“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

Rio y Montaña – Picocanoa Adventure Village

 
In 1993, Waldemar Franco was busy as an avid mountain bike rider and top-rated white water rafting guide in Veracruz. He had spent his youth running the best rivers in Mexico and had always felt a need to share his expertise and passion for the outdoors, and prove there was much more to Mexico than just the beaches. That same year, adventurer, river rafter and alpine climber Alfonso de la Parra had just become the third Mexican to ever summit Mt. Everest. Once down from the highest peak on earth, Alfonso’s path took him back to the waters of Veracruz. As luck would have it, he would meet another guide who shared his vision for adventure travel…that man was Waldemar Franco.  Waldemar and Alfonso became fast friends, and in a matter of hours had decided to organize a business together…and Rio Y Montaña was born.  
 
 
With a name that means “River and Mountain,” this company was founded on a serious and evolving zeal for the outdoors. Their dream was to show clients the heart and soul of Mexico’s rivers, mountains and jungles while maintaining a commitment to luxury travel. Waldemar and Alfonso began their endeavor by taking their own friends on incredible journeys through Mexico. They would trace the routes themselves and explore remote areas throughout the country to determine the safest and most beautiful places to hike, bike, kayak and river raft. Later, they would sell the expeditions to groups and serve not only as the guides, but the cooks as well! They had become known as pioneers in eco tourism, and were the first rafting guides to commercially descend the Filobobos and Pescados Rivers in Veracruz.
 
 
Today, Rio Y Montaña is Mexico’s premiere adventure travel specialist. From white water rafting, canoeing, and horseback riding through a forest of Monarch butterflies, to mountain biking, rappelling, climbing and soaring above the trees on a zip line, Rio Y Montaña offers expeditions for all types of travelers. At the center of these experiences is Rio’s signature concept, the “Aldea” (referring to a village or lodge).  These exquisite lodges (Aldeas Rio Y Montaña) offer a unique combination of sophistication and adventure. Complete with deluxe accommodations, spa services and gourmet dining, a stay here will forever change the way you think of travel in Mexico.

Rio y Montana’s signature lodge is Picocanoa. Located in Veracruz, and at home on the shores of the Pescados River, this “adventure village” is one of the finest properties of its kind. The idea is be completely immersed in the experience… and they certainly succeed with that! Surrounded by the warmth and color of the local culture, Picocanoa hosts 24 wonderful cabañas surrounding a tiled pool, open-air bar and dining patio. The grounds are completely tropical and filled with vibrant flora and fauna. 
 
Once you arrive and learn the lay of the land from you guide, you’ll be ready to really explore the beauty of Picocanoa…  Then it’s time to hit the river! Not to worry if you are just a beginner, the guides will walk you through every aspect of what to expect while rafting. Once you’re in the water and on your way, the thrill and beauty of the ride is all you’ll ever need. The white waters of the Rio Pescados float past some of Mexico’s most pristine jungle landscapes. The pace picks up as the boats maneuver the thrilling class III and IV rapids.
 
But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you have the courage for it, the unforgettable platform-to-platform “Treetop Traverse” takes you sailing through the trees. Called “Tirolesa” in Spanish, this zip-line canopy adventure is for those who truly love to get that adrenaline pumping! If you want to slow it down, there are also fascinating tours of local coffee plantations and the nearby colonial city of Coatapec. This is a chance to really explore the local culture. The icing on the cake is the onsite ancient mystic steam room called a “Temazcal.” This ritualistic experience will renew the body and spirit and prepare you for another great day of adventure.
 
Rio Y Montaña prides itself in having the finest equipment and most professional and knowledgeable guides in the business.  The concept, the passion and commitment to their guest puts Rio Y Montaña in a class by itself.