Selva el Ocote Biosphere Reserve

Selva el Ocote Biosphere Reserve is a large protected natural area in the Chiapas highlands of southern Mexico. It preserves forest ecosystems at mid and high elevations.

The Ocote jungle is very large, covering an area of more than 101,000 hectares. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended because it can be difficult to navigate through the jungles and the guides know where to camp and find the most impressive sights.

Official information about the park is available via the CONANP web portal:

• Selva el Ocote

The Ocote jungle was established as a natural protected area by the Mexican government in 2000. In 2006, protection was extended and the reserve became part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

The jungles have been occupied by Zoque and Tzotzil Mayan peoples for millennia. The Zoque continue to be the dominant culture of the region. They are thought to have descended from the Olmec. There are no significant archaeological sites in the park, but several caves in the park have ancient drawings (petroglyphs) on the walls, and local guides can sometimes take visitors to see them. Zoque people still inhabit land within the Biosphere Reserve, primarily in its buffer zone where they grow beans and corn as well as organic coffee.

This is a mountainous area with limestone formations including cave systems, cliffs, and sinkholes. Vast underground reservoirs and rivers run below the surface. The La Venta River runs through the park in a deep canyon. The mountains are part of the Sierra Madre Sur range that locals call the Sierra de Chiapas. The mountains are covered in dense forests that include pine, mahogany and cedar as well as orchids and plants that are harvested as food by the native Zoque people.

The jungle is very biodiverse with more than 700 cataloged plant species and nearly 600 animal species, including 395 birds, 58 reptiles and 107 mammals. It's a great place for Botanical explorations, Birdwatching, and nature hikes. The vegetation is very thick and lush owing to plentiful annual rainfalls.

The climate is hot and humid with abundant rainfall throughout most of the year. Bring wet weather gear and wear sturdy boots with comfortable socks.

The park is close to the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The Tuxtla Gutierrez airport can accommodate international flights, but is served only by domestic flights from major Mexican gateway cities as of Apr 2026, including Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.

From Tuxtla Gutierrez, you can rent a car, or take a taxi to the town of Ocozocoautla, where you can hire a local guide. The reserve is large and has many possible entry points, depending on what specific activity you are planning. Some entry points are only accessible by 4WD truck or by hiking. Local guides can advise you.

Ocozocoautla is about 35 km west of Tuxtla Gutierrez via federal highway MEX-190.

Park entrances have different hours depending on location and the season. See the official park site for current information. Generally, the park is open from February through September.

Admission costs M$125 per person (2026).

It's a huge park with long distances through rugged terrain. Most of the area is accessible only by hiking. Park roads are unpaved and are best traveled by 4WD truck, except for the road to Sima de las Cotorras, which is paved. Hiring a local indigenous guide is recommended.

• Cascada El Aguacero beautiful waterfall on the Rio Venta, requires walking a rugged trail with about 700 steps
• Sinkhole of the Parrots - can be seen from an observation platforms, though more adventurous visitors can rappel into the sinkhole
• Caves, including El Tapijulapa, some of which have ancient cave drawings (petroglyphs)
• Rio Venta Canyon

• 16.807123-93.4746431 Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of the parrots), Piedra Parada. Huge sinkhole in which parrots nest in the limestone walls. Birdwatchers come to watch the birds circling as they ascend from the depths in the morning or return in the evening to descend back to their nests. Local Zoque guides lead rapellers on a descent 140 meters to the bottom. Instruction is available to novices. There is a large overlook for smart people who'd rather stay safely at the top of the sinkhole. A nearby visitor center has a nice restaurant with regional Chiapas cuisine with a lot of Zoque dishes. Rustic wood cabins are available for travelers who want to spend the night. Cabins are simply furnished but have hot water showers, screens in the windows, and a double bed.  (updated Apr 2026)

There are no stores in the reserve. Buy anything you'll need before coming. Pack out anything that you bring in.

A restaurant is available at the Sima de Las Cotorras (Sinkhole of the Parrots), but call ahead before relying on it as some travelers report that it was closed when they visited. It may be prudent to bring your own supply of food and drink.

There are no sources of potable water in the reserve but there are rivers, streams and other natural sources of water that might be usable if you have a LifeStraw or similar filtration device or have the means to boil your water or treat it chemically to kill any pathogens. See also Water.

The nearest town with hotels offering real beds and showers is Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, about 20 km from the reserve.

Camping in the reserve is sometimes allowed at established campsː These are particularly useful as base camps for multi-day treks to the Rio La Venta canyon. The base camps are for legitimate scientific researchers but camping may sometimes be allowed for travelers using local guides or having an appropriate permit from CONANP.

• Campamento Emilio Rabasa. No infrastructure for tourists including no electricity, no toilets, and no potable water. (updated Jul 2026)
• Campamento El Encajonado. No infrastructure for tourists including no electricity, no toilets, and no potable water. (updated Jul 2026)

Backcountry camping is allowed in some areas, most notably on the gravel sandbars in the riverbed. Local guides know which of these are safe to use and how to use them. Park regulations impose heavy fines on backcountry hikers and campers who do not follow Leave-no-trace practicesr

This is rugged backcountry that is best experienced by a knowledgable outdoorsman in the company of a local guide. Casual visitors can experience a trip to the Sima las Cotorras fairly easily as a day trip, but all other parts of the park require good fitness, backcountry skills, and appropriate equipment. Risks related to the climate include heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn or sunstroke. There are also Dangerous animals and Poisonous plants in the park. A knowledgable local guide can help you avoid risks and deal with potential injuries.

• Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• Cañón del Sumidero