As if the English connotation weren’t concerning enough, Po’op Chan is Tzeltal Maya for Serpent in the Water—not the most enticing name for a swimming hole! Nevertheless, this large aqua-blue poza (pool) makes for a pleasant and cooling swim, and at 70 meters across is even big enough to navigate by kayak.
A platform at the downstream end of the pool makes getting in and out easy, and there are several tables along the bank for a picnic lunch.
Poza Po’op Chan is located in the rear of Campamento Po’op Chan [1] (tel. 55/5004-7135, campamentopoopchan [at] yahoo [dot] com, US$15 pp), which charges US$1 admission and rents inflatable kayaks for US$2.50 per hour. A trail connects Po’op Chan and Cascada Las Golondrinas [2] (each open 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily), a mild and pleasant walk of about three kilometers.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-rio-usumacinta-valley/along-the-carretera-fronteriza/nueva-palestina/accommodations-and-food
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-rio-usumacinta-valley/along-the-carretera-fronteriza/nueva-palestina/sights/cascada-las-golondrinas