- Length: 150 km;
- Estuary: Chetumal Bay;
- Origins: Chanchich, River Blue;
- Countries: Mexico, Belize.
A dense tropical jungle with many rivers and lagoons attracts lovers of pristine nature to Central America. Beautiful rivers are included in the list of the most popular natural attractions of the region. One of the largest rivers on the Yucatan Peninsula is Rio Ondo, it is also the largest river in Belize and is even mentioned in the national anthem of this republic. The length of Rio Ondo is 150 km, and the total area of the basin is 2,689 square kilometers. The Rio Ondo River is the natural boundary between Belize and Mexico.
Nature of the river Rio Ondo
Rio Ondo is formed as a result of the confluence of several rivers. Most of them originate in the Petain basin (Guatemala), and the source of one of the main rivers, Bute, is in western Belize, in the Orange Walk area . These rivers merge into one, forming Rio Ondo near the village of Blue Creek from the Belizean side and the city of La Union - with the Mexican. Throughout its extent there are several large cities, mostly Mexican: Subteniente Lopez, Chetumal. Rio Ondo has long been used for rafting and transporting forests, which in the vicinity is enough. Now deforestation is suspended and, in an environmental sense, this is one of the most prosperous areas of Belize. Also in the Rio Ondo area, archaeologists have found several ancient settlements related to the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization.
How to get there?
From Belmopan it is most convenient to get to the city of La Union, which is 130 km from the capital of Belize . Further along the river the river sharply turns and goes far to the north.