Nahua Expeditions

Tzotzil Experience the unbelievable

11 Days | Chiapas, Mexico

Take a look at where we're going

Take a look at where we'll be going

Yes! All those shots are of the same canyon! There truly is no place like this out there.

Yes! All those shots are of the same canyon! There truly is no place like this out there.

QUICK DETAILS

  • Terrain

    We go from arid landscape to lush, humid jungle as we travel over sandy riverbeds, slick rocks, limestone caves, waterfalls, mud trails, dirt paths, and farms.

  • Airport

    Angel Albino Corzo International Airport. Approximately 45 minute taxi to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez.

  • Impact

    We operate on a 100% Leave No Trace policy. Everything we pack in, we pack out, and campsites are left how we found them.

  • Weather

    Our trips are scheduled throughout the dry season Feb - May to avoid heavy rains. We can expect average daily highs above 27c/82f and daily lows above 17c/63f.

  • Duration

    The total trip length is 11 days, (7 river days). Check out the itinerary below for a sneak peek of each day.

  • Price

    $4,200 USD / person

SKILL PREREQUISITES

Paddling Skill

Camping Experience

Physical Skill

Good Attitude!

ITINERARY

PERSONAL PACKING LIST

Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Some people opt to put their stuff inside lightweight drybags that fit inside their backpack. Others opt for a drybag with backpack straps. Both work great and it’s really up to you. We like to use the Watershed Westwater 65L. The 65L gives you storage for all your camping gear, food and clothing while providing straps for carrying. We do not recommend bringing a drybag smaller than 60L capacity. Watershed drybags are available for rental through us for $60 USD.

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.

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. Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes are a great choice, and can be worn throughout the entire trip. Another good option are Solomon Trail Running Shoes. As we walk along the river, our shoes will get small rocks in them, so we recommend decent hiking socks or NRS Hydroskin 0.5 socks. You can also bring some sandals / slides for at camp. We don’t recommend rafting in sandals as you’ll need good 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.

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.

Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Whether you want to have quick access to your camera gear, or snacks and sunscreen, consider bringing a small 12L  or smaller drybag which you can keep in between your legs while paddling.

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. 

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 the Black Diamond Storm series headlamps.

Long spoon, fork and a foldable knife. The Sea to Summit Alpha Spork is a great utensil and is long enough to comfortably eat out of backpacking meal pouches.

This is an optional item. If you choose to bring one be sure to pick a lightweight option. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero along with the Chair Zero Groundsheet to avoid having the chair legs sink into the sand.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Included

  • Guide Services
  • Fees and Permits
  • Transportation
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Canyon extraction with gear
  • Porter services
  • Cabin usage and service
  • Pack-raft, paddle, lifejacket & helmet
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Camping stoves, gas and pots for boiling water
  • Luggage storage during the expedition

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
  • Personal gear (included in Personal Packing List)
  • Backpacking food (meals on the river)
  • Meals on Days 10 & 11

GETTING THERE

To Mexico

Most travelers coming from abroad will need to take 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. 

Landing in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas

Angel Albino Corzo International Airport is located 32km/20mi (approx. a 35min drive) to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, where our group will meet at hotel and attend orientation.

Arriving at your hotel

We highly 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. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.

QUICK DETAILS

  • Terrain

    We go from arid landscape to lush, humid jungle as we travel over sandy riverbeds, slick rocks, limestone caves, waterfalls, mud trails, dirt paths, and farms.

  • Airport

    Angel Albino Corzo International Airport. Approximately 45 minute taxi to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez.

  • Impact

    We operate on a 100% Leave No Trace policy. Everything we pack in, we pack out, and campsites are left how we found them.

  • Weather

    Our trips are scheduled throughout the dry season Feb - May to avoid heavy rains. We can expect average daily highs above 27c/82f and daily lows above 17c/63f.

  • Duration

    The total trip length is 11 days, (7 river days). Check out the itinerary below for a sneak peek of each day.

  • Price

    $4,200 USD / person

SKILL PREREQUISITES

Paddling Skill

Camping Experience

Physical Skill

Good Attitude!

ITINERARY

PERSONAL PACKING LIST

Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Some people opt to put their stuff inside lightweight drybags that fit inside their backpack. Others opt for a drybag with backpack straps. Both work great and it’s really up to you. We like to use the Watershed Westwater 65L. The 65L gives you storage for all your camping gear, food and clothing while providing straps for carrying. We do not recommend bringing a drybag smaller than 60L capacity. Watershed drybags are available for rental through us for $60 USD.

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.

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. Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes are a great choice, and can be worn throughout the entire trip. Another good option are Solomon Trail Running Shoes. As we walk along the river, our shoes will get small rocks in them, so we recommend decent hiking socks or NRS Hydroskin 0.5 socks. You can also bring some sandals / slides for at camp. We don’t recommend rafting in sandals as you’ll need good 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.

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. 

Any personal belongings left unprotected will get submerged and wet at some point on the river. Whether you want to have quick access to your camera gear, or snacks and sunscreen, consider bringing a small 12L or smaller drybag which you can keep in between your legs while paddling.

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.

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 the Black Diamond Storm series headlamps.

Long spoon, fork and a foldable knife. The Sea to Summit Alpha Spork is a great utensil and is long enough to comfortably eat out of backpacking meal pouches.

This is an optional item. If you choose to bring one be sure to pick a lightweight option. We recommend the Helinox Chair Zero along with the Chair Zero Groundsheet to avoid having the chair legs sink into the sand.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Included

  • Guide Services
  • Fees and Permits
  • Transportation
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Canyon extraction with gear
  • Porter services
  • Cabin usage and service
  • Pack-raft, paddle, lifejacket & helmet
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Camping stoves, gas and pots for boiling water
  • Luggage storage during the expedition

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
  • Personal gear (included in Personal Packing List)
  • Backpacking food (meals on the river)
  • Meals on Days 10 & 11

GETTING THERE

To Mexico

Most travelers coming from abroad will need to take 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. 

Landing in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas

Angel Albino Corzo International Airport is located 32km/20mi (approx. a 35min drive) to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, where our group will meet at hotel and attend orientation.

Arriving at your hotel

We highly 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. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.

SKILL PREREQUISITES

Paddling Skill

Camping Experience

Physical Skill

Good Attitude!

GETTING THERE

To Mexico

Most travelers coming from abroad will need to take 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. 

Landing in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas

Angel Albino Corzo International Airport is located 32km/20mi (approx. a 35min drive) to downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, where our group will meet at hotel and attend orientation.

Arriving at your hotel

We highly 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. Hotel and restaurant recommendations will be made if you are landing prior to the expedition.

Majestic heights

It's really real.

This trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The feeling of venturing through this space is difficult to put into words. We will get to float through some of the most wild, beautiful, untouched and remote jungle in North America. The canyon itself is difficult to access due to remoteness and lack of human contact, so to experience the entirety of the river a lightweight, inflatable kayak known as a pack-raft is necessary. Pack-rafting is a relatively new sport, and because of this there are places out there that have been able to remain hidden and untouched. 

No experience needed

The canyon provides you with the perfect progression of difficulty, allowing you to develop your paddling skills in a fun and engaging way. People with absolutely no paddling experience have done this trip, and by the end they consistently have a better time than everyone else. A good attitude comes above any physical skill on this trip!

DIY Journey

This is a DIY journey! Meaning you will be required to carry your own raft with your own gear; you will be responsible for setting up and taking down your own camp; cooking your own meals on the river, and packing your own gear to and from the canyon. To exit the canyon you will be required to ascend a 25m rappel. Proper climbing gear and instructions will be provided.

Pueblo Mágico

Our group will spend two days together exploring the beautiful boutique colonial town of San Cristóbal. Known as one of Mexico's "magical towns" here, we'll get a flavor for some of the country's best cuisine and profound cultural heritage. We'll explore the vibrant streets along with lively travellers from all across the world, and learn about Mayan culture with a local host. Bustling markets, ancient arts, some of the highest quality coffee in the Americas, and rich traditional dishes are some of what we'll experience in San Cristóbal.

Connect

This 11 day experience will challenge you, introduce you to like-minded adventurers, and leave you with memories of a lost jungle that feels totally and absolutely unreal.

Connect

This 11 day experience will challenge you, introduce you to like-minded adventurers, and leave you with memories of a lost jungle that feels totally and absolutely unreal.