Locate this natural wonder
La Venta River Canyon
is in the Mexican state of Chiapas, in the Biosphere Reserve El Ocote Jungle , approximately 75 kilometers away from Tuxtla Gutiérrez .
Sculpted by water
A system of underground rivers flows in El Ocote Jungle, which is so valuable that it is considered the water reserve “for the third millennium,” according to Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). La Venta River Canyon is a karst system (limestone rocks shaped by water) that emerged in an area with geological formations of over 87,000 years of age.
What you will find
A jungle bathed by rivers and waterfalls, where water has shaped rocks to create abysses, depressions, caves, and caverns , inhabited by howler monkeys, mountain lions, jaguars, ocelots, eagles, toucans, and crocodiles.
Its measures
- 84 kilometers long
- 420 meters high
- 10 meters wide
The journey
This deep crack that winds through the earth starts at El Aguacero Waterfall , goes to another waterfall, La Conchuda ; passes through a natural tunnel up to the Arch of Time , and ends at Malpaso dam .
El Aguacero Waterfall
To arrive at this waterfalls complex that creates a very peculiar breeze by hitting the rocks, the visitor must climb down 740 stairs . The waterfalls give name to an ecotourism center of the municipality of Ocozocouatla . Here, you will find viewpoints, a restaurant, restrooms, and a camping area. You can find more information on Cascada El Aguacero website.
Arch of Time
At the end of the so-called Tunnel of Time , is the highest natural arch in the world: 158 meters high, 255 long, and 35 meters wide . You can arrive by raft or by foot in about three hours. Additionally, you will have to descend by rappelling.
Caverns
It is esteemed that there are approximately 400 caves in the walls of this geological accident. In many of them, archeological remains have been discovered, most probably from the Zoque people. In the walls of the canyon, there are also cave paintings of 5,000 to 10,000 years of age.
The canyon is for everyone
It is isolated and hard to reach. To explore this rough landscape of caverns, abysses, and hills , a very good physical condition is required to carry out long walks and rafting, rappelling, swimming, and climbing rocks
You must be accompanied
If you want to explore the canyon, you must hire the services of an adventure travel agency .
Ask before hiring
The travel agency and the guides must be certified in nature tourism specialized in hiking . Ask if the adventure equipment fulfills international standards, if they are specialized in river descent and of they have insurance; if they have Mexico’s National Registry of Tourism , local and federal licenses.
When to visit
The best months to explore the canyon are from January to April . Later on, it is dangerous due to rainy season that starts in May, which could cause landslides and rising waters .
Whom to go with
If you are looking for serious hiking, look for a guide in Ecoexperiencias , which offers “adventure experience” from two to five days in La Venta River Canyon.
Weather
It is usually hot and humid.
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