Wejlib-ha - The eleventh step ... Los Africanos Perdidos - CycleBlaze

October 15, 2021

Wejlib-ha

We managed to get away before seventh is morning, our target being the town of Tenosique de Pino Suárez just over seventy kilometers away. The plan was to use a back road following the Rio Chacamax so we turned off the R307 after about two kilometers and found ourselves on a rough gravel road.

The road was rough and up and down.
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But the views were good.
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It seems to be a lovely farming area in a valley.
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Nice birds along the way too. Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris).
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After another two kilometers we encountered a family of four walking in the opposite direction. They were about surprised at our choice of route and said it could be dangerous, especially later in the day. We weren’t planning on being on the road too late but took note of their warning. After struggling on a bit further on the steep and rough road we decided discretion etc and decided to turn back to theR307.

Once back on the main road we battled the traffic and stiff climb until the road split with the one half of the fork going to San Sebastian and the other towards Guatemala. At this point the traffic got a bit lighter and we enjoyed some great cycling with a good surface and lots of shade. With more than an hour spent on our diversion, T now seemed a long way given how hot the day was predicted to become. The alternative was to split the journey into two days and spend tonight at Rio Chacamax where the accommodation option was limited to an apparently grotty hotel

However luck was on our side and while passing through the village of Las Cascadas we saw a sign pointing to a community run tourism facility called Wjlib-ha at the waterfalls that gave the village its name.   A quick look at iOverlander suggested it could be a good place to camp but with rain predicted to start this afternoon and continue for at least a week a roof over our heads might be more sensible. It turned out that there were also very basic cabanas available so we have moved into one for the night.

The falls themselves are absolutely lovely and we spent the first two hours swimming and relaxing there.  The room we have is pretty crappy but the staff here are lovely and we feel quite comfortable.  I am so glad we found this place.

The sign at the turnoff to the falls.
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Our rather dingy room.
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The restaurant. We enjoyed a lunch of fajitas de pollo here.
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Today's ride: 34 km (21 miles)
Total: 1,394 km (866 miles)

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