Nature reserve 6 km east of 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.
El Arcotete is an ecotourism park a few kilometers east of San Cristóbal, built around a natural arch where the Fogótico River has cut straight through a limestone ridge. The arch rises dozens of meters over the water, often quoted at around 50, and you can walk along the river and right underneath it.
Around the arch the hills are covered in pine and oak forest crossed by trails, and the rock has more small arches, overhangs and caves to explore. The park adds zip lines, rock climbing routes and a meadow with covered tables and grills, so on weekends it fills with local families having barbecues.
The name comes from a local legend about a Frenchman and a young woman from San Cristóbal who used the natural bridge as their secret meeting place. Whatever the truth of the story, it is a pleasant half day in the forest close to town, easy to combine with the Rancho Nuevo caves.
What to see and do
Walk along the Fogótico River and under the natural arch.
Hike the forest trails and look for the smaller arches and caves in the rock.
Try the zip lines or the climbing routes.
Bring food for a barbecue at the covered tables in the meadow.
Getting there
El Arcotete is about 15 to 20 minutes from the center of San Cristóbal by car or taxi, heading east past the edge of town. Colectivos marked for the Arcotete leave from the east side of the city. The park charges a small entry fee, with extra charges for activities such as the zip lines.
6 km east of San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Directions from San Cristóbal de Las Casas on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in El Arcotete
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Weather cool
El Arcotete shares the climate of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, 6 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
See the month-by-month climate of San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Make San Cristóbal de Las Casas your base
El Arcotete is an easy trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around San Cristóbal de Las Casas
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.