These beautiful waterfalls are located between Palenque and San Cristobal and are known as Agua Azul. They are located in an area which belongs to and is controlled by the Zapatista community. When our little bus pulled along the path to Agua Azul, we were a little surprised to see masked men approaching the bus. They look like bandits we joked to each other. It turned out they were bandits - well of a kind. It is their land so they insist on payment to enter the land and the amount of money they want alters. Our driver obligingly paid over a wad of notes, he even got a receipt and then we were on our way, at least for another 100 yards or so until we were approached by another group of masked men, once more demanding money to allow us on our way. Once more the driver paid over a wad of notes, another receipt and then on our way, we wondered how many more times this would happen and how much money the driver had at his disposal before we would all be rummaging around our wallets. Fortunately for us, we were not stopped further but I got the feeling that was just luck. We wondered what would happen if we refused to pay but given that the friendly bandits were carrying large weapons, we thought best not to ask. All this excitement was definitely worth it as the waterfalls were stunning.
Walking up the path at the side of the waterfalls, it feels like it goes on forever. All the way up, on the right hand side there are wonderful sights of the waterfalls and on the left hand side there are loads of tiny stalls selling a range of souvenirs, drinks and food. My eyes kept being drawn to stalls making and selling fresh empanadas which are basically a Mexican version of a Cornish pasty - but deep fried. Not able to resist, I bought a pack of freshly made cheese empanadas which cost about 2 pesos and were one of the tastiest snacks I have had and also provided the stamina for the continued uphill walk to the top of the waterfalls.
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