Clouds to Coast Veracruz
Location:
Description
From high above the clouds at over 14,000’ elevation all the way to the warm tropical sandy beach coastline of the Gulf of Mexico . . . on this vacation trip, you will see and experience the huge geographic diversity that the Mexican state of Veracruz has to offer. Enjoy many of its natural resources . . . churning whitewater rapids, dense green tropical jungle, magnificent vistas, ocean beaches, an 18,500’ snowcapped mountain, and much more. You will have the opportunity to experience many outdoor activities such as whitewater river rafting, ziplining, riding an ATV over tall sand dunes, hiking above 14,000 feet, mountain biking, and snorkeling over coral reefs.
On this trip, there is a very good chance you will not encounter any other foreign tourists. Now is the time to discover the unspoiled beauty of Veracruz, México – before all the others find out.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in city of Veracruz
Your trip guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Veracruz Airport. You will then travel a couple hours west to the foot of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains in Veracruz where you will check in at the Grand View Hotel near the town of Coscomatepec. Every room has a balcony that gives you a great outdoor view. Your hosts will be the owners, Christopher (Wade) Hurst (a Californian) and his Mexican wife, Rocio. The evening is free to rest up from your travels and get ready for the following day’s adventures.
Day 2: Canyon Hike / Tree Platform Zipline Rides / Outdoor Market Place
After breakfast, we will take a hike down into a deep forested canyon to an ancient bridge built hundreds of years ago by the Spaniards. There we will find a series of platforms created high in the trees for zipline rides. Who’s first? Later, we will travel back to the old cobbled-street town of Coscomatepec where every Monday the whole town transforms into an outdoor market place. Everything from shoes to live animals are bought and bartered there. Most likely our small group of travelers will be the only foreigners at the market so the locals will probably be watching us as much as we will be observing them. We will overnight again at the Grand View Hotel. (B,D)
Day 3: Travel to the base camp of Pico de Orizaba / High Altitude Hike / Bike down 7000’
Today, we will experience a 4-wheel drive trip up a rough unpaved road to the base camp of the 3rd tallest mountain in North America. Pico de Orizaba stands at 18,500 feet with a permanent glacier on top. The base camp for climbers is located at 14,500 feet. Your guide will lead you on a short high altitude hike up the trail. After a “field lunch,” you will have the option (extra fee) to bike down the road you just traveled up. Dual suspension mountain bikes will be provided. If you prefer, you can opt to ride down in the vehicle. Then it’s back to the Grand View Hotel for a hearty meal. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Whitewater River Rafting / Zipline Ride over the River
This morning we will head to the river rafting capital of Veracruz found in the town of Jalcomulco. After lunch, everyone will embark on a whitewater river rafting trip (class 2-3 rapids). We work with a local family who runs a very professional rafting company. One of the brothers happens to be the national kayaking champion for all of México. We will also have the thrill of ziplining all the way over the river. We will then travel to the Gulf of México oceanside town of Chachalacas and check in at Hotel La Pingui (Ping-goo-we). (B,L,D)
Day 5: ATV Sand Dunes Ride / Beach Time
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the beach and the sand dunes on ATVs. The trip starts right from the hotel. We will be riding alongside the ocean waves as you zoom down the beach before heading up into a maze of tall sand dunes. No prior experience is necessary as you will quickly learn how to operate your 4-wheel ATV. Lunch will be served near a meandering stream at a local family’s house. There will be time to jump in the stream, swim, and wash the sand and sweat off your body. On a hot day, this really feels good. Next, more ATVing before we finally head back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to go to the beach and enjoy small town Mexican life. (B.L,D)
Day 6: Snorkel over Coral Reefs / Veracruz City Tour / Farewell Dinner
Today we travel to the city of Veracruz and head out in a dive boat to snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs which are scattered everywhere and can be found just a short distance from the city shoreline. These reefs are part of a national underwater park protected by the Mexican government. In the afternoon, our guide will give us a city tour and explain some of the colorful history of this port city. Later, we will overnight at Hotel Delfines in the city and get ready to have our farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Travel Day Home
What do we provide?
Our prices include:
Airport pickup in Veracruz
All ground transportation
All entrance fees
Local bilingual guide
Tours per itinerary
Hotel lodgings
Bottled water each day
5 breakfasts
4 lunches
5 dinners
