The Cimarron
A dry area in Huehuetenango with little population has a place surrounded by legends called "Cimarron". Here in the middle of dry land heated by the direct sunlight there is a deep hole, perfectly round with 172 meters of diameter and 160 till the bottom. There, a fertile, fresh and green forest is protected by the walls with no trails to go down.
Fascinating as it is, the trees around the Cimarron are very little reaching the height of a regular person, but at the bottom there are different species reaching 25 and 30 meters tall.
The birds come out from the bottom flying in circles, some say there are mysterious animals living in there, some say a meteor crashed there long time ago. As for the evidences it seems to be a dry cenote formerly a cave whos ceiling felt down. There are signs on the walls suggesting the action of water carving it.
The legend of the Cimarron
Its been said that long time ago there was a very rich guy living near the Cimarron having dirty business around. One day he was told the authorities have found him so he decided to run away with all his gold.Right in the middle of his runaway he found out another group cutting his way, so he trowed all the gold to the bottom of the Cimarrom so nobody could take it away from him. In time he would get it back.
Nobody knows if this is true but some say at times you can see a shinning light at the bottom.
A group of explorers made it to the bottom...
The pictures and information of this trip are courtesy of the folks of xplorandoguatemala.com who made an adventurous journey going to the bottom of the Cimarron.A group of four rock climbers and cavers took the time to plan the expedition and actually walk and explore the forest down there. As they say it required technical rope training and rescue skills. After waking and exploring the forest down there, they report there are no animals living down there.
Take the time to visit their site and read their trip report and findings.
What to expect at the Cimarron?
- Expect a long journey from Guatemala City with beautiful landscapes and exotic nature.
- Heat and warm weather. This region of Huehuetenango is dry.
- Expect an adventurous trek on the dry trails. It is about an hour walking from La Trinidad.
- Don't expect hotels or restaurants. Bring your own food or enjoy the meal prepared by the locals.
- Some people offer their house to welcome guest, take it in count as the region is growing as a touristic area.
- Expect company, hire a guide and don't go alone. It is very easy to get lost and there is no water or rivers nearby.
- And prepare to be amazed by the silence at the Cimarron. Bring your camera and take all the pictures you can!.
Directions on how to get to El Cimarron
From Guatemala City, drive via Interamericana road passing by Quetzaltenango and the center of Huehuetenango. Don't enter the city, just go on and stay on the main road. Then follow to Nenton and from there goes a lonely road to La Trinidad. The whole drive is about 11 hours straight. (yes we know). But you can make a whole itinerary and visit Tecpan, Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango till you reach La Trinidad.Take your camping gear with you or just visit El Cimarron leaving Huehuetenango City very early in the morning and come back at night the same day.
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