|
Southern Mexico's Usumacinta River is like a tropical oasis in a country where progress is making the wild Mexican rainforest a thing of the past.
It's a very different part of the world. Like parts of the deep Amazon region, Mexico's southern border with Guatemala is a throw back in time. And life along the great Usumacinta River (Usamacinta in some circles) is a vibrant adventure awaiting the few hardy spirits who can brave the primitive backcountry to experience one of the real grand adventures of Middle America.
In spite of continuing political unrest in parts of southern Mexico, the primitive region of the Lacandon Indian uncovers a gentle people that time has all but forgot. These jungle-dwellers live much the same as they have for the last century, and, indeed, many of their beliefs and rituals date much farther back to times when the Maya ruled all of Central America. The Lacandon are one of the last remnants of the great Mayan civilization that flourished in the jungle and declined at the end of the first millennium.
 Your best bet to experience this remarkable and timeless region starts with a rented raft or guide on the Lacantum and Usumacinta riverbanks in the Montes Azules Reserve in Lacandon region, Chiapas State.
Here you will find 100 miles of peaceful river awaiting; a trip down the 'Sacred Monkey River', or the 'River of Ruins' as some have called it, full of rich rain forest and abundant with howler monkeys and tropical birds in dozens of varieties and color.
The trip down the river passes numerous Mayan ruins, including the partially restored city of Yaxchilán, a spot that has been called the most beautiful example of ancient Mayan greatness remaining in the world. You may want to spend some time here camping in the rain forest or on the banks of the great river.
If white water is your objective, you'll find some of the best just ahead with Class IV and Class V white water common along parts of the river. Don't attempt these waters unless you have the experience or have a trusted guide and crew to command the raft. There are a few available.
If you're planning a trip, take note of the region's unique climatology. The prevalent climate in the zone is that of hot-sub-humid with rainfall from May to December, frequent northerly storms and cyclones until the month of November and sometimes through December. So choose your travel time wisely. The river water is always warm.
If you have enough time, an expedition into the region will provide plenty of opportunities to visit ancient cities, tombs, and swim in waterfalls where kings once bathed. The river meanders through tropical forest where you are certain to encounter wildlife such as howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, iguanas and more.
|
