GUATEMALA: EL ESTOR: the boqueron canyon
Trip Start
Oct 01, 2008
1
18
63
Trip End
Ongoing
El Estor,
Guatemala
Saturday, October 25, 2008
we hitch a boat ride to main land, and start our journey , which is only a few miles, in a collectivo (small mini van...with about 20 more people than it should carry) across the worst road i have ever ridden across for more than 2 whole hours! hilarious...bone shaken, but we enjoyed the scenery...we had to!
the small town we arrive at is on the south side of the lake. by the way that everyone stare at us, we know not many tourists come here. it has stunning views..but havent taken advantage of this. not one cafe or restaurant line the beautiful still lakeside. we struggle to find a hotel, and even worse..somewhere to eat...no where has food...even worse...food i can eat!
we have come here to see off the beaten track though, and to check out the local canyon, and hot springs, so that is what we do on the sunday. we hitch a ride on the back of a ladies pickup...it was great fun.and thank her with a cupcake..our main meal of the day! bumpy, but we see the country side and hills in a prime position. the canyon is a short ride away, and a young boy not much older than caleb, rows us in a narrow canoe carved from a tree. wobbley...but the only way. i didnt take my camera, due to me not knowing if it would be safe..and i wish i had. the boqueron canyon is over 30m tall, with white cliffs, adn deep foliage growing down its sides..it carves its way through the rocks, with beautiful colours, and shapes. we sit for a while at the far end, taking in the breathtaking view.
the hot springs and waterfalls are set a walk away from the main road, which a local leads you to on his bike. another local is there to look after your belongings. we strip to our bikinis, and shorts and walk down the rocks to the cool water. its refreshing, and clear, and as you get closer to the waterfall you feel the hot water in the pool. its heated about 200m away and cascades down the rocks. you can even climb them and sit in a hot pool.. the warmest shower we have had in weeks! its lovely, if it smells a little due to the sulpher.
we dont stay at el estor more than another night due to the lack of places to even go and sit, and not really feeling that welcome. like everywhere in guatemala, it gets dark very fast after 5ish, and then the streets are very dark..we havent felt nervous until here,. as a lot of men linger on the street corners.
