts include self-bailer floors for automatic water release.
Small Groups
We travel in small and safe groups, maintaining a responsible impact on the river, and safe COVID-19 protocols.
Locally Based Guides
Countless benefits to the region derive from providing jobs in tourism for locals. This alone directly improves the lives of an average of 6 people per guide.
Quality tourism over quantity
Through quality tourism, we're able to allocate funds where they're needed most. Positively impacting the region, while keeping the number of tourists at a minimum.
In North America
You don't need to go all the way to South America to experience jurassic-style jungle and rivers. Chihuahua is within a comfortable flight or connecting flight from anywhere in North America.
Getting Here
Most travelers coming from abroad will need to do a connecting flight at either Mexico City International Airport or Guadalajara International Airport before landing in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Your final destination Airport is Angel Albino Corzo International Airport. Flight times from Mexico City to Tuxtla are around 1.5 hours and times from Guadalajara to Tuxtla are around 2 hours.
Angel Albino Corzo International Airport is located 32km/20mi (approx. a 35min drive) to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, where we will meet at hotel and attend orientation.
We do recommend landing at least a day prior to the start date of the expedition in case of any travel delays or unforeseeable circumstances. You can easily find clean and reliable airport taxis upon arrival outside the airport. They typically charge no more than $15 USD to take you anywhere in Tuxtla. On Day 1 of the Expedition we will program a private shuttle van to pick you up at your hotel of choice. If you decide to land on Day 1, we'll have the shuttle van pick you up at the airport and transport you to the hotel where we will meet as a group and attend orientation.
Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.
Once confirming your spot in one of the groups, you’ll have access to more details, 1-1 tips, and more resources during the planning period before the expedition to help you prepare for your trip.