Salto Grande

Salto Grande is an ecotourism park on the Candelaria River a few kilometers west of town, and it is the easiest way to see the river that gives Candelaria its name and its life. The Candelaria runs about 400 kilometers from Guatemala to the Laguna de Términos, and along the way it breaks over limestone ledges into more than sixty rapids and small falls. Salto Grande is one of the best known, together with others like Salto Toro and Salto Muerto.

The water here has an unusual deep green color, which comes from microscopic algae that thrive in the river at certain times of year. Where the current spills over the rocks it forms natural pools that work like whirlpool tubs, and on hot days families come to sit in them for hours.

The park has trails through the riverside forest and wooden bridges that cross the channels, so you can walk between different pools and viewpoints. Howler monkeys live in the trees here, and the area is good for birdwatching. There are basic services for day visitors, and on weekends it fills with local families.