7 Nature Parks in Chiapas, Mexico: Map & Photos

7 parks and reserves

Chiapas has 7 parks and reserves with their own page on Puebloteca, near the Pueblos Mágicos of Ocozocoautla, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapa de Corzo, and Palenque. The closest to a pueblo is Reserva Ecológica Huitepec, 5 km from San Cristóbal de Las Casas; the farthest out is Arco del Tiempo, 43 km from Ocozocoautla.

Parks and reserves are best on weekdays and early in the day. Bring water, and check the opening hours, since some close one day a week.

Best months, when most of these towns are dry with comfortable afternoons: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.

The Nature Parks 7

Reserva Ecológica Huitepec · Nature reserve · 5 km from San Cristóbal de Las Casas
A cloud-forest reserve on the slopes of Huitepec volcano, just outside town, with a steep trail through oak and pine.
El Arcotete · Nature reserve · 6 km from San Cristóbal de Las Casas
An ecotourism park where the Fogótico River runs under a huge natural limestone arch; trails, zip lines and picnic areas.
Sima de las Cotorras · Nature reserve · 12 km from Ocozocoautla
A 140-meter sinkhole where hundreds of green parakeets spiral out at dawn, with ancient red rock paintings on its walls.
Cañón del Sumidero · Nature reserve · 17 km from Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapas's great canyon, with walls up to a kilometer high; the boat trip up the Grijalva leaves from Chiapa's riverfront.
Agua Clara · Nature reserve · 29 km from Palenque
A calm stretch of the Shumuljá River with a hanging bridge and swimming spots, often a stop on the Agua Azul tour.
Selva El Ocote · Nature reserve · 34 km from Ocozocoautla
A vast biosphere reserve of tropical forest, caves and sinkholes north of town; visit with community guides.
Arco del Tiempo · Nature reserve · 43 km from Ocozocoautla
A colossal natural stone arch deep in the Río La Venta canyon, reached only on a long guided trek with a rappel.