National park · Mexico
Los Tuxtlas Biosphere ReserveReserva de la Biosfera Los Tuxtlas
Visit Los Tuxtlas for a day hike to Volcán San Martín Tuxtla (1.5 h drive, 4 h round‑trip) in the dry season (Mar–May) for clear trails and good birding; pay the entry ticket at the park gate (check).
- 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
1,550 km² (598 sq mi)598 sq mi (1,550 km²)
approximate
Established
1998
Best months
Mar–May
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
- 1,550 km² (598 sq mi)598 sq mi (1,550 km²)
- Reserve covers >155,000 ha (≈1,550 km²).
- Established
- 1998
- Best months
- Mar–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Catemaco
Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve covers 1,550 km² of volcanic peaks, tropical forest, mangroves and Lake Catemaco on the Gulf coast of Veracruz. It was established in 1998 and became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2006. The reserve holds 2,600 plant species, 560 bird species and 140 mammals, including mantled howler monkeys and the rare tayra. The Olmecs quarried basalt here for their colossal heads, which are now displayed at Tres Zapotes. The dry season (March–May) is the best time for hiking the volcanoes and birdwatching; the wettest months (September–November) bring heavy storms that make trails dangerous.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2006UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
1,550 km² (598 sq mi)598 sq mi (1,550 km²) · national park since 1998
Reserve covers >155,000 ha (≈1,550 km²).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Catemaco.
Why go
- Volcanic peaks with jungle trails and panoramic views.
- Lake Catemaco and mangrove wetlands for birdwatching.
- Rich biodiversity – 2,600 plant species, 560 bird species, 140 mammals.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepAvoid
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecGo
- JanCooler, occasional rain.
- FebDry start of the dry season.
- MarDry, clear trails.
- AprDry, warm.
- MayEnd of dry season, still warm.
- JunIncreasing rain, trails muddy.
- JulRainy, humidity high.
- AugRainy, possible storms.
- SepHeavy tropical storms.
- OctStorms still common.
- NovWettest month.
- DecRain eases, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantled howler monkeyAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Tayra and KinkajouAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| 560 bird species (including toucans, eagles)Mar–Dec | no | no | 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 Veracruz city
Bus (ADO) to Catemaco (≈3.5 h) then taxi or local transport to the reserve gate.
4–5 h
From Catemaco town
Local guide arranges mixto truck or boat to trailheads.
30 min–1 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate – Catemaco access | Visitor centre, entry ticket office, short forest loops. | Open with ticket. |
| Volcano sector | San Martín Tuxtla, Cerro Santa Marta, Cerro San Martín Pajapan. | Guided access only. |
| Lake Catemaco & wetlands | Boat tours, birdwatching sites, Monkey Island. | Open; boat operators sell trips. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 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 are approximate centre points for major features.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (at gate) | MXN 100–200 (≈ US$6–11) | person | Ticket sold at the main entrance; includes basic trail access (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Volcano hikes permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for all volcano hikes and remote trail sections.
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated sites; obtain permission from CONANP.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited outside designated camp areas.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; no dumping in lakes or trails.
- Boats
- Only operate from licensed operators; stay in marked channels.
Where to stay
Near the park
Catemaco town
Budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses; base for tours.
Near the park
San Andrés Tuxtla
Small hotels and restaurants; closer to coastal trails.
Safety
Heat and steep volcanic trails medium
Getting lost on remote volcano routes high
Heavy rain and flash floods 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
- Main gate area reachable by car; short paved paths.
- Volcano trails steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Hire locally‑registered guides; fees support CONANP conservation.
- Use boats that follow permitted routes to protect mangroves.
- Buy food and souvenirs in Catemaco to benefit the community.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve?
The entry ticket at the main gate costs about MXN 100–200 per person (check the latest price at the gate).
What are the best hikes in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve?
Volcán San Martín Tuxtla (hard, 4–5 h round‑trip), Cerro Santa Marta (hard, 9 h summit trek), and the short forest loop near the gate are the most popular trails; all require a guide.
When is the best time to visit Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve?
The dry season March – May offers clear trails and good birdwatching; avoid September – November when heavy storms are common.
Do I need a guide for volcano hikes?
Yes – the volcano trails are poorly marked and can be dangerous; local guides arrange permits and ensure safety.
Can I camp inside the reserve?
Backcountry camping is allowed in designated zones with permission from CONANP or a guide; open fires are prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve
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