El Boqueron Canyon

El Boqueron is a gorge where a river has cut a narrow passage through limestone in the hills north of Lake Izabal, with walls rising sheer on both sides, close enough together in places to shut out most of the sky, and vegetation growing from every ledge. The way through it is by canoe, paddled by boatmen from the community who take visitors upstream between the walls to where the passage narrows and then back down, with swimming stops in the clear green water on the way. It is short, cool and unexpectedly dramatic for a site so little known, and it works as a stop on the road between Panzos and El Estor.

What you actually see

• Sheer walls closing overhead - the narrowest section of the gorge.
• Canoes paddled by local boatmen - the way visitors go upstream.
• Clear green water - the swimming stops along the way.
• Vegetation on the ledges - plants growing from the rock faces.

When to go

November to April in the drier months, when water levels are workable. Half a day. Canoes and boatmen are found at the entrance; agree the price first.

Honest expectations

Water levels after rain can make the trip impossible or unsafe. Facilities are minimal. Prices are negotiated on arrival. It is a short trip, an hour or so on the water.

Nearby

Panzos is west; El Estor lies east on the lake.