Rio Verde / Sirupa
Aug-Sept – 73 miles 8 or 9-day Escorted Trip Shared Shuttle
Experience the second descent (in inflatables) of the Rio Verde, then continue on the little known Rio Sirupa. The Verde is one of the headwater streams in the Yaqui drainage north of the famous Copper Canyon region in Chihuahua, Mexico. Neil and Lacey ran from Puente Verde outside of Matachic to the hot springs at Huapoca in 2013. The Rio Verde down to the confluence with the Rio Papagochic will likely be low and creeky Class II to III while the section of the Rio Sirupa below contains several Class IV rapids and probably 2 portages before reaching Cascada Sirupa. Cascada Sirupa may be anywhere from Class III to VI depending on flow and we may have to portage. This is an extremely beautiful desert canyon. Below Cascada Sirupa is mostly big water Class III. The hot springs at Huapoca are a fabulous way to end the trip.
Neil and Lacey have boated this section before and feel comfortable leading experienced boaters down this difficult stretch of river. Participants need to have at least solid Class IV boating experience, desert camping experience, have their own boating equipment, and be willing to portage in at least two spots. We may have a cataraft package for rent (at additional cost) if you cannot transport your own equipment down to Mexico. The trip cost of will cover Lacey and/or Neil to arrange shuttle, purchase food, and serve as leader(s) for the trip. In addition, participants will be responsible for their share of the shuttle and the food costs. We anticipate that total cost per participant will be on the order of $700 to $900 if they supply their own boat. Participants should plan on bringing an additional $100 or so for incidentals such as food on the drive from and back to the border, and hotels before and after the trip.
Note: depending on the group size, experience, and vehicles, participants may be required to drive their own vehicles in Mexico. These added expenses for fuel and insurance are NOT included in the trip cost or group shared expenses.
Trip Highlights:
- Experience a river that few have ever seen – there have been only a few known descents of this section, although day trips out of Madera to a section just above the hot springs used to be run by local outfitters.
- Amazing Scenery – see for yourself the incredibly beautiful canyons carved by the rivers of northern Mexico.
- Swim in the thermally heated pools or enjoy the shower at Aguas Termales Huapoca.
Visit archaeological sites in the area after the trip!