National park · Mexico
Montes Azules Biosphere ReserveReserva de la Biósfera Montes Azules
Enter the reserve for a day hike (entry fee MXN 30–50) or a multi‑day trek (guide required) in the dry season; avoid rainy months Jul–Oct to reduce mud and leech risk.
- 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
3,300 km² (1,274 sq mi)1,274 sq mi (3,300 km²)
approximate
Established
1978
Best months
—
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
- 3,300 km² (1,274 sq mi)1,274 sq mi (3,300 km²)
- Area reported as 330,000 ha (≈3,300 km²) in official sources; some maps show slightly different boundaries (check).
- Established
- 1978
- Best months
- —
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- San Cristóbal de las Casas
Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve protects over 330,000 ha of Lacandon jungle in Chiapas, hosting jaguar, puma, 390+ bird species and remote Mayan sites such as Yaxchilan and Bonampak. Established in 1978, it is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere ReservePart of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Size and age
3,300 km² (1,274 sq mi)1,274 sq mi (3,300 km²) · national park since 1978
Area reported as 330,000 ha (≈3,300 km²) in official sources; some maps show slightly different boundaries (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Why go
- Explore the Lacandon jungle’s high biodiversity, including jaguar, puma and over 390 bird species.
- Visit remote Mayan archaeological sites such as Yaxchilan and Bonampak within the reserve.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctCaution
- NovGo
- DecGo
- Jandry, cooler
- Febdry, cooler
- Mardry, start of hot season
- Aprdry, hot
- Maydry, hot
- Junearly rains possible
- Julrainy, leeches
- Augrainy, leeches
- Seprainy, leeches
- Octtransition, some rain
- Novdry, cooler
- Decdry, cooler
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar, puma, tapirAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Over 390 bird speciesMar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Leeches on forest trailsMay–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 San Cristóbal de las Casas
Bus to Ocosingo (≈2 h), then 4‑hour 4×4 transfer to the reserve gate.
6–7 h
Open the page →
From Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport
Shuttle to Ocosingo, then 4×4 to gate.
≈3 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance zone (Ocosingo) | Visitor centre, ticket office, basic facilities. | Open daily; entry fee required. |
| Trailhead zone | Start points for day hikes and multi‑day routes. | Guided access only for long treks. |
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; main gate near Ocosingo, reserve centre spread over large jungle area.
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 (day visitor) | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) | person | Check at gate; may vary by season. |
| Guided multi‑day trek | MXN 1,500–3,000 (≈ US$85–170) | group | Includes guide, permits, and basic support. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided trek permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$30–50≈ US$2–3
- MX$1,500–3,000≈ US$85–170
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 any trek longer than 4 km (2.5 mi) from the entrance zone.Required for any trek longer than 2.5 mi (4 km) from the entrance zone.
- Camping
- Only permitted in designated campgrounds with a guide.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; keep food sealed.
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission.check
Where to stay
Near the park
Ocosingo town
Hotels and guesthouses 15 km (9.3 mi) from gate.Hotels and guesthouses 9.3 mi (15 km) from gate.
In the park
Designated jungle camps
Basic shelters with guide support.
Safety
Malaria and mosquito‑borne diseases medium
Snake bites low
Getting lost on remote trails high
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 paved paths.
- Longer jungle trails are rough and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Hire local guides; fees support community conservation.
- Carry out all waste; avoid single‑use plastics.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve?
Day visitors pay MXN 30–50 at the entrance; multi‑day guided treks start around MXN 1500 per group.
What are the best hikes in Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve?
A short waterfall trail (3–4 h) for a day visit, and a guided two‑day trek to Yaxchilan ruins for a deeper jungle experience.
When is the best time to visit Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve?
The dry season from November to May offers reliable trails; avoid July–October when heavy rain brings leeches and swollen rivers.
Do I need a guide for any activity?
Yes, any trek longer than 4 km or overnight stays requires an accredited guide.
Is camping allowed?
Only in designated campgrounds with a guide; open‑fire camping is prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve
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