Alexs first river trip. A week on the Rio Aros/Yaqui changed everything for Alex from Sonora, Mexico. His words capture the magic of what these journeys are all about.

Alex’s reflections: “In the first week of August, I joined an eight-day, seven-night expedition in Sahuaripa, Sonora, Mexico. The journey gave me the chance to explore another corner of my beloved state, wander through diverse ecosystems, take in breathtaking landscapes, and share one of the most memorable experiences of my life with an extraordinary group of people. From the very beginning, it was clear this trip would be special: people from different backgrounds and life paths came together to share unforgettable moments.

It was a unique experience in which people with different knowledge and life paths shared unforgettable moments. We departed from the community of Nátora, resting on the slopes of the Sierra de Sahuaripa and overlooking the majestic Aros River. From there, we ventured deep into nature, paddling more than seven hours each day, with the sun on our faces, the water beneath our paddles, and the wind as a constant companion.

This time was invaluable for getting to know the people beside me, forging friendships, and understanding why nature had brought us all together in that place. Nature always seems to call to us, and on this journey, we were all meant to answer.

Before long, the team’s collective knowledge began to shine. We learned about the river’s risks and the challenges we might face. An extensive safety briefing from those with vast experience on rivers gave me confidence and the reassurance that everyone who set out would also return safe and sound.

Wildlife gifted us unforgettable moments. We spotted a wide variety of birds in dazzling colors and different sizes, discovered numerous tracks on the damp ground left by recent rains, and traced trails made by small and medium sized mammals. We were even lucky enough to catch sight of a puma and a bobcat.

I learned so much during this trip. Being the youngest person in the group, I spent my time listening, absorbing knowledge, and storing every moment as a treasure for life. I had never spent so much time in the water—jumping in to cool off, seeking shade from the sun, and simply feeling like a part of the river.

In my hometown, I grew up with a very different perception of water. There, we have it every year; we’ve even experienced floods and know its force, sometimes feared. But in many communities in Sonora, rainwater and river water are essential for productivity, for quality of life, and for the simple joys of daily activities. And it’s not just humans who depend on it, animals and plants need it too. This expedition gave me a deeper understanding of that.”

Thanks for reading all the way through Alex’s reflections. Trips like these aren’t commercial—we simply gather friends who bring their own gear and share the costs. If you’ve got a small raft, small cat, kayak, IK, or packraft and a love for rivers, join us.