Hondo River (Belize)

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This article is about the river in Belize and Mexico; for other uses, see Rio Hondo

The Rio Hondo, border between Mexico and Belize

The Rio Hondo is a river of Central America, approximately 150 km (93.2 mi) in length, which flows in a northeasterly direction to discharge into Chetumal Bay on the Caribbean Sea. Most of the international border between the nations of Mexico and Belize runs along its length.

The river is formed from the confluences of several upper tributaries, such as the Río Azul (later Blue Creek in Belize) and Chanchich (Rio Bravo) which have their sources in Guatemala's Petén Basin region, and Booth's River which originates in the western Belizean district of Orange Walk. These tributaries join to form the Rio Hondo near the settlements of Blue Creek Village, on the Belizean side, and La Unión on the Mexican side. The river continues its northeastern course with few other settlements along its length until reaching its outlet in Chetumal Bay. The city of Chetumal, capital of Mexico's Quintana Roo state and the major port of the region, lies close to this outlet.

Several archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization are located near the river's path.

The river is mentioned in a stanza of Belize's national anthem, Land of the Free:

...

Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold

Drove back the invader; this heritage hold

From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,

Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;

...