National park · Mexico
Naha-Metzabok Biosphere ReserveReserva de la Biosfera Nahá-Metzabok
Visit Naha-Metzabok: pay entry (check), hike the Lake Trail (2–4 h) in the dry season (Nov–Feb) or join a guided canoe tour; avoid September rains.
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- 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
434 km² (167 sq mi)167 sq mi (434 km²)
approximate
Established
1998
Best months
Nov–Feb
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
- 434 km² (167 sq mi)167 sq mi (434 km²)
- Two separate sectors: Nahá and Metzabok, totalling 43,362 ha (check).
- Established
- 1998
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Palenque
Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve protects two sectors of the Lacandon jungle in eastern Chiapas: cloud forest, pine-oak woodlands and 24 karst lakes. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998 and is managed by CONANP with the Lacandon Maya communities. The reserve is remote and sees few visitors; the Lake Trail and guided canoe circuits are the main activities. It lies 95 km southeast of Palenque, which is the practical base.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1998UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
434 km² (167 sq mi)167 sq mi (434 km²) · national park since 1998
Two separate sectors: Nahá and Metzabok, totalling 43,362 ha (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Palenque.
Why go
- Explore cloud‑forest and pine‑oak habitats in the Lacandon jungle.
- See 24 karst lakes and diverse wildlife, including toucans and jaguars.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctCaution
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanCool, dry; trails clear.
- FebCool, dry; good for hiking.
- MarWarm, still relatively dry.
- AprHeat rises, early rains possible.
- MayHot, humidity high; start of rainy season.
- JunRainy season begins; trails muddy.
- JulFrequent downpours, high humidity.
- AugRainy, muddy trails.
- SepWettest month; trails often impassable.
- OctRain lessens, but still humid.
- NovCool, dry; ideal for wildlife spotting.
- DecCool, dry; comfortable hiking.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resplendent quetzal, keel‑billed toucan, king vultureMar–Dec | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundiAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Monkeys, anteaters, various snakesAll 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 Palenque
Rent a car and drive 95 km (59 mi) southeast on paved roads; the reserve entrance is sign‑posted.Rent a car and drive 59 mi (95 km) southeast on paved roads; the reserve entrance is sign‑posted.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Villahermosa airport
Fly to Villahermosa, then rent a car and drive ~300 km (186 mi) north‑west; the route passes through Chiapa de Corzo.Fly to Villahermosa, then rent a car and drive ~186 mi (300 km) north‑west; the route passes through Chiapa de Corzo.
5–6 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Naha sector | Cloud‑forest trails, Lake Trail, visitor centre. | Open with entry ticket; guided hikes recommended. |
| Metzabok sector | Pine‑oak forest, several karst lakes, canoe routes. | Open; canoe rentals at lake edges. |
| Community camping areas | Designated sites in Lacandon villages. | Register and pay fee; basic facilities. |
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.
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 ticket | MXN 100–200 (≈ US$6–11) | person | Price varies by visitor category; check latest rates. |
| Camping fee (community sites) | MXN 150–300 (≈ US$9–17) | person | Paid to local Lacandon community; varies by site. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Camping registration permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$100–200≈ US$6–11
- MX$150–300≈ US$9–17
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for night walks and for any trek beyond the main Lake Trail.
- Camping
- Only in designated community sites; register and pay fee.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves only.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all waste; use provided composting toilets.
- Drone
- Not allowed without special permission from CONANP.
Where to stay
Near the park
Community homestays
Basic rooms in Lacandon villages; supports local families.
Near the park
Palenque town
Hotels and hostels 2 h drive from the reserve.
Safety
Heat and humidity medium
Rainy season flooding high
Wild animals (jaguars, snakes) 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
- Visitor centre reachable by car; short walks to main trailheads.
- Longer hikes and canoe routes require moderate fitness; not wheelchair‑accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Support community‑run campsites; fees help local development.
- Choose canoe operators that follow the designated lake routes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve?
Entry tickets range from about MXN 100–200 per adult; exact rates depend on residency and age – check the latest price at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve?
The Lake Trail (2–4 h, moderate) visits three karst lakes; longer jungle treks require a guide and can be combined with a canoe circuit.
When is the best time to visit Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve?
The dry season (Nov–Feb) offers comfortable temperatures and clear trails; avoid the rainy months June–September.
Can I camp in the reserve?
Camping is allowed only in designated community sites; you must register and pay a modest daily fee.
Do I need a guide for canoe trips?
Guides are recommended for safety and to respect local routes; many operators offer guided canoe tours.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Naha-Metzabok Biosphere Reserve
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