Rio La Venta is an exciting expedition that involves packrafting/kayaking down a remote section of the La Venta River. This section of the river is located within a deep gorge called the “Sacred Canyon.” The journey typically lasts for 3 to 6 days and offers stunning scenery and archaeological sites, including the Cueva del Rio La Venta.
To embark on this adventure, one common starting point is El Aguacero, with the final destination of Malpaso Lake (see below for details). Allotting 4 to 6 days for the entire expedition is recommended, although some groups have completed it in as few as 3 days by paddling non-stop for 12 hours each day. Another option is to start at the lower put-in point, Unidad Modelo, which allows for a comfortable 3-day journey. The water flow gradually increases from El Aguacero to Unidad Modelo, making the latter section more challenging. While packrafts are recommended, some local guide companies use truck inner tubes with backpacks attached for the lower section.
If you’re interested in joining a Rio La Venta expedition, several local commercial adventure companies such as Petra Vertical, Xaman, Explora, and Ecochiapas offer these trips. However, it’s important to note that each company provides different prices, routes, and options, so it’s advisable to ask specific questions and clarify your expectations before making a reservation.
When considering a Rio La Venta expedition, there are several factors to consider. These include the number of days offered by the company (ranging from 3 to 7), the group size required for the trip, the type of watercraft used (inflatable kayaks, rafts, or inner tubes), the points of interest visited along the way, and the specific put-in and take-out locations. It’s worth mentioning that the stretch from Unidad Modelo put-in to Arco del Tiempo is considered the most remarkable part of the entire canyon.
The river is characterized by its limestone boulder gardens and sieve-filled rapids. There are also many portages along the way, so it is important to have experience in expedition paddling. The difficulty of the river difficulty can vary greatly. It is a challenging trip that should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.
Additionally, the water flow in the Rio La Venta can be unpredictable. The flow does not necessarily correlate with the water level in Malpaso Lake. The river’s flow is mainly influenced by rainfall, peaking during the rainy season (usually from May to July) and gradually decreasing in the following months. High water conditions are typically observed from August to November, while the low water season lasts from December to April. It’s important to be prepared for varying conditions, including slow progression, multiple portages, and even class IV rapids with obstacles like strainers and siphons during high water periods. The river can be very dangerous at higher levels. When our group went several locals told us it was too high to run. Fortunately we had the experience in our group to successfully make it. It was quite challenging and dangerous at points due to sieves and strainers.
If you are looking for an adventure in a remote and beautiful setting, then floating Rio La Venta is a great option. However, it is important to be prepared for the challenges of the river and to have the necessary experience.
Some points to consider:
- The best time to go is after the rainy season, from December – April.
- The river is typically runnable with class IV, but can be more challenging at high water.
- There are several portages along the way, so it is important to be prepared to carry your gear.
- The river is remote, so you will need to be self-sufficient and have all of your own gear. Do not expect to be rescued if issues arise.
Logistics
A permit is needed, when we did this trip there was not good information on where to get the permit. The process wasn’t too difficult, but they did try to talk us out of floating the river due to high water (we probably should have listened). The permit can be obtained here. Bioshpere Reserve Selva Ocote
You’ll want a boat ride across Malpaso Reservoir or you’ll be paddling for a couple extra days. To ensure a smooth boat pickup at the end of your expedition, La Junta would be the ideal location. However, if the water level in the lake is low, you might need to paddle further downstream until you reach the lake. La Junta does not have any facilities or settlements, it is where the a side river feeds into La Venta. There are two options for hiring a boat to cross the Malpaso Reservoir:
- The first option is to schedule a boat in advance from Raudales, which is about 20 miles across the reservoir. Arrange a designated time and location for the boat to pick you up. It’s crucial to arrive at the agreed-upon location on time. It’s advisable to pay only one-third of the fee upfront and the remaining two-thirds when they pick you up. This payment arrangement helps ensure that the boatman will be there as agreed. During the high water season, motorboats may transport tourists up to La Junta, and you may be able to get a ride if you’re lucky. However, during the dry season, it’s unlikely to find any boats coming up that far. If you miss the boat option 2 is viable and what we did on our trip.
- If you paddle to the El Encajonado park ranger station located at the reservoir’s edge on the right side of the river, you can rely on the ranger for assistance. Typically, the ranger will be present at the station. One member of your group can accompany the ranger on a two-mile ride across the reservoir to the small town of Carricel on the left side of the lake. In Carricel, there is internet access, and you can contact Raudales to arrange for a boatman or a local from the village might give you a ride. In case the ranger station is unoccupied, you can paddle to Carricel yourselves.
Contact information for boat service:
Website: https://www.chiapastravelandtours.com/
Whatsapp:+52 9616089135
Email: reservaciones@chiapastravelandtours.com
In summary, the Floating Rio La Venta expedition offers a thrilling packrafting or kayaking experience through the remote and scenic La Venta River. With its archaeological sites, breathtaking landscapes, and the option to choose from different trip durations, it provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a unique outdoor experience.
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