Taken by Surprise in
La Primavera
How going beyond the bend in the road often reveals something beautiful and unexpected.
We were on a quest to find black obsidian, a volcanic glass that forms when lava cools rapidly. It was used abundantly in Mexico for arrowheads and lances, mirrors and jewelry. We had information that we would find some in the forest behind the tiny village of La Primavera, between the town of Tequila and the city of Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.
As we were asking for more directions, one man inquired if we were looking for the rio caliente, the hot river. A hot river? We had to see that!
Finding The Hot River
Among the mountains, surrounded by the smell of pine trees in the hot sun, we drove on and on, to the very end of the road where there was a parking lot. (There is a small fee per car to enter into the park.) From there, it was only a short hike down to the river.
The river is a protected area, because it is a unique habitat to some small fish.
We walked in the water reverentially. It was so strange to wade through a running stream, the temperature of a comfortable bathtub! Talking of bathtub, there were several shallow basins and small cascades along the river. Unprepared, we didn’t have our bathing suits, but the water is clear and clean for sitting in and relax.
The quiet sounds of the running water and happy bird songs in the pines added to the serenity and beauty of this moment.
We were so glad we went the extra mile and found this enchanting hot river! It taught us that it often pays out to go to the end of the road. If you are in the area, it is worth seeing!