NOGALITO - WHERE RIVER AND
MOUNTAIN MEET THE OCEAN

By Griffin Page
Naturalist ~ Eco-guide

Nestled in a valley of the Sierra Madre mountain range, this natural Eden offers thick lush sub-tropical vegetation, a river of crystalline quality and the peacefulness of a quiet Mexican village. El Nogalito actually means little oak and the town got its name from the small oaks found in the higher regions up the river also called by the same name. This area is definitely worth visiting.

 

A perfect way to discover this truly unique paradise is to do so by foot so you don’t miss anything. Starting from the furthermost end of the town, a hike up this river will take you to places seldom visited by humans. Its pristine quality, the soothing sounds of the river and the enchanting bird songs will transport you back in time; back to an era before mankind took over.

 

As you hike, crisscrossing the river, a colorful dragon fly may perch on a nearby leaf; a lizard may scuttle rapidly along a rock or remain motionless in an attempt at camouflage; a wide variety of butterflies may flutter along your path and beautiful birds may pick at small fruit from an overhead tree.

 

A canopy consisting of trumpet trees, red paper trees, palms and strangler figs, amongst many, create a shade under which you will be quite comfortable at any time of the day. Ferns and orchids of many different species, growing in small crevices on the side of rocky cliffs, become more plentiful as you go up in altitude. Even more interesting is the incredible way in which certain trees, located many feet above the river, extend their roots in and out of rocky crevices to finally reach the river in the form of a sponge like system of filaments.

 

After about an hour of hiking through this magnificent vegetation, you come across a small water cascade flowing into a pool of crystal clear water where you may enjoy a refreshing swim. This location is the ideal place for a small rest and light lunch. The more adventurous may climb up to the second level of the falls where the water is deeper and the work of Mother Nature carved in granite by eons of erosion is even more obvious.

 

The way back is more or less the same and for most, seems a little easier. The hike is relatively easy but does require a little climbing and most can safely do it. It is recommended that you wear good soled sandals (Teva style) you don’t mind getting wet as a fair part of the hike is carried out in the river while stepping between the smooth rocks.

 

A good time to begin the hike is early in the morning. By the time you get back, the charming outdoor river-side restaurant El Nogalito will be open to offer you refreshments while you enjoy watching birds such as the vibrant Yellow-winged Cacique and black and blue San Blas Jay pick at nachos left on the small wall for them. And if luck has its way, you’ll even see the shier but most beautiful Green Jay, one of my favorite birds. There, you will also meet Tequila, the English speaking resident Military Macaw who ironically, is scared of heights. I say ironically because Macaws fly high in the sky and are usually found in the much higher ranges of the mountains. Occasionally, I find him perched high up in a distant tree calling down to me as he recognizes a friendly voice and someone has to climb up to get him as he refuses to come down.

 

This hike can only described as an exploration into unconquered virgin territory and will be, I am convinced, an experience you will cherish. Let’s not forget, when visiting nature, always leave the area better then how you found it.