A tropical jungle retreat on the shores of the Pescados River. Surrounded by the warmth and color of the local culture, Picocanoa hosts 24 comfortable adobe cabañas surrounding a tiled pool, open-air bar and dining patio. Nearby white water rafting tours float past tropical fruit plantations and pristine jungle landscapes. The pace picks up as the boats maneuver the thrilling class IV rapids. But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you have the courage for it, the unforgettable platform-to-platform “Treetop Traverse” takes you sailing through the trees. Called “Tirolesa” in Spanish, this zip-line canopy adventure is for those who truly love to get that adrenaline pumping! If you want to slow it down, we offer fascinating tours of coffee plantations, nearby colonial towns, and a chance to really explore the local culture. The icing on the cake is the onsite ancient mystic steam room called a “Temazcal.” This ritualistic experience will renew the body and spirit and prepare you for another great day of adventure.

Picocanao Itinerary

Day 1  Arrive in Veracruz International Airport where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Veracruz City. You will have a chance to settle in and relax before the start of your big adventure. 

Day 2  After short walking tour, we will have breakfast at the famous Café de la Parroquia in Veracruz City. We will then take a brief tour of the rest of the city and end up in the main square for some shopping and sightseeing. Next we will transfer to Picocanoa Adventure Village (1½ hour shuttle) and arrive in time for lunch. We will introduce you to your guide and give an orientation talk about what to expect while you’re with us. Later you can explore the nearby town of Jalcomulco or just relax. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 

Day 3  After an excellent breakfast with fresh fruit juice and Mexican dishes, our guides will give a safety talk about the rafting trip. Everyone should feel confident and ready to begin our descent on one of the best white waters in the country, the Antigua River.

This class III river flows along tropical mango and citrus plantations giving a chance to really take in nature. We will raft about 3 hours depending on the water levels. After lunch you’ll have an option for a bike ride or maybe a relaxing massage. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 

Day 4  We will spend the morning trekking through the mysterious Cinacatla Canyon. For 3 hours, our guides will explain the wonders of the jungle as we follow a narrow canyon past a series of natural pools, flora and fauna. We will return to Picocanoa camp and then spend the afternoon visiting Coatepec, a quaint and colorful colonial town surrounded by coffee plantations. Its streets are lined with some exquisite colonial homes and its shops are filled with samples of the finest coffees in the world. We will have lunch in town and then stop by to witness one of nature’s spectacles, the waterfalls of Xico. We will return to the camp in the late afternoon.  (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 

Day 5  Today we will challenge the Pescados River. The waters here are both class III and IV and will take us through more than 30 fantastic rapids. This section of river will take us into a deep canyon were we can see more than 40 different species of birds, and some of the most scenic landscape on the trip. After 3 hours of fun, we paddle right to the door of our camp for a well-deserved lunch. If you have the energy, we will go on a short trek to our “Tirolesa,” a system of steel cables set on platforms between huge mango trees. You’ll fly through the air like Tarzan as you traverse the treetops! Later we will return to camp for rest and relaxation. In the evening, you will have the option to experience the ancient ritual of the “Temazcal” – the perfect encounter to end your trip.  (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 

Day 6  After an early Continental breakfast we will transfer you to Veracruz International Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast included) 

Land Costs Include
·        Shuttle service from Veracruz City   
·        5 nights lodging in fully equipped cabañas, 1 night in a 5- star hotel in Veracruz City
·        Meals served on a buffet basis as listed in itinerary
·        Professional guides
·        Government taxes
·        All activities mentioned in the itinerary- rafting, trekking, canopy tree traverse, and mountain bikes.

Not Included
·        Air transportation    
·        Meals on Day 1 or lunch and dinner on Day 6
·        Alcoholic Beverages and bar drinks
·        Massages or spa services
·        General tipping

What to Pack
         Veracruz has generally warm and humid weather. It is best to bring light clothing such as shorts (preferably not jeans or heavy cotton) and t-shirts, fleece sweater, light waterproof jacket, one pair of long pants (preferably synthetic cloth), waterproof “stay-put” sandals (Tevas), comfortable walking shoes, swimming suit, and personal articles. Don’t forget sun block and insect repellent. If you would like some extra warmth while rafting, you may also want to bring lightweight waterproof pants and a rain jacket. Waterproof gloves may be helpful as well.

Departure Dates
         July 2-7, 2005
·        September 3-8, 2005
·        October 8-13, 2005
·        November 11-16, 2005
·        November 22-27, 2005
·        December 26-31, 2005