Jatate

This isn't the end of the world but you can kayak to it from here! Progress marches on but the Jatate is still one of the best out-there river trips on Earth. Most of the Jungle has been cut except on the river banks and in the canyons. The otters seem to be disappearing. The forecast for hope and human dignity is improving.The Travertine canyon of the Jatate is wider and carries more water than the first. The rapids are stronger, though not more difficult, and longer. Once again the combination of the shear cliffs and stunning rapids make this a destination even if it is on the edge of the world. Most of the rapids are travertine chutes and ramps. One conventional class V stands out. Most of the rapids end in a large warm pool. The canyon is only 7 or 8 miles from start to finish. In this stretch there are over 30 major drops as well as dozens of smaller riffles. Plan your trip to camp in the canyon. It is unbelievable. The camping is limited. Keep your eyes peeled for suitable places. Also practice minimum impact due to the limited number of spots. Below the bridge at Sultana, there are another half-dozen travertine rapids and a class V+ jumble of limestone and conglomerate rock. The road which is bad all the way from Ocosingo, gets worse from the bridge onward. Four hours in a pickup is the fastest I've ever made it back to Ocosingo. The biggest problem with the Jatate is the 21 mile stretch of flat water between Tecoja and Avellanal. There is current except for the last couple miles. The gradient in the canyon is probably close to 60 fpm. The overall gradient is skewed by this lake. The guage down from Tacitas is on the left. A moderate flow is around 7. Six point eight equals 24 cms. ??? no way. Putting in at Real on the Santa Cruz is an alternate put-in bypassing the upper canyon. The Santa Cruz cuts through a magical canyon. The first rapid has a nasty hole in a room of doom. Scout and if necessary, portage on the right. The rest of the rapids are class II and perhaps III. Rafters keep driving to Tecoja and put-in on the gentle banks of the ranch.