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Posted by: Reeth Mar 18 2008, 03:39 PM

Aqua azul is a place of surreal beauty, where translucent water cascades over travertine
flowstone that has built up here over thousands of years.This is a magical place ,popular
on sunny weekends, with a few private places.....









In the middle of the Chiapas rainforest, a little creek called Agua Azul (Blue Water) runs in an area
that Tzeltal Native American community know as Water Mountains. It is a Tulija river slope, which is
a slope of the Usumacinta river itself. The name of the river comes from the fact that in a certain
part of its route to the sea, the water has dug holes in the limestone as a ladder, known in geology
slang as “gours”, where water pools acquire a beautiful turquoise color.











This phenomenon takes place because many types of sediment, calcium carbonate and magnesium
hydroxide, both of a beige whitish color, compose the limestone. For natural causes when light travels
through water, water absorbs the entire color spectrum except blue, which reaches the clear bottom and
is reflected back to the surface. The result is so impressive that Agua Azul has overcome a major
tourist spot in recent years.

Agua Azul Waterfalls , MexikoThe large amount of visitors without a proper control made authorities
declare Agua Azul a Federal Protected Forest and Wildlife Refuge in 1980 , and Biosphere Special
Reserve some years later. It is allowed to swim in the waterfalls, camping in the surroundings. Up
river there is an area where you can practice rafting, very popular among hikers, bird watchers,
painters and photographers.

You can get there by highway from Palenque which is 42 kilometers north, or from San Cristobal de las
Casas, which is 125 kilometers south. It is recommended to visit the waterfalls during the dry season
(from December to July) because it is when sun constantly allows them to glow with their characteristic
color. Although the rainy season increases its spectacular flow. Use light clothes and walking shoes,
average temperature is 77ºF. You can find handcrafts and typical food in neighboring communities.










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Posted by: RafiKiAwaaz Mar 18 2008, 10:34 PM

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful!!! I hope we humans don't alter these places and leave them as they are.
RKA

Posted by: noorie Mar 19 2008, 02:20 AM

Aqua is my colour!

This place seems to be just what I need, the perfect place to unwind after a horrible day. First lemme gather a few of my favorite books, and whistle for my companion....my dog. And food? I'll manage somehow.

Posted by: Reeth Mar 20 2008, 01:02 AM

QUOTE(RafiKiAwaaz @ Mar 18 2008, 10:34 PM)

QUOTE(noorie @ Mar 19 2008, 02:20 AM)

Aqua is my colour!

This place seems to be just what I need, the perfect place to unwind after a horrible day. First lemme gather a few of my favorite books, and whistle for my companion....my dog. And food? I'll manage somehow.

Posted by: noorie Mar 20 2008, 04:20 AM

QUOTE(Reeth @ Mar 20 2008, 01:02 AM)

Great thought noorie...... FOOD????

Posted by: piya_banerjee Apr 11 2008, 09:55 PM

wonderful picture. wish to visit it sometime

Posted by: Reeth Apr 24 2008, 03:47 PM

QUOTE(piya_banerjee @ Apr 11 2008, 09:55 PM)

wonderful picture. wish to visit it sometime

Posted by: Reeth Apr 24 2008, 03:47 PM

QUOTE(noorie @ Mar 20 2008, 04:20 AM)

QUOTE(Reeth @ Mar 20 2008, 01:02 AM)

Great thought noorie...... FOOD????

Yes, grub!!! How long can someone live on aqua alone?!?!

Post < edited > by me.