Stepped pools
Turquoise in the rock.
Own work — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cvmontuy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Carlos Valenzuela — CC BY-SA 4.0 · August Dominus — CC BY-SA 4.0 · August Dominus — CC BY-SA 4.0
A long chain of cascades and stepped pools on a river in the Chiapas forest, its water a milky turquoise blue, hence the name «blue water». The river pours over dozens of mineral-coated rock steps, forming calm pools between roaring falls over a long stretch. Visitors walk a riverside path uphill between the falls and the stalls, with a new view at every turn. Swimming is allowed in some marked calm pools; near the strong falls the current is dangerous. The water's colour depends on the season: in the dry months, roughly February to May, it is clear blue; in the rainy season it turns brown and cloudy with silt. Plan your visit accordingly. It is usually visited on an organised day tour from Palenque together with Misol-Ha, as the road is mountainous and passes community-run checkpoints that collect fees. Ask about road conditions before you go, and swim only where allowed.
Turquoise in the rock.
Fall after fall.
In marked pools.
About 60 km south of Palenque on the road to Ocosingo, an hour and a half by road
In the dry season, roughly February to May, the water is clear blue. In the rainy season it turns brown and cloudy, and the falls are less striking.