National park · Mexico
Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere ReserveReserva de Biosfera Sierra de Manantlán
Visit Sierra de Manantlan: pay the entry fee (≈ MXN 100) at the Ocote Arco gate, drive the 80 km (50 mi) road from Colima, hike the Cloud Forest Trail (2 h) in dry season Nov–Apr; avoid July–Sept crowds.Visit Sierra de Manantlan: pay the entry fee (≈ MXN 100) at the Ocote Arco gate, drive the 50 mi (80 km) road from Colima, hike the Cloud Forest Trail (2 h) in dry season Nov–Apr; avoid July–Sept crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,396 km² (539 sq mi)539 sq mi (1,396 km²)
approximate
Established
1987
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 11Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
- Pacific Coast ↗Drink bottled or purified water; assume tap water is not safe.
- Pacific Coast ↗Many Pacific beaches have rough surf and rip currents; swim where lifeguards are on duty.
- Pacific Coast ↗Check current safety advisories for Guerrero and Michoacán before booking rural or coastal routes.
- Jalisco ↗First‑class regional bus tickets are cheap (under $10 USD) and include air‑conditioning.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1,396 km² (539 sq mi)539 sq mi (1,396 km²)
- Area reported as 139,577 ha (≈ 1,395.8 km²); some sources round to 1,400 km².
- Established
- 1987
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Colima
Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve spans the border of Jalisco and Colima, protecting cloud, deciduous and semi‑dry forests and hosting over 300 bird species, including many endemics, as well as a rich assemblage of mammals, reptiles and plants.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1988Part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Size and age
1,396 km² (539 sq mi)539 sq mi (1,396 km²) · national park since 1987
Area reported as 139,577 ha (≈ 1,395.8 km²); some sources round to 1,400 km².
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Colima.
Why go
- Explore cloud, deciduous and semi‑dry forests in a biodiverse mountain range.
- Birdwatch 336 species, including 36 endemics such as the military macaw.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool
- FebDry, cool
- MarDry, warming
- AprEnd of dry season
- MayTransition, occasional rain
- JunMore rain, hotter
- JulRainy, trails muddy
- AugRainy, trails muddy
- SepRain decreasing
- OctDry again
- NovDry, pleasant
- DecDry, cool
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar, puma, ocelot, oncillaAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Military macaw, red‑lored amazon, golden eagleAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Autlán rattlesnake (endemic)May–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Colima airport (CLQ)
Rent a car and drive 80 km (50 mi) northwest on state highway 3 to Ocote Arco, then follow signs to the reserve gate.Rent a car and drive 50 mi (80 km) northwest on state highway 3 to Ocote Arco, then follow signs to the reserve gate.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Guadalajara
Drive ~250 km (155 mi) north‑west via highway 54 to Colima, then follow above route.Drive ~155 mi (250 km) north‑west via highway 54 to Colima, then follow above route.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Puerto Vallarta
Drive ~200 km (124 mi) north‑east on highway 200 to Colima, then continue as above.Drive ~124 mi (200 km) north‑east on highway 200 to Colima, then continue as above.
3–4 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ocote Arco entrance | Gate, visitor office, parking, trailhead to Cloud Forest Loop. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Cloud Forest Loop | 2 km (1.2 mi) marked trail through misty cloud forest, viewpoints, birdwatch spots.1.2 mi (2 km) marked trail through misty cloud forest, viewpoints, birdwatch spots. | Open; no guide required. |
| Upper Sierra ridge | Higher elevation paths, occasional steep sections, panoramic views. | Open; guide recommended for longer hikes. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates centred on the reserve entrance; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve entry (Ocote Arco gate) | MXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9) | person | 2026 estimate, check official site |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Reserve entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs allowed on leashes only in designated areas.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; wild camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires not allowed; use approved stoves.
- Guides
- Required for hikes longer than 5 km (3.1 mi) from the gate.Required for hikes longer than 3.1 mi (5 km) from the gate.
- Collecting
- No collection of plants, animals or fossils.
Where to stay
Near the park
Ocote Arco village
Small inns and guesthouses a few km from the gate.
Near the park
Colima city
Hotels and hostels; 80 km (50 mi) drive to reserve.Hotels and hostels; 50 mi (80 km) drive to reserve.
Safety
Steep, slippery sections medium
Wildlife encounters low
Road accidents on mountain roads medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Gate area reachable by car; short walks are wheelchair‑compatible.
- Longer trails have uneven terrain; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned guesthouses; support community income.
- Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve?
Entry is about MXN 100–150 per person at the Ocote Arco gate; exact fee should be confirmed on site.
What are the best hikes in Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve?
The Cloud Forest Loop (2 km, easy) and the Upper Ridge sunrise hike (4–5 km, moderate) are popular; longer guided treks are available.
When is the best time to visit Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve?
Dry season November to April offers clear trails and good wildlife viewing; avoid July–September when rain makes paths muddy.
Do I need a guide for any trail?
Guides are required for hikes longer than 5 km from the gate and for any backcountry routes.
Is camping allowed inside the reserve?
Only in designated campgrounds; wild camping is prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve
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