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Texas Big Bend National Park Private Adventure Tour
Paddle & Hike Boquillas Canyon & the Rio Grande
Experience the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas on this fun and flexible canoe trip winding down the Rio Grande and the Boquillas del Carmen range. Over five days of canoeing on calm waters and small rapids, cover 33 miles of the river while taking in towering cliffs, stunning geological formations and an abundance of wildlife, from colorful birds to elusive desert mammals. Break up the paddling with scenic hikes and spend evenings gathered around a campfire, enjoying delicious starlit meals prepared by your guides.
6 Days
From: $2,495
- Available: March, November, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Comfortable Camping
Experience the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas on this fun and flexible canoe trip winding down the Rio Grande and the Boquillas del Carmen range. Over five days of canoeing on calm waters and small rapids, cover 33 miles of the river while taking in towering cliffs, stunning geological formations and an abundance of wildlife, from colorful birds to elusive desert mammals. Break up the paddling with scenic hikes and spend evenings gathered around a campfire, enjoying delicious starlit meals prepared by your guides.
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Highlights
- Discover the dazzling canyon and desert scenery of Big Bend National Park
- Learn to navigate the Rio Grande with your own canoe and enjoy leisurely paddling
- Follow trails though secret side canyons only accessible by river
Itinerary
Welcome to Texas & Marathon
Day 1
Arrive at Midland Airport and meet your MT Sobek representative for a transfer journey to Marathon. We will make a short stop to pick up any last minute items you may want, before heading south into the Chihuahuan Desert. With around 400 inhabitants, Marathon has a small-town charm and friendly vibes to make you feel right at home. Settle into the hotel, then join your MT Sobek guide and group at 6pm for drinks and introductions in the lovely gardens. Savor your first West Texas dinner at the famous 12 Gage restaurant. Back at the hotel, pack your river bags for an early start the next morning.Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Go Deep into Big Bend National Park
Day 2
Enjoy a shuttle ride to Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park. Meet up with your river guides and master everything you need to know for safe canoeing. Set out on a paddling journey, passing the small Mexican village of Boquillas and heading into the towering walls of Boquillas Canyon-the longest and deepest canyon in the park. In the afternoon, arrive at one of the beautiful camps along the Rio Grande. Explore the area and savor an unforgettable dinner by the campfire, underneath majestically starry skies.Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande
Activity: 4-6 hours Total. 4-8 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels)
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Scenic Canyon Hike into Mexico
Day 3
Feast on a riverside breakfast and take in the resplendent beauty that surrounds you. Your options today include an 8-mile hike up Arroyo Puerto Rico, a spectacular side canyon on the Mexican side. Enjoy a day of meditative walking and a picnic lunch along the way. This there-and-back hike pairs well with another night at the same campsite and a star-sprinkled feast served by the campfire. Alternatively, it is possible to canoe further down the river and spend the evening at a different campsite, depending on the group and the weather.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande
Activity: 8-12 hours total. 0-4 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels). Optional out and back Hiking up to 8+ miles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Canoe & Hike Rio Grande's Rugged Canyons
Day 4
Get into true 'river mode' by paddling for a few hours. Take in striking rock formations and listen for canyon wrens' song as you make your way down gentle rapids. Stretch your legs on scenic hikes, such as the rim hike on the Marufo Vega that showcases dramatic views of Sierra del Carmen and the Rio Grande, or the hike in Arroyo Venado, 'Deer Creek' canyon with rugged scenery dotted with succulents. In the evening, relax back at the camp and feast on another tasty alfresco dinner.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande
Activity: 6-10 hours total/ 6-8 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels). Optional Hiking 3-6 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Boquillas Canyon & Enter the Chihuahuan Desert
Day 5
Power up with a nice breakfast, then load up the canoes and head downstream for another day on the Rio Grande. Venture into the side canyons and take in the river's course. As you make your way out of the Boquillas Canyon and paddle through open country, find yourself immersed in the spectacular beauty of North America's largest desert, the Chihuahuan, with views stretching to high country in every direction. Back at the camp, come together for one last dinner around the campfire under open skies.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande
Activity: 4-8 hours/ 8+ miles canoeing and short optional hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid Farewell to the Rio Grande & Big Bend
Day 6
After breakfast, set out for one last canoeing journey of 4 to 8 miles, heading to La Linda, an abandoned mining town in Mexico. Along the way, test your mastery of canoeing on several fun rapids. Delight in one last riverside lunch and bid farewell to your guides. Take a 4-hour van transfer back to Midland Airport. Depart the same day or spend one more (optional on-own) night at the Marriott to round off the experience.
Activity: 3-hours/4-8 miles canoeing
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
Our expert guiding team has extensive river experience in Boquillas Canyon and Big Bend National Park, giving you the best experience.
This adventure perfectly blends canoeing with remote canyon hikes and fully supported comfortable camping.
MT Sobek has run river adventures in the US and across the globe for more than 50 years — so you can be sure of an epic trip!
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 15.
Call for Private Trip Pricing
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
March, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Kevin M.
Kevin —a.k.a. "Thirsty"—has been guiding since he was 17 years old and has been an integral part of MT Sobek's Arctic rivers program for decades. His laid-back manner puts everyone at ease, and he has a wealth of knowledge about Arctic rivers. Although he normally spends his winter months in Colorado's Telluride ski area, he has climbed Denali three times, reaching the summit in 2000. Thirsty is a legend in the MT Sobek circle and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor.
Levi W.
Levi grew up in rural Kansas. From flowing fields of wheat to the flowing rivers of the Southwest, Levi has always had a passion for the natural world. He’s been guiding since 2016, running rivers in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Mexico, and hiking adventures in Texas and Utah. He enjoys opening the door to new experiences for guests. As the son of a writer, he has inherited a passion for bringing a unique perspective to sharing his insights and stories in nature.
Clint F.
Clint is a true explorer and has been guiding trips from the Arctic to Latin America for 20 years. Well known for being calm, conscious, and curious, Clint is always up for an adventure-and is seldom at a loss for words. MT Sobek guests can count on him to entertain in front of some of the most beautiful backdrops in North America. He has an exquisite ability to combine wilderness meals and a keen eye for the unseen. Clint's group characterize his leadership as positive, cohesive, and feeling at ease in the wild.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Daily canoeing up to 6 hours on calm waters with gentle rapids. Up to 4 hours of hiking on rugged dirt trails in side canyons. There is an optional 8-hour hike on Day 3.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4-6 hours Total. 4-8 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels)
Day 3
8-12 hours total. 0-4 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels). Optional out and back Hiking up to 8+ miles.
Day 4
6-10 hours total/ 6-8 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels). Optional Hiking 3-6 miles
Day 5
4-8 hours/ 8+ miles canoeing and short optional hiking
Day 6
3-hours/4-8 miles canoeing
Accommodations
Riverside camps coupled with a night's stay at a comfortable historic hotel in Marathon.
MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande
Weather
Temperatures in Big Bend National Park will range from 50ºF to 70ºF.
FAQs
Will I see any wildlife on the trip?
Big Bend National Park protects more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals, including gray foxes, bighorn sheep, ringtails, collared peccary, mule deer and bobcats.
Will I see any geological features?
Boquillas Canyon is a canyon in Big Bend National Park, with limestone walls up to 1,500 fee high. Geological features in the park include sea fossils and dinosaur bones, as well as volcanic dikes.
What are the rapids like on the Rio Grande River?
The Rio Grande river currents through the canyon are rated up to Class II.
Do I need to bring a passport for Mexico?
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Guest Reviews
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest
"A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides."
Carol & Burt D.
MT Sobek Guest