Rafting the Río Lacanjá: A Waterfall Adventure in the Lacandon Jungle

Of all the incredible experiences during our 5-day Lacandon Jungle tour in Chiapas, rafting the Río Lacanjá stands out as my absolute favorite. Having done white water rafting in Idaho, Costa Rica, and on the Colorado River, I can say this was something completely different - and absolutely spectacular. Instead of navigating rapids, we found ourselves dropping down a series of 1-3 meter waterfalls, each turn revealing views more beautiful than the last.

Getting There & Booking

While we experienced this adventure as part of our 5-day Lacandon Jungle tour , you can also arrange this experience directly through Campamento Río Lacanjá . This rustic eco-lodge sits perfectly positioned along the Río Lacanjá, serving as both your basecamp and the starting point for rafting adventures. The camp offers both rustic riverside cabins with shared bathrooms (from $800-1,250 MXN) and more comfortable Ya’ax Can cabins with private bathrooms (from $1,150-1,750 MXN), depending on the season and number of guests.

The camp offers both day trips for rafting and multi-day stays that can include other activities like hiking to Moctuniha waterfall, bird watching, and visits to nearby archaeological sites like Bonampak and Yaxchilán. The on-site restaurant serves three meals daily, making it easy to focus on your adventures rather than logistics. Whether you’re staying for just the rafting or planning a longer jungle immersion, you can book by contacting them through their website, email ( [email protected] ), or by phone (+52 967-631-7498).

Safety First

Before hitting the river, our guides took safety seriously. We started with a practice session in the water, learning how to pull each other back into the raft if someone fell out. While I was initially nervous about tipping over the waterfalls, these fears proved unfounded - our skilled guides kept us upright throughout the entire journey. The practice session helped build confidence, though, and it was good to know we were prepared for any situation.

The Rafting Experience

I couldn’t stop grinning as we started down the river. The water was crystal clear - you could see every fish and stone below us. But that peaceful start didn’t last long. Within minutes, we heard the rumble of our first waterfall, and suddenly the river just… disappeared. There was this line where the water simply dropped away, and we couldn’t see what was below. My stomach did a little flip as we paddled closer, knowing we were about to go over that edge.

This was totally different from any rafting I’d done before. Instead of fighting against churning rapids like in Idaho or Costa Rica, this was all about the drops. Ernesto would line up our raft just right as we approached each waterfall (they ranged from about 1-3 meters high). We’d grip our paddles tight as the raft’s nose tipped over the edge. That weightless feeling, followed by the splash and everyone whooping with joy - it never got old, even after the tenth waterfall.

The scenery was incredible too. Huge trees formed this natural cathedral above us, with sunlight breaking through here and there to dance on the turquoise water. The limestone walls along the river were like nature’s history books, and some spots formed these perfect natural platforms for jumping into the deeper pools.

The Final Waterfall Paradise

After all the excitement of the drops and jumps, we ended up at this spot that was like nature’s perfect swimming hole. Picture this: a beautiful waterfall flowing into these crystal-clear pools, with the afternoon sun hitting the mist just right to create these random rainbows. It was the kind of place you see on Instagram and think “no way that’s real” - but here we were.

The waterfall was absolutely incredible. The coolest part was being able to walk into it - there was this perfect spot where you could sit back on a rock while the water poured over you like a natural shower. The force of the water pounded down on us, but in the best possible way.

What surprised me was how grippy all the rocks were. You know how waterfalls can be super slippery and sketchy? Not here. Even with water rushing all around us, we could walk around easily on the rocks that formed these little pools. It made exploring the whole area feel safe, even with the force of the water hitting us.

Of course, we had to take advantage of the cliff jumping spot. There was this perfect ledge that we all ended up jumping from - some of us couldn’t resist going back for seconds and thirds. The water was deep and clear enough that you could see straight to the bottom, which made the jumps even more fun.

The Journey Back

After all the excitement on the river, we had a 45-minute walk through the jungle back to Campamento Rio Lacanjá. Our clothes slowly dried in the warm air as we followed the trail, and we got to enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle one last time before heading back to camp.

Practical Tips

While lists of gear and preparations can feel tedious, I learned through experience that having the right equipment makes a huge difference. The most valuable item I brought was a pair of sturdy water shoes - they protected my feet during the waterfall jumps and made the walk back comfortable. I was also able to bring my GoPro and wear it on my helmet to capture all the action, which I’m really glad I did.

What to Bring

• Quick-dry clothing (trust me, cotton is miserable)
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• GoPro or waterproof camera
• Waterproof phone case
• Sunscreen (the jungle canopy isn’t always thick enough to protect you)
• Small dry bag for essentials
• Water bottle

Why This Adventure Stands Out

I’ve done a lot of cool stuff in my travels, but this one’s special. It wasn’t just another tourist activity, you know? Like, I’ve done white water rafting before - Idaho, Costa Rica, even the Colorado River - but this was completely different. Instead of constantly paddling through rapids, we got these perfect moments of calm between each waterfall drop. It gave us time to actually look around and take everything in: the crazy-clear water, the pristine jungle, the whole experience.

Plus, the way it was set up was perfect - each waterfall got a little bigger, a little more exciting, building up to that final swimming spot. It was like whoever designed this adventure really knew what they were doing.

Final Thoughts

Even now, writing about it, I can feel those butterflies in my stomach from when we’d approach each waterfall. I can hear everyone laughing and shouting as we hit the bottom of a drop, and see those rainbows dancing in the mist at our final stop.

If you’re thinking about doing this - do it. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just someone who wants to try something different, this trip hits different. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and chill time, all wrapped up in this incredible jungle setting. Just make sure you bring a waterproof camera - you’re going to want to remember this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need rafting experience? No prior rafting experience is necessary. Guides provide thorough instruction and safety briefing.

Is it safe? Yes, with professional guides and proper safety measures. The waterfalls are manageable and the water is clear enough to see everything.

What’s the best time of year to go? Dry season (November-April) offers the most reliable conditions and clearest water.

How physical is the activity? Moderate - you should be comfortable in water and able to handle a 45-minute walk back.

Can you bring a camera? Yes, but make sure it’s waterproof or in a waterproof case. The scenery is definitely worth capturing!

Related Adventures

While the FAQ section provides quick answers to common questions, I’d encourage you to explore more of what this remarkable region has to offer. Our other adventures in the area were equally memorable, each offering a unique perspective on the Lacandon Jungle:

• Lacandon Jungle Experience - Our complete 5-day journey through this remarkable ecosystem
• Las Nubes - Another stunning waterfall system with a completely different character
• Kayaking the Lacantún - A peaceful paddle through the jungle’s heart
• Complete Chiapas Itinerary - Everything you need to know about exploring this incredible region