Usumacinta River

The Usumacinta River is a big river that runs through southeastern Mexico and northwestern Guatemala. It starts where two smaller rivers, the Pasión River and the Salinas River, meet. From there, it flows between Guatemala and the Mexican state of Chiapas before moving through Tabasco and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

As the river travels through Tabasco, it forms beautiful canyons, including those in the Cañón del Usumacinta ecological reserve. Near a place called "Boca del Cerro" and Tenosique, the river spreads out across a wide, flat area.

Two smaller rivers, the Palizada River and San Pedro y San Pablo River, split off from the main river and flow into a big lake called the Laguna de Términos. The Grijalva River also joins the Usumacinta near a place called Tres Brazos in Centla, creating a large wetland area known as the Pantanos de Centla. This wetland is very important and is protected as a biosphere reserve.

The Usumacinta River is about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) long when you include its smaller parts in Guatemala. It is the only natural boundary that separates the Yucatán Peninsula from the rest of Mexico.

History

The Usumacinta River and its smaller rivers were important for trade in ancient times for the Maya civilization. Two big Maya cities, Yaxchilan and Piedras Negras, are located along the river.

Before modern roads were built, the river was the main way to travel in this area. Big trees were floated down the river to the state of Tabasco.

In the 1980s, many people from Guatemala crossed the river to find safety in Mexico. Later, ideas about protecting the area's natural environment and the culture of the local Lacandon Maya people were suggested. Some big plans to build dams were stopped because of concerns from many people who cared about the area.

After an article in a famous magazine, the river became a popular place for tourists to visit. However, problems like robberies and other illegal activities made it difficult for tourism to continue.