Beta/maps/paddling partners

[bigwaternate]

Ok so I am headed to Mexico for my first trip and I wanna make sure I get as much action as I can. I wanna paddle the common runs as well as some of the not so commons and some over-nighters as well. My questions are in regards to best beta, I will be ordering gringo guide soon, I want recomendations for favorite spots, towns and rivers, favorite regions. A big question I have is how I go about getting good maps. Ideally I would like to have detailed maps of, like that of gazeteers or usgs maps for all of mexico or at least for some specific regions. I will be driving and will probably have someone that can run shuttle for me and my firends. I plan on being there from Nov 1- whenever I can't find anything else to boat. I do speak spanish and look forward to traveling in many different areas and regions. I will be entering Mexico from Brownsville, Texas because my best friend lives there and then am thinking I will head straight to ciudad valles to do those runs and figure out my next step. If anybody can help me in any way that would be great especially with how I can get detailed maps.
thank you so much,
nate
bigwaternate@hotmail.com

[TomRobey]

You might be able to find a store in you area that specializes in travel maps.   If not, Guia Roja makes a nice map book.  I bought my last one in Ciudad Valles last year at a bookstore (La Canasta Librera, Hidalgo 437-B).  The previous edition I bought in Albuquerque.  For an online set of maps, Maps of Mexico is a great resource.  They also sell maps, including a link to the Guia Roja store.

- Tom Robey

[RockyContos]

Hi Nate,
   I agree with Tom Robey in that you should pick up a Guia Roja, which is a road atlas of all Mexico.  I also have pretty much all of the topo maps to the region and could help you out that way if you like.
   I have been down here in Mexico doing river trips since July and will stay down until sometime in December.  Do you have anyone else to paddle with yet?  I'm looking for some partners, especially for November, and exactly for what you are looking to do (many of the classics, some overnighters, etc.: looking specifically at Rio Saltos, Rio Santa Maria, Rio Moctezuma, Rio Actopan, Rio Alsaseca, Rio Filo-Bobos, Rio Antigua).  If you'd like to hook up, send something directly to me at my email address (rocky@sierrarios.org).    I will be in Queretaro (pretty close to Cd. Valles) in early November after doing a bunch more rivers in Guerrero/Oaxaca this month.  I have several kayaks here and a raft.   I have a Mexican cell phone here: (442)144-8979
Rocky

[jfcaver]

You can pick up Topographic Maps similar to USGS maps.  Inegi publishes these maps in 1:50,000 and 1:250,000.  If you can find the Inegi office usually in major cities you can get them for around 250 pesos.  You can also goggle for the maps and find them online through various dealers for $13.00 to $19.00 a bit of price difference.  They also produce digital maps in the 1:50,000, but they have been quite pricey in the past around $200.00 US.