The Horcones River (Río los Horcones in Spanish) is a river in Jalisco, Mexico, near the village of Boca de Tomatlán and city of Puerto Vallarta. Its mouth is the Bahía de Banderas, to which it is a significant source of fresh water. The river forms a canyon.
| Horcones River | |
|---|---|
 The river at the end of the Los Veranos Canopy Tour | |
   | |
| Native name | Río los Horcones (Spanish) |
| Location | |
| Country |  Mexico |
| State |  Jalisco |
| City | Boca de Tomatlán |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Sierra el Cuale |
| • elevation | Over 2,300 m (7,500 ft) |
| Mouth | Bahía de Banderas |
• coordinates | 20°30′44″N 105°18′59″W / 20.51222°N 105.31639°W |
• elevation | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Basin features | |
| Landmarks | Los Veranos Canopy Tour, Vallarta Botanical Garden |
Course
editThe river is fairly short, originating in Sierra el Cuale south of Boca and flowing down to the middle of the town. It mainly passes small villages and ranches, but the majority of its course runs through a forest. It does not have any tributaries.[1][2] Landmarks nearby include Los Veranos Canopy Tour and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Wildlife
editAnimals that can be found in or close to the river include Neotropical otters and jaguars.[3] Rare species of orchids are also found on its banks.[1]
Threats
editThe river and its canyon are endangered by a hydroelectric dam which is planned to be created in the future. Banderas News speculates that the dam is just a front for what the government plans to do with it, which is rerouting the river into a large pipe for private use. However, an online petition by residents that would ask for conservation efforts and restrict its use for real estate has been signed by over 800,000 people.[3][1]
The Horcones is one of the last significant free-flowing rivers in its area, and a dam would cause a change in salt and nutrient levels that are necessary for Bahía de Banderas' sea life.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Los Horcones River Update: We're Winning But Still Need To Fight!". Banderas News. 17 February 2022. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Río los Horcones, Mexico". GeoNames. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Río Los Horcones Canyon an Essential Tourism Asset for Puerto Vallarta". Banderas News. 26 September 2021. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.