Top Ten Mexico Classic Adventures

Put some zip into one of Mexico's many archaeological sites: Go by raft! With more than 40 rivers and tons of sites, Veracruz is the perfect place to do it. Two hours from Xalapa is the Filobobos River, as famous for its archaeological ruins as its Class II-V rapids. The river passes by the El Cuajilote and Vega de la Peqa ruins, dating from 200 to 900 A.D. Day trips and expeditions can be arranged from Xalapa. The Antigua River offers some of the best rafting in the region, and the tour operators have set up operations on site in the booming adventure-tourism towns of Jalcomulco and Aguas Termales del Carrizal. Looking for an easy day trip? Try rafting the Actopan River just north of Xalapa; despite the nickname of its waterfall (El Descabezadero, or "The Guillotine"), its 11 kilometers of rapids are a mildly tame Class II-III.