Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve

Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area in the Lacandon jungle in the southern state of Chiapas in Mexico. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that preserves tropical jungle habitats and cultural sites of the Lacandon Maya civilization.

The biosphere reserve covers an area of 43,362 hectares, in two distinct areas: Naha and Metzabok. The reserve is managed by Mexico's National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) in cooperation with local Lacondon indigenous communities.

Metzabok is the name of the Lacandon Mayan rain God.

The reserve was established by UNESCO in 1998 to protect cloud forests and pine-oak woodlands in the Lacandon jungle and to preserve 24 crystal clear karst lakes formed by hydrologic erosion of the limestone subsurface. It is also home to several Lacandon Maya indigenous communities. Archaeological sites in the reserve include ancient cave dwellings with rock drawings that are more than 1000 years old.

Most of the terrain is typical of the Selva Lacandona: dense jungle with areas that are commonly covered by dense clouds which provide moisture for plant life. Towering trees support a dense canopy that provides shade for the cool surface areas. The reserve is well-known for its 24 tranquil lakes set deep in the jungle. Some of the lakes feature a smooth, black surface that reflects clouds or nearby trees.

Half of all bird species known to inhabit Mexico can be spotted in the Lacandon jungles of Chiapas and this preserve offers some prime opportunities for Birdwatching. These include a variety of birds of prey and carrion species, like the white hawk, black hawk, and king vulture. The canopy is home to several brilliantly colored birds including the keel-billed toucan, resplendent quetzal, and great curassow.

A number of reptiles and amphibians live in the park, particularly in or near lakes, rivers, or other wetlands. Some of the lakes are inhabited by crocodiles and freshwater turtles while more than 30 kinds of snake have been spotted in the jungle, including some venomous species like the bushmaster and the fer-de-lance, though its more likely that you'll see one of the many non-venomous species, like the small ocotera snake, that commonly burrows under leaves or dirt piles.

The most commonly seen mammals are monkeys, swinging from branches and vines in the ranforest canopy. Bustling about on the ground are anteaters and other smaller animals. The park is a biological corridor for roaming cats, who travel great distances. Jungle cats that might be seen in the reserve include jaguars, ocelots, and jaguarundi.

More information about these animals is in Central and South American wildlife.

Plant life varies depending on your location and its associated ecosystem. The rainforest and its canopy consist of old, enormous trees, including the big-leaf mahogony, chicle, and the ramón tree. At the upper reaches of hills, pine, oak, and alder make up the forest vegetation. In the wetlands and rainforest floor you find epiphytes that can absorb moisture from the cloud cover along with orchids, bromeliads, and bright green mosses.

The jungles of southern Mexico are a hot tropical climate with high humidity and high rainfall all year. Because it is also in the Sierra Madre Sur mountain range, highland areas can be cooler and be less humid. Temperatures average about 30°C with the warmest months being April and May, when temperatures can reach 35°C, accompanied by near 100% humidity. During the coolest months (December and January) the temperature is closer to 25°C. June to October is the "rainy season" when downpours (including torrential rains) can be expected. The wettest month is September with a daily average rainfall of about 11 mm. Visiting the reserve in September will likely be a wet and muddy experience, but the vegetation is lush and the lakes are full and rivers and streams rushing.

The Naha-Metzabok reserve is about 95 km southeast of Palenque. The closest airport with commercial service is in Villahermosa. The best way to get to the park is to rent a car as it is in a remote area without major towns or bus stations.

The mandatory entrance fee charged by CONANP is M$95 per person, per day. Senior citizens and children under 12 can enter the park free of charge.

Additional fees paid to the Lacandon Maya communities include nightly camping fees of M$100 to M$200, fees to rent canoes range from M$300 to M$600, and fees to hire local Maya guides (required for some areas or types of activity) will vary and are negotiated directly with the guide but generally start at about M$200.

Hiking is the best way to get around most of the park though canoes are commonly used on the lakes, many of which are interconnected and can be used to travel long distances. You can also arrange one-way trips to cross large lakes by canoes and begin or continue your hike on the opposite shore.

There are no stores or restaurants in or near the park. Bring what you will need and pack out any trash when you leave.

Camping is allowed in designated camping areas and in backcountry areas. Campers are required to register at the park entrances and to pay daily camping fees. Campsites are primitive tent-only sites with composting toilet restrooms, small palapa-style shelters, and little else. Leave-no-trace practices are required in backcountry areas including packing out any trash that you bring into the park.

The designated camping areas are in the Lacandon Maya communities, not on public park land. Communities charge camping fees that vary considerably (but are never expensive)

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