Guided, all-inclusive tour
Rafting on the Tampaón River — Class III Rapids on Turquoise Water
14 km of rapids between canyon walls, on one of North America's most scenic rivers
About this tour
Paddle 14 kilometers of Class III rapids on the turquoise water of the Tampaón River, flanked by towering canyon walls. We pick you up at your lodging in Ciudad Valles or Xilitla (round-trip transport), with full gear, certified guide and a meal included. No experience or swimming skills needed — there are routes for beginners and advanced paddlers.
The Tampaón River is considered one of the 10 most scenic rivers in North America, and the first rapid is all it takes to understand why: turquoise water — colored by the same karstic minerals that paint Tamul Waterfall —, canyon walls closing in over the river and jungle peeking over the top of the rock.
The day starts at your door: we pick you up at your lodging in Ciudad Valles or Xilitla, round-trip transport included. At the river dock we hand you the full gear — professional raft, paddle, helmet and life jacket — and your guide runs the safety and paddling briefing. You don't need experience or even to know how to swim: there are routes for different levels, Class III rapids are the sweet spot between real excitement and beginner-friendly safety, and the guide rides in the raft with you for the whole descent.
It's a 14-kilometer run alternating rapids with calm stretches where you can swim and take in the canyon. The most anticipated moment is 'La Tumba' rapid, where the walls close in so tightly that the echo disappears — absolute silence right before the river's most technical stretch. You'll come out soaked, with tired arms and wanting to get right back on. And since paddling works up an appetite, your booking includes a meal — before or after the activity, your call.
The best season is November through March, when the water reaches its most intense color. During the rainy season (July–September) departure depends on the river level: if it's not safe to navigate, we let you know in advance and reschedule or offer an alternative activity. Your safety always comes first.
On this tour
- 1Round-trip transport from your lodging (Ciudad Valles or Xilitla)
- 2Tampaón River dock
- 314 km of Class III rapids on the Tampaón River
- 4Tampaón Canyon — rock walls and turquoise water
- 5'La Tumba' rapid — the most technical of the descent
- 6Calm stretches for swimming in the river
Tour photos
1 / 8
Todas las fotos son de recorridos reales realizados por nuestro equipo.
All included ✦
- ✦Round-trip transport from your lodging in Ciudad Valles or Xilitla
- ✦Professional raft, paddle, helmet and life jacket
- ✦Whitewater-certified guide riding in your raft
- ✦Safety and paddling briefing — routes for beginners and advanced paddlers
- ✦Meal included — before or after the activity
- ✦14 km descent down the Tampaón rapids
- ✦Swimming stops in the calm stretches of the canyon
Pickup & transport
We pick you up at your lodging — hotel, hostel, cabin or Airbnb— in Xilitla or Ciudad Valles, and bring you back at the end of the day. Round-trip transport is included; you don't need to stay with us.
Xilitla
Sierra, Surrealist Garden and surroundings
Ciudad Valles
Waterfalls, Tamul and the Tampaón river
Pickup time
Between 8:00 and 9:00 AM
Transport
Round trip, included
Approx. return
6:00–7:00 PM
Staying somewhere else? Tell us where and we'll see if we can reach you. We confirm the exact pickup time and address by WhatsApp after you book.
Ask about your pickup →What past travelers say
View on Google →Showing 3 recent traveller reviews.
Fernando Rueda
Monterrey, NL · Abril 2026
“El agua turquesa del Tampaón no parece real hasta que estás remando encima de ella. Los rápidos te sacan gritos y risas por igual, y el guía dentro de la balsa te da toda la confianza. La Tumba es impresionante — ese silencio antes del rápido no se olvida.”
Alejandra Mora
Ciudad de México · Marzo 2026
“No sé nadar y aun así fue de lo mejor del viaje. El chaleco, el casco y el briefing te dan mucha seguridad, y en los tramos tranquilos hasta me animé a flotar en el río. Salimos empapados y felices. 100% recomendado aunque sea tu primera vez.”
Ricardo Peña
Guadalajara, JAL · Febrero 2026
“Fuimos seis amigos y fue el mejor plan de todo el fin de semana. 14 kilómetros dan para muchos rápidos y todavía tiempo de nadar en el cañón. El equipo es profesional y se nota la experiencia del guía en cada instrucción. Volvemos seguro.”
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
What's included in the Rafting on the Tampaón River — Class III Rapids on Turquoise Water?
Round-trip transport from your lodging in Ciudad Valles or Xilitla, Professional raft, paddle, helmet and life jacket, Whitewater-certified guide riding in your raft, Safety and paddling briefing — routes for beginners and advanced paddlers, Meal included — before or after the activity, 14 km descent down the Tampaón rapids, Swimming stops in the calm stretches of the canyon. Everything is included in the price.
How long is the Rafting on the Tampaón River — Class III Rapids on Turquoise Water?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour. Full refund, no questions asked.
What is the price per person?
The price is $1,950 MXN per adult. Children ages 6 to 10 pay 70% of the adult price and ages 3 to 5 pay 50%. Babies under 3 go free.
Where does the tour depart from?
There is no single departure point: we pick you up at your lodging — hotel, hostel, cabin or Airbnb — in Xilitla or Ciudad Valles, and bring you back at the end of the day. Round-trip transport is included and you don't need to stay with us. We confirm the exact time and address by WhatsApp after you book.
Is rafting safe if I can't swim?
Yes. You wear a life jacket and helmet for the entire descent, and your certified guide rides in the raft with you. Just tell them before you get in so they can put you in the best spot in the boat.
Do I need previous experience?
No. Class III rapids are the sweet spot between a real thrill and beginner-friendly. Before you touch the water you get a full safety and paddling briefing.
What happens if the river is too high to run?
Your safety comes first. If the river isn't in shape — most likely in the rainy season, July through September — we tell you in advance and either reschedule or offer you a different activity.
Can I bring my GoPro?
Yes, but only on a chest or helmet mount. Handheld isn't allowed: both hands need to be free to paddle and to hold the safety lines.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit or clothes you don't mind soaking, water shoes or sneakers you can get wet (wear socks to avoid blisters), biodegradable sunscreen, and a full change of dry clothes for the ride back.
Where does the tour start? Is transport included?
Included — we pick you up at your hotel in Ciudad Valles or Xilitla, round trip. You just show up ready to paddle.
Are meals included?
Yes, your booking includes one meal — before or after the descent, whichever you prefer.
More detail in our cancellation and weather policy.
Make the most of your trip
Tours that pair well with this one
Rappelling at Tamul Waterfall — Descend Beside Mexico's Tallest Falls
The perfect add-on for a second day of adventure in the Huasteca.
