Río Mezquites

The Río Mezquites (sometimes called the Río San Marcos) is a dramatically beautiful river that flows through the heart of the Coahuila desert, and which skirts the famous little town of Cuatro Ciénegas. Beloved for the 200 or so pools of desert spring water that form in the landscape surrounding the town, that same water eventually flows into the river. It's every bit as beloved and in some sense, the river is a continuation of the more isolated pools. Here, they're a bit more strung together, and the result is a fantastic and unique environment.  

Visitors arrive not just to explore the desert springs, but for the chance to swim, dive, and kayak in the near perfect waters. Part of the Cuatro Ciénegas Flora and Fauna Protection Area, it's a unique environment and many species of wildlife and plants are unique to the area. You'll love it too. 

The river runs roughly northwest  to southeast about 15 minutes southwest of town on Federal Highway 30. At about eight kilometers in length overall, it's the middle four kilometers that are most popular with visitors and that's where the highways will direct you. With trails along the banks, it's a pristine wetland area, too. And most visitors can't help but want to dive in. They can also kayak, or just study the local fish and wildlife. They're often plainly visible in the area. 

Most guests will arrive after a trip to the town center and the pozos. It's a remarkable area, and the fact that it culminates in a spectacular little river makes it that much better. The extremes of the desert seem contrasted beautifully in the river's pristine waters.