The Best Nature Reserves around San Cristobal de Las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico

Montetik Nature Reserve

A well-kept secret within San Cristobal de Las Casas, this gem is unknown even by many locals. Specifically, the area going up to the viewpoints from El Aguaje is largely untouched by tourists and locals alike, but offers stunning access to the cloud forest habitat among pristine pine-oak vegetation and the chance to see up to 50 bird species in one morning. This is home to the Pink-headed Warbler, one of Mexico's most sought-after birds.

There's the possiblity to hike up to 5km in a morning. The area at the base of the reserve has mountain biking routes, a picnic spot and a play area for children, including ziplines, but I recommend avoiding. It can be noisy and slightly gloomy under the tall pine trees at the bottom. The real nature is found towards the viewpoints much further up. Going with an expert nature guide who can show you all of the rare species found in the nooks and crannies of the reserve, inluding threatened plants like la manita, and birds like the Highland Guan, is highly recommended.

Entrance fees: $50 MXN

Transport: Take the San Cristobal - Teopisca buses from the terminal in El Cerrillo and ask to be dropped off at El Aguaje. From there, the reserve is well signposted.

Huitepec Ecological Reserve

The second largest volcano in the area, Huitepec Ecological Reserve overlooks San Cristobal de Las Casas and is responsible for some 80% of the city's water supply. The forest acts as a natural reservoir, absorbing atmospheric moisture and bringing it down into the soil. The reserve has 180 hectares of cloud forest that has been well preserved since 1986. Despite being a must-see, with beautiful views of San Cristobal and Chamula, access can be complicated due to poor transport options.

Entrance fees: Free

Transport: Take a local bus saying 'San Felipe' from outside El Paliacate. Ask the driver to drop you at San Felipe Ecatepec where a few bus drivers are usually waiting around. You can ask one of them to drive you to the base of the reserve for approximately $80 MXN. On the way back, you must walk back to this spot and take a bus into town.

Moxviquil Orchid Gardens / Orquidiario de Moxviquil

Pronounced 'mosh-bee-kill', San Cristobal de Las Casas's only botanic garden has a beautiful 2 km hike that starts on the outskirts of town, and gradually takes you up into the mountain away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Set up by Craig "Cisco" Diez in the late 90s, it began as a true passion project when the American decided to cultivate orchids being lost during deforestation at the tail end of the decade. In the following years, he gained support from local environmental agencies that gave legitimacy to the project and even donated land to the project.

Now, its home to many species of hummingbird, as well as the Blue-throated Motmot, the Red-faced Warbler, and so much more.

Entrance fees: $100 MXN, but seems to vary frequently.

Transport: A local taxi is easiest, all drivers should know the orchid gardens by name.

Don Lauro Mountain / Cerro de Don Lauro

A popular site for a sunrise hike with a spectacular view of the city as the sun peeks its head over the eastern mountains. The walk is a solid 1.5 km hike going steeply uphill, and should take around 45 minutes at a good pace. Its a great spot for night birds such as the Mexican Whip-poor-will and Common Pauraque which can be heard calling before sunrise.

Safety used to be a concern in previous years, but as the hike has gained popularity, these reports have tailed off and tourist numbers are increasing. That said, precaution should be taken by going in a group and ensuring you know the route well beforehand.

Entrance fees: Free

Transport: A local taxi is easiest, you'll need to point out the entrance to the trailhead, available to view here. The entrance is not signposted, nor is the trail.

Sumidero Canyon

Okay so this isn't technically in San Cristobal de Las Casas, but its so close that it has to go on the list. This stunning canyon is the emblem of Chiapas and the central image on the Chiapas coat of arms. Standard tours generally leave from San Cristobal at 6:30am, dropping you off at Chiapas De Corzo where a boat is waiting to take you along the river for one hour, followed by a trip up to the viewpoints to look out at the gorgeous canyon below.

Tours offered on the main walking street, 'El Andador de Guadelupe' in San Cristobal de Las Casas, are easy to find. Word of warning, however, the tours are entirely in Spanish, involve a lot of driving, and are very whistlestop once you reach the viewpoints. The drivers are keen to move you along as quickly as possible.

If you'd like a tour in English with plenty of walking and the time and space to enjoy the amazing nature along the way, book at tour with us.

El Arcotete

Arcotete is home to an enormous arch and cave system which lean over a narrow river leading back down into San Cristobal de Las Casas. The caves are well worth seeing, and with an imaginative Mexican mindset you can see some charming rock formations giving the appearance of animals and various saints. The real animals are found outside, however, with Arcotete being my favourite spot to look for river-edge birds such as the American Dipper and Lousiana Waterthrush. Its also a surprisingly good place to look for the Blue-throated Motmot. Nearby hikes can take you to a much less visited spot known as the Gruta Del Dragon. Its a one hour walk to get there, but highly recommended as one of the rare opportunities to go on a countryside walk in Chiapas.

Entrance fees: $20 MXN split into two tickets, one for the park itself, one for the caves.

Transport: Local taxis will charge up to $200 MXN, but the bus is extremely easy for $10 MXN taken outside of the main cathedral, the bus will have 'Arcotete' on the front.

Wetlands Park / Parque Los Humedales

Not so much a hiking spot, but a lovely quiet place to have a little snack and do some wetland birding. The rarely seen Virginia Rail often sneaks underneath the wooden platforms that take you around the wetlands, while beautiful species such as the Vermilion Flycatcher, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, and Ringed Kingfisher can all be spotted. Its a rarely visited spot and unknown to almost all tourists, but I love being here on a cool yet sunny morning.

Entrance fees: Free

Transport: Take a local bus from Benito Juarez street, any bus that says 'Maria Auxliadora' on the front can drop you off.