National park · Mexico
La Encrucijada Biosphere ReserveReserva de la Biosfera La Encrucijada
Visit La Encrucijada for a day hike to the mangrove boardwalk (≈2 h) or a full‑day boat tour of the lagoons (≈5 h); entry fee about MXN 30 – 50; go in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid rain and 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.
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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
1,450 km² (560 sq mi)560 sq mi (1,450 km²)
approximate
Established
2006
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7Crossing 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.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1,450 km² (560 sq mi)560 sq mi (1,450 km²)
- The reserve covers almost 145,000 ha along 140 km of Pacific coastline (check).
- Established
- 2006
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Tapachula
La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve protects a coastal wetland system in Chiapas, featuring the tallest mangroves in North America, extensive lagoons, and rich wildlife, and is managed by CONANP with limited visitor infrastructure.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Ramsar wetland · 1996Wetland of international importance.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2006UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
1,450 km² (560 sq mi)560 sq mi (1,450 km²) · national park since 2006
The reserve covers almost 145,000 ha along 140 km of Pacific coastline (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Tapachula.
Why go
- Explore the tallest mangroves in North America (up to 35 m).
- Observe diverse wildlife: spider monkeys, jaguar, crocodiles, 300 bird species.
- Boat through a network of lagoons and rivers for a wetland experience.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarDry, warm.
- AprEnd of dry season.
- MayStart of rains, still doable.
- JunRainy, trails muddy.
- JulRainy, high humidity.
- AugRainy, possible flooding.
- SepRainy, occasional storms.
- OctTransition to dry.
- NovDry, cooler.
- DecDry, pleasant.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider monkeys, jaguar, crocodiles, turtles, 300 bird speciesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Mangrove flora (5 species), Guiana chestnut forestAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
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 Tapachula airport
Taxi or bus NW on highway MEX‑200 to Acapetahua (≈80 km (50 mi)), then arrange guide/boat to reserve.Taxi or bus NW on highway MEX‑200 to Acapetahua (≈50 mi (80 km)), then arrange guide/boat to reserve.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Tapachula city center
Bus or taxi to Acapetahua, then guide to access points.
≈1 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove boardwalk area | Short trails and boardwalks through tall mangroves. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Lagoons and rivers | Boat routes through interconnected lagoons. | Guided boat tours recommended. |
| Indigenous lodging sites | Rustic rooms in El Castaño, La Palma, Barra de Zacapulco. | Book locally; no camping allowed. |
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 approximate, based on reserve centre and main access points.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry fee (CONANP gate) | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) | person | Check current rate on CONANP site. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Boat tour / guide no permit
Park rules
- Entry fee
- Must be paid at gate; no free entry.
- Camping
- Not permitted in the reserve; stay in licensed lodges.
- Guided access
- Boat tours should be with licensed local operators.
- Wildlife disturbance
- Do not feed or approach animals; keep distance.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
El Castaño rustic lodge
Simple rooms, meals, guide services.
Near the park
La Palma community lodge
Basic accommodation run by indigenous community.
Safety
Mosquito‑borne diseases medium
River currents low
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
- Boardwalk sections are wheelchair‑compatible where paved.
- Uneven trails and boat boarding may be difficult for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Support community‑run lodges; keep impact low.
- Choose operators that follow CONANP guidelines and avoid motorized boats in sensitive zones.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve?
Entry fee is MXN 30 – 50 per person at the CONANP gate; check the latest rate on the CONANP website.
What are the best hikes in La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve?
The short mangrove boardwalk (≈2 h) and the longer lagoon‑edge trail (≈4 h) are the main marked routes; longer hikes require a guide.
When is the best time to visit La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve?
The dry season, November to April, offers the most reliable weather and fewer crowds.
Can I camp inside the reserve?
No; camping is prohibited. Stay in community lodges at El Castaño, La Palma or Barra de Zacapulco.
How do I get to the reserve from Tapachula?
Take a taxi or bus north on highway MEX‑200 to Acapetahua (≈80 km), then arrange a local guide or boat to the reserve.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve
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