Crater Azul

Crater Azul is a short river in southern Peten that rises from springs in the limestone and runs a few hundred metres to join the Rio La Pasion, and because the water comes straight out of the rock it is astonishingly clear and blue, so that the sandy bed, the fallen trunks and the fish are visible several metres down. Boats come up from Sayaxche and turn off the muddy brown Pasion into the blue channel, which is a striking transition. Swimming is allowed in parts, forest closes over the water, and the community manages access with limits on numbers and rules on sunscreen and behaviour to protect the springs.

What you actually see

• Water clear to the bed - the spring-fed river several metres deep.
• The change from brown to blue - turning off the Pasion into the channel.
• Forest closing over the water - the trees along the short river.
• Community-managed access - the limits set to protect the springs.

When to go

January to April in the dry season, when the water is clearest; after rain the Pasion floods and colours it. Half a day from Sayaxche. Boats are arranged there.

Honest expectations

Clarity depends entirely on recent weather and the river is often disappointing after rain. Boat trips must be arranged and prices negotiated. Sunscreen and repellent are restricted to protect the water. It is a short visit.

Nearby

Sayaxche is north; Ceibal lies north-east.