Flying: Make your flight reservations now. We have been finding great fares to Mexico with orbitz.com. The easiest itinerary is to fly from Houston Texas to Tampico on Continental. Or connect through Mexico City and then to Tampico. There are also flights to Tijuana. Our Santa Maria trips start and finish in Ciudad Valles, 80 miles inland from Tampico.
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Passports and Identification: US citizens traveling in Mexico need a valid drivers' license and a notarized copy of their birth certificate. You will be issued a tourist card when you land at Mexico City or Monterrey (Don't loose it). If you have a passport bring it. Citizens of other countries need to check with the Mexican Embassy regarding travel requirements.

What to bring: Experience has shown us it's best if you bring your own paddling accessories: helmet, lifejacket, sprayskirt and paddle. You know they fit, what condition they are in and, most of all, your own gear is simply comfortable.

Missed connections and other problems: Don't panic! Usually everything works out. If you miss a flight or have any problems, call our US and Mexican phones and inform us of your new arrival time. If you don't get through to one of us, leave a message on the USA number andthe Mexico voice mail. Then get on the next plane and on your way. Top

Important Numbers: Agua Azul USA: 208-863-1100
Agua Azul Mexico 481-380-7722
aguaazul@aguaazul.com

• Prefixes en Mexico
• 001 an international line to the US
• 01 a long distance line within Mexico
• 044 a local call to a cel phone (you have to drop the area code).
  Getting from Tampico to Valles: The bus is the way to go. It's easy, quick and puts you in charge of your own arrival. All it take is a taxi ride to the bus station, a bus ride to Valles and a phone call to us when you arrive. This insures the trip continues to run for the rest of the group if just one person misses a connection or arrives late. Top
  
  Tampico Airport: Buy your taxi ticket from the kiosk by the door. Take a taxi to the "La Central Camionera." There are taxis lining the curb outside. The taxi should cost less than 50 pesos. Avoid the suburbans. The ride from the airport to the bus station is about 10 minutes. Tell the taxista you are going to Ciudad Valles. Because there are two bus stations. If you are arriving on the late flight, you need to go directly to the bus station to catch the last bus. 11:00 pm. you can go 2nd class all hours. Top

  Tampico Bus Station: The ride to Valles will take about 2.5 hours. If you are hungry, get something to eat at one of the taco stands across from the bus station. I recommend "Emir" it is a sit down, "Happy Days" style diner. The taqitos are good and inexpensive. Sin grasa. Por favor. Top

  The simplest way to get through the bus station is to give your bags, and when it's all done 10 pesos, to a porter and say "Valles." Otherwise, enter the left entrance of the bus station and find the "Gondolfo / Vencedor" counter. Top

  Tickets: Buy a "premier" class ticket to Valles ¤ about 90 pesos. Buses run every 30 minutes. These buses are deluxe, with assigned, reclining seats, movies (usually in English with Spanish subtitles) and bathrooms. But take a leak in the bus station just to be sure. The ticket agent will usually ask which seats you want. I prefer near the front. Top

  Boarding: The ticket will have the bus number and the seat number. While at the counter ask which way to the bus since there are usually a zillion busses qued up. If you don't speak Spanish, pointing will do. The numbers are located on the front, or on the door, of the bus. Find the number that matches the number on your ticket ¤ in addition the bus will have the destination "Valles" written on the bus header or window. Check the number! Check your larger bags into the cargo hold with the porter at the side of the bus. Don't loose the receipt. Top
  
  In Valles: Go to the Sendetel Phone kiosk in the station. They will place a call to us for about 5 pesos. Then we'll come pick you up. Most of the nearby restaurants are acceptable. Look around, but leave a note at the desk if you go for a stroll. Top
  
  Meeting Time: Top be announced. Top
  
  When Travelling: Carry this sheet with you! Don't bring too much. You're only going to be gone a week. Enjoy your travels. Don't stress over connections. The porters, sidewalk superintendents and taxi drivers aren't trying to rob you. They are trying to see if you know the value of a dollar. It's more than you think. Minimum daily wage is around USD $3. If you can find a job. Top
  
  Recommended Reading: "Spanish - English Dictionary." University of Chicago. This is the one. Don't be fooled by expensive imitations. Read the description of the Spanish language. "Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish." Margarita Madrigal. A unique and effective approach to learning Spanish. "Distant Neighbors." Alan Riding. A great look at Mexican culture, corruption and our intertwined destinies. "The Conquest of New Spain." Bernal Diaz. A soldier's fascinating account of Cortez's conquest of the Aztecs. "Idaho the Whitewater State." Grant Amaral. Another shameless self-promotion. Top
  
  Travel Options: Cheap options include: flying to Harlingen or Brownsville, Texas. Crossing the border with Valley Transit and taking the 8 hour bus to Valles. In addition, an "Executive" class bus leaves Mexico City every night for the 10 hour non-stop ride to Valles. Top

  U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets