Packraft, Swiftwater Courses and Expeditions in Mexico
Ujee!
That’s the feeling when the river flows, you hit your line, and your heart fills with stoke.
We live and paddle year-round in Chiapas. We know its rivers, canyons, communities, and hidden treasures because this is home.
Packraft México offers locally led packraft courses and expeditions in Mexico, guided by ACA-trained Mexican instructors, strong local knowledge, and a deep commitment to safety, conservation, and community impact.
When you book with a locally based project like Packraft México, you’re not only getting a safe, unforgettable experience — you’re also supporting local river leadership, sustainable tourism, and the future of paddling in Mexico.
Adventure with passion. Explore with purpose.
Viva México!
About Packraft Mexico
Extraordinary Adventures
Have you ever dreamed of your own adventures in nature?
Discover packrafting as a powerful way to explore nature — light, versatile, and full of possibility.
Build the skills, confidence, and judgment to create your own river adventures.
Whether you're navigating calm waters or heading deep into remote rivers, we’re here to help you build the skills and confidence to packraft on your own adventures.
Our Story
Packraft México began with a simple idea: use packrafts to connect people with Mexico’s rivers in a way that is safe, respectful, and locally led.
We are based in Chiapas and work with Mexican guides, instructors, communities, and conservation partners to grow paddlesports from the inside out. Our goal is not just to run trips — it is to create future river leaders in Mexico.
Why Go With Packraft México?
Packrafting in Mexico is more than just paddling beautiful rivers. It requires local knowledge, strong safety systems, responsible access, and respect for the communities and protected areas connected to each river.
- Locally led by guides and instructors based in Mexico
- ACA-trained instructors and instructor-level guides
- Real expedition experience in Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca
- Strong focus on safety, preparation, and decision-making
- Knowledge of permits, access, local logistics, and seasonal conditions
Partnerships with local communities, conservation areas, and Mexican paddlers - A portion of our work supports gear access, training, and local leadership
We are not just visiting these places. We are building long-term river culture in Mexico.
Why Local Matters
Mexico’s rivers are not just destinations. They are connected to communities, access agreements, local knowledge, conservation challenges, and long-term relationships.
When you paddle with Packraft México, you are supporting guides who live here, train here, and are helping build the future of paddlesports in Mexico.
Safety & Training
Every Packraft México course and expedition includes instruction. We focus not only on paddling technique, but also on judgment, group management, communication, rescue planning, and responsible travel in remote environments.
We work on skills such as:
- River reading
- Ferrying and eddy catching
- Scouting and route selection
- Group movement and communication
- Throw bag practice
- Swiftwater rescue basics
- Expedition packing systems
- Portage strategy
- Emergency planning
- Leave No Trace and responsible access
Our goal is not just to take people down rivers — it is to help paddlers become safer, more capable, and more connected to the places they visit.
Our Impact
Packraft México exists to grow river access, education, safety, and local leadership in Mexico. International guests help support a model that creates opportunities for Mexican paddlers, local guides, communities, and conservation partners.
Impact highlights:
- 100+ Mexican residents and nationals supported through courses, access, and training
- 6 ACA instructor-level guides connected to the project
- 25+ packrafts in the growing local gear network
- First ACA kayak and packraft instructor courses organized in Mexico
- Free or reduced-cost training opportunities for local guides and community members
- Ongoing collaboration with local communities and conservation areas
- Expeditions that help fund training, gear access, and local capacity
When you join a Packraft México course or expedition, you are not only booking a trip. You are helping build a safer, stronger, locally led paddling culture in Mexico.
View Upcoming Trips & Courses
- Early Season Río La Venta Expedition
Advanced / intermediate packraft expedition
November–December 2026
Chiapas, Mexico
- Oaxaca Día de Muertos & Río Copalita Expedition
Class III–IV packraft expedition
October 31 – November 8, 2026
Oaxaca City to the Pacific Coast
- Mexican Packraft Fiesta / Roundup
Community packraft event
February 2027
Jalcomulco, Veracruz
- Beginner to intermediate packraft skills
Dates by request / seasonal dates coming soon
Chiapas, Mexico
- Custom Chiapas Packraft Trips
Private courses, family trips, and custom expeditions
Available by request
Ready to Paddle With Us?
Whether you are interested in a course, private trip, expedition, or collaboration, we would love to hear from you.
Tell us about your experience level, dates, group size, and what kind of river experience you are looking for. We can help recommend the right course, expedition, or custom trip.
You can also contact us through Instagram at @packraftmexico
Packraft México in the Media
Media, Recognition & Community Stories
Packraft México has been recognized and featured for its work helping grow packrafting in Mexico through local leadership, instructor training, responsible river access, conservation-based expeditions, and community partnerships.
Featured by Aqua Bound
Descubre las mejores rutas de senderismo con A Glimpse into Mexico’s Packrafting Scene with Rodrigo Alfonzo
A story about Rodrigo Alfonzo, the growth of packrafting in Chiapas, and the movement to build local paddling leadership in Mexico.
Read the full article →
APA Golden Paddle Award
Rodrigo Alfonzo / Packraft México received the American Packrafting Association’s Golden Paddle Award in recognition of work supporting the growth of packrafting, local access, and community-based paddling development in Mexico. Read more →
Podcasts & Interviews
Conversations about packrafting in Mexico, Río La Venta, Chiapas, conservation, community-led expeditions, and the future of responsible paddling in Mexico.
The Packrafting Life by Four Corners Guides — The Wonders, Dangers & Realities of Río La Venta + New Guide Service Packraft México
Listen here →
Triple Point Training by Luc Mehl — What Goes Right: Río La Venta Close Call Report
Spotify Listen here →
YouTube Listen here →