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> What Is the Packraft México Fiesta?
The Packraft México Fiesta brings together packrafters and local kayakers who share a love for whitewater, adventure, and river community. Don't let Jalcomulco's remote location fool you, this little riverside town packs a punch as both a whitewater playground and cultural hub. Jalco has access to more than a dozen nearby runs ranging from mellow Class I floats to adrenaline-pumping Class IV falls. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or looking to push your paddling skills, the Fiesta is an opportunity to explore new rivers, connect with fellow paddlers, and experience Mexico's incredible whitewater culture.
> The Town of Jalcomulco
Jalcomulco is a small riverside town surrounded by lush mountains and some of the region's best whitewater. Accommodations, restaurants, and the river are all withing walking distance of the city center and river front.
The town has many restaurants, a few pharmacies, a grocery store, and a medical clinic. There are even a few kayak shops in town if you need a sunshirt or spare sunglasses.
There is limited packrafting equipment available, bring spare parts and a repair kit just in case.
You do not need a rental car to attend.
> Accommodations
AirBnb’s are cheap and easy to find
The city of Jalcomulco is on a hill, with the lowest point being the city center, bridge, and river front.
The walk from the river to the top of the hill is about 15 minutes easy/moderate incline.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
Book closer to the river for less of a walk home
Make sure to pick somewhere that has a lawn or deck so you can dry you gear
Getting There
Fly into Mexico City
Take a Bus from Mexico City to Xalapa - About 4 hours and $25-50 USD
Use BusBud to book a bus a ticket, you can load the app on your phone
Ride ~ 4.5-5.5 hours
Cost: $25-50 USD
Take a Taxi/Uber from Xalapa Bus Station to Jalcomulco
Ride ~ 1 Hour
Cost: $20-25 USD.
Fly into Vera Cruz, Mexico
Take a Taxi/Uber from Vera Cruz Airport to Jalcomulco
Ride ~ 1.5 Hours
Cost: $45-55 USD
>A Typical Day at the Packraft Mexico Fiesta
This is my summary of our day to day to give you a rough idea, this is not an official schedule by any means.
Meet at the City Center at designated time (Usually between 8:00 - 9:00am)
Morning Meeting about the days offerings and rivers. Groups are typically divided by skill levels, ranging from Class I/II - Class IV
Morning Run
Lunch/Break - at groups discretion, you may need to pack your own lunch
Afternoon Runs (Optional, depending on days plan)
Evening meeting at City Center, discuss tomorrows plans
Dinner on the town
>Shuttles & Cash
SHUTTLES
Shuttles are pre-arranged daily to each river locations, but BRING PESOS for gas!
CASH
(1) BRING CASH (in the form of pesos)
(2) GET CASH BEFORE JALCOMULCO
Jalco only has 2 ATM’s, that sometimes don’t work
> Gear Recommendations
What Paddle Layers Did I bring?
I wore neoprene top and neoprene bottoms, paired with NRS Splash Top/Bottoms
I brought my drysuit, but I didn’t wear it
What kind of boat did I bring?
Alpacka Raft Wolverine Self Bailer
Paddle Gear
BOAT: Alpacka Raft Wolverine Self Bailer
PADDLE: Werner Strike 4-Piece
PFD: ASTRAL YTV
HELMET: WRSI Kayak Helmet
THROW BAG: Sockdolager Flare
TWINKIES: Internal Cargo Bags
BOW BAG: MINDSET PACKS
PATCH KIT: Alpacka Repair + Valves + Extra Tyvek
PUMP: Pack - A - Pump
ELECTRIC PUMP: Flextail
UTILITY STRAPS: Modl
LOCKING CARIBINERS 3-4
Layering System
DRYSUIT: Kokatat Hydrus Meridian
DRYTOP: NRS Splash Top
DRYBOTTOM: NRS Splash Bottoms
LAYERS: Amazon Neoprene 2mm Pants
Amazon Neoprene 1.5 Top
BASELAYER: Ridge Merino Solctice Pullover Sunshirt
BRA: Brawyn Merino Wool Bralette
SOCKS: NRS Hydroskin Socks
CHECK OUT MY FULL WARM WATER
EXPEDITION GEAR LIST
*** Hot Springs Resort
This amazing little gem in the forest is only a 30 minute taxi from Jalcomulco. Featuring a stunning, multi-story climbable structure with water slides. Further down the property, you can sit in the river side hot springs or enjoy a quick lunch at the restaurant.
Things to Do Around Jalcomulco