Mule convoys transporting cargo from the river boat wharf in San Ignacio to Benque Viejo and as far as Flores, Peten Guatemala, 1915
Mule convoy leaving San Ignacio for Benque Viejo, 1915. The street is still named Old Benque Road, starting from Columbus Park. These packs of mules and many other packs loaded their cargo at the boat wharf in San Ignacio, destined for Benque Viejo, Falla Bun/ Plancha de Piedra (Melchor) and Peten. These were supplied for the shops in those communities. In return they brought tons of chicle gum in smaller blocks to be transported to Belize City for export. (Long haul)
Sometimes the "patacho" (the train of mules leader) rides a horse. In a large train of mules, a bell hangs on the neck of the leading mule to keep them in line. It sounds beautiful in the jungle. (My Maternal Grand Father owned a very large train of mules)
Photograph courtesy Noel Escalante, text by Hector Silva
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