Texas Big Bend National Park Canoeing Tour

Your Guides

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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.

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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                    [Headline] => Welcome to Texas & Marathon 
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                    [ItinBlock] => 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.
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                    [Headline] => Go Deep into Big Bend National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-6 hours Total. 4-8 miles canoeing (canoeing duration and distance is depended on current conditions and water levels)
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                    [ItinBlock] => 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.
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                    [Headline] => Take a Scenic Canyon Hike into Mexico
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Canoe & Hike Rio Grande\'s Rugged Canyons
                    [ActivityOverview] => 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
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Leave Boquillas Canyon & Enter the Chihuahuan Desert
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Bid Farewell to the Rio Grande & Big Bend
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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.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => 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.
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Accommodations

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Riverside camps coupled with a night\'s stay at a comfortable historic hotel in Marathon.

The Gage Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Surrounded by the pristine beauty of Big Bend country, the Gage offers unique accommodations with laid-back luxury, gracious hospitality, superior dining, and one of the most iconic bars in Texas. Built for pioneer rancher, Alfred S. Gage and designed by the well-known El Paso architect, Henry Trost. The restored mission style hotel includes 14 newly remodeled guestrooms. Each room showcases unique décor with refined southwestern mission-style furnishings. Guests enjoy the use of our comfortable guest lounge and the peaceful La Kiva courtyard behind the main hotel building.

MT Sobek Camp – Rio Grande

Comfortable Camping

Camping is "river style" and includes 4 nights on the banks of the Rio Grande, with full guide assisted set up. Our dome-style tents include Therm-a-Rest pads, please provide your own sleeping bags. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches or bluffs above the flood plain, relaxing and scenic every day.

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