Clouds to Coast, Adventure in Mexico

Note: This trip always starts on a Sunday

Day 1: Arrive in city of Veracruz
Your bilingual 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 a hilltop hotel near the town of Coscomatepec. Peace and tranquility rein as you relax on your own private balcony while marveling at the green rolling hills surrounding this hilltop retreat. From the front of this hacienda-style hotel, a view of the entire town of Coscomatepec is visible in the valley below and on the backside, the 18,500 foot snow-capped Pico de Orizaba pierces the sky. 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, a local guide will lead you on a hike down into a deep forested canyon to an ancient bridge built hundreds of years ago by the Spaniards. On the canyon's floor, there is a series of platforms created high in the trees for zipline rides. Who's first? Later, it's back to the cobbled-streets 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. Be prepared! Most likely your small group of travelers will be the only foreigners at the market so the locals will probably be studying you as much as you will be observing them. Overnight again Coscomatepec. (B,D)

Day 3: Travel to the base camp of Pico de Orizaba / High Altitude Hike / Bike down 7000-10,000 feet
Today, you will experience a rugged 4-wheel drive adventure trip up an unpaved rocky/sandy trail road to the base camp of the 3rd tallest mountain in North America. This camp for climbers is located at 14,500 feet. Your mountain guide will lead all interested participants on a short high altitude hike up the trail that starts toward the peak. After a "field lunch," you will have the option (extra fee) to bike down the mountain road. A dual suspension mountain bike, helmet, and gloves will be provided. Again, you will overnight in Coscomatepec. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Whitewater River Rafting / Zipline Ride over the River
This morning everyone will pack up and venture to the river rafting capital of Veracruz found in the town of Jalcomulco. Here you will embark on an exciting whitewater river rafting trip (class 2-4 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. You will also have the thrill of flying over the river on a high speed zipline ride. Next, you will travel to the tropical seaside town of Chachalacas and check in at a small family-run hotel. Long stretches of sandy beaches found along the ocean are within walking distance to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5: ATV Sand Dunes Ride / Beach Time
It's time to hit the beach and sand dunes on ATVs. The trip starts right from your accommodations. You will be riding alongside the ocean waves as you zoom full- throttle 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, there is more ATVing before everyone finally heads back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore,  swim in the hotel's small pool, or hang out at one of the many rustic open-aired restaurants by the beach and enjoy small town Mexican life. (B.L,D)

Day 6: Snorkel over Coral Reefs / Veracruz City Tour / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, you will travel to the historical port city of Veracruz and motor out on a dive boat to snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs which are found just minutes from the shoreline. A large variety of underwater wildlife live among the 23 coral reefs and 350 ship wrecks found in the government protected Veracruz Coral Reef System National Park. In the afternoon, your guide will lead you on a city tour and explain some of the colorful history of this port city. Later, you will check in at a hotel in the city and then get ready to enjoy your last evening in Veracruz with a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Travel Day Home

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