Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve
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50 kms. from Palenque, along Highway 199, is the Agua Azul (Blue Water) Biosphere Reserve and it's waterfalls on the Shumulhá River, near its confluence with the Tulija River. The raging Agua Azul Cataracts are formed by the rapid descent of the waters - a descent of about 1 km in altitude in the space of only 2 kms distance. At Agua Clara, an ecotourism project developed by the indigenous farmers of the area, the river forms a wide, placid natural pool of crystalline waters that are perfect for bathing. The river, lined with jungle vegetation, is also excellent for kayaking, and hikers, climbers and horseback riders can enjoy nature walks and fabulous views from nearby hilltops.
El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve
Located in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas between La Angostura (Presa Belisario Dominguez) and the Pacific lowlands, El Triunfo camp can be accessed most easily via the town of Angel Albino Corzo, taking a dirt road toward Finca Prusia into the Reserve. The altitude in the Reserve varies from 450 meters on the Pacific side to 2,750 meters toward Pico el Loro, making for great diversity in the flora, fauna, terrain and climatic conditions. Here many species in danger of extinction, such as the quetzal, tapir and ocelot, can be found, as well as bromeliads, mosses, orchids and in general plants of tropical, sub-tropical and pine forests.
Huehuetan and Cantón el Cairo
Huehuetan is located about 1/2 an hour from Tapacula (see Other Cities of Chiapas). It is a favored spot for rafting the rapids and white water along the Cuilco River
La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve / Las Palmas
Lagoons and jungly wetlands located on the coast near Acapetahua. Boats can be taken from the dock at Las Garzas for nature and birdwatching tours. The area hosts over 300 varieties of colorful resident and migratory birds within its towering mangroves. Also represented in this area are multiple species of reptiles, such as crocodiles and marine turtles, and mammals including the ocelot, jaguar, white-tailed deer, and spider monkey. Basic lodging is available at La Concepción Camp, November through May.
Las Guacamayas
Located 252 kms from Palenque on a largely paved route near Reforma Agraria, this jungle region is full of monkeys, toucans, white-tailed deer and other wildlife, and is the special preserve of the Red Parrot. Take a boat tour of the Lacantún River and see the confluence at Paso del Diablo (Devil's Pass) of two rivers, one an intense blue, the other clear green, which form parallel paths in the same riverbed without mixing their colors. Cabins and dining facilities are available.
Misol-Ha Falls
18 kms. from Palenque (see Archaeological Sites of Chiapas) toward San Cristóbal de las Casas are these spectacular 30 meter tall falls stretching across a 20 meter wide precipice. The large, rounded pool below the falls is deep and freshingly swimmable. Nearby is a explorable grotto with another small fall inside. Cabins and restaurant are available.
Montebello Lagoons
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Montebello Lagoons |
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Located along the Mexico-Guatemala border 2 1/2 hours from San Cristóbal de las Casas and 1 hour from Comitán (see Other Cities of Chiapas , the Montebello Lagoons are a conglomeration of more than 50 small,clear, blue-green lakes in an area of only 8 square kilometers and surrounded by jungle foliage. Their depths vary from some 10 to 120 meters. The most accessible lagoons are Esmeralda, Ensueño, Agua Tinta, Encantada and Bosque Azul, which are reachable via paved roads.
Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve and Laguna Miramar
Located in the far south-east of the State of Chiapas in the midst of the Lacandon jungle, the Montes Azules Reserve has several archaeological zones, including Bonampak, as well as the large and crystalline Lake Miramar on it's western edge, on whose islands are the ruins of a Lacandon ceremonial center. The lake area of the reserve is accessible via small plane or dirt road from Ocosingo. The Bonampak area of the reserve is accessible along the Border Highway from Palenque.
Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve
Near the Veracruz and Oaxaca borders of the State of Chiapas, touching on Presa Netzahualcoyotal lake, is the "El Ocote" Reserve, accessible out of Tuxtla Gutierrez and the town of Oxozocoautla. The region was original settled by the Zoque indians, and several archaeological ruins are located in the area. The forest is home to a variety of hardwoods including mahagony and cedar, and wildlife such as jaguar, puma, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, flying squirrels, and tapirs. Two camps are available on the Reserve: Rabasa is located 40 kms from Ocozocuautla along the road to Apic-pac; El Encajonado is 55 kms from Ocozocuautla and accessible by a two-hour boat ride along the lake.
Sumidero Canyon
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Just 10 kms north of Tuxla Gutierrez, Cañon del Sumidero is one of the prime natural attractions of the State. The canyon measures 13 kilometers in length with cliffsides more than 1,000 meters high, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. The canyon walls are hung by lush vegetation, water birds abound and monkeys and crocodiles are to be seen along the banks. Boat tours on the Grijalva River and canyon bottom are available from the docks at Tuxtla Gutierrez and Chiapa de Corzo. Public transport is available for tours out of Tuxtla Gutierrez, taking you to the Miradores (lookouts) above this impressive canyon for a birds-eye view of the chasm.
Tacana Volcano and Parrot´s Peak
With a height of 4,093 meters, the Tacana volcano, located on the Mexico-Guatemala border along Highway 38, is the highest peak in Chiapas. Great views of the volcano are to be had from the small town of Unión Juárez in the surrounding coffee growing region of the state. Guides are available for mountain climbing expeditions; cabins are available at Papales, halfway up the mountainside. Near the town of Santo Domingo is Pico de Loro, or Parrot´s Peak. The top of the peak is accessible via a dirt road and a walk of about half a kilometer.
