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Lacandon Rainforest
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The Lacandon Rainforest in the state of Chiapas is the largest continuous expanse of tropical rainforest in Mexico, extending across the border into Guatemala. Named after the indigenous Lacandon people who have inhabited this rugged terrain for centuries, the area remains a stronghold for traditional Mayan culture. The rainforest hosts an extraordinary array of biodiversity, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and over 300 bird species, making it one of North America's most vital biological reservoirs. Deep within the jungle lie significant archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, such as Bonampak and Yaxchilán, reflecting the region's rich pre-Columbian history. The relief is defined by karst limestone hills and numerous river systems, most notably the Usumacinta River, which forms the natural boundary with Guatemala. Despite its designation as a biosphere reserve, the Lacandon Rainforest faces severe threats from illegal logging and cattle ranching.
- Location: Mexico
- Nearby: Sabancuy (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 32 | 28 | 45 | 158 | 268 | 166 | 232 | 305 | 206 | 87 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to the deep Lacandon Rainforest typically requires long drives on winding, isolated roads originating from Palenque down towards the Guatemalan border. Local cooperative transport or pre-arranged private shuttles are the most reliable methods for reaching the remote indigenous villages.
Best season
The optimal visiting window is strictly during the dry season from February to May, before the extreme tropical humidity sets in entirely. The subsequent heavy rainy season routinely washes out vital access bridges and renders large portions of the jungle completely inaccessible.
Terrain & paths
The environment is a profoundly dense and humid tropical jungle, featuring a confusing network of unmapped trails, hidden rivers, and ancient Maya ruins. The undergrowth is incredibly thick, making forward progress intensely slow and demanding extreme physical stamina from all visitors.
What to bring
Travelers must pack breathable, fully covering clothing to defend against the relentless mosquitoes, alongside exceptionally sturdy jungle boots. Heavy-duty insect repellent, a high-capacity hydration system, and a comprehensive personal first aid kit are absolutely vital for survival here.
Parking
Formal parking facilities do not exist outside the immediate confines of the designated indigenous eco-tourism camps scattered through the area. Visitors arriving by rental car are strongly advised to leave their vehicles securely parked within these guarded community compounds.
Safety
Venturing into this vast jungle without a certified indigenous guide is immensely dangerous and completely forbidden due to the very real risk of disappearing. The constant heat, debilitating humidity, and presence of venomous snakes demand profound respect and constant, unwavering vigilance.
Time needed
To properly experience the immense scale of the Lacandon Rainforest, visitors should plan for a highly demanding multi-day expedition. Short day trips from Palenque are theoretically possible but mostly result in spending exhausting hours trapped inside a bouncing vehicle rather than exploring.
Geography
Facts
- Mexico's largest tropical rainforest, covering about 1.9 million hectares.
- Designated as the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in 1978.
- Home to the Usumacinta River, North America's seventh largest.
- Contains the Maya ruins of Bonampak, famous for its 8th-century murals.
- Provides habitat for nearly 25% of all animal species in Mexico.
- Rainfall can exceed 3,000 millimeters per year in some areas.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can one visit the rainforest?
Yes, there are ecotourism centers that offer guided tours.
Do I need a guide?
A local guide is highly recommended to navigate the dense forest.
What is the best season?
The dry season between December and April makes trekking much easier.
Are there toilets there?
Basic facilities exist in tourist centers; in the forest, it is nature only.
How do I protect myself from insects?
Wear long, light-colored clothing and use high-quality repellent.
Lacandon Rainforest: where is it located?
Lacandon Rainforest is located in Mexico.
Lacandon Rainforest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Lacandon Rainforest: why is it worth visiting?
The Lacandon Rainforest in the state of Chiapas is the largest continuous expanse of tropical rainforest in Mexico, extending across the border into Guatemala.
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Nearby cities
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
The capital of Chiapas and the state's busiest urban center.
Tapachula
A city in Chiapas near the Guatemala border, an important agricultural center.
San Cristóbal de las Casas
A picturesque colonial city in the highlands of Chiapas with a strong indigenous culture.
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Santa Cruz La Laguna
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Sololá
Capital of the Sololá department, overlooking Lake Atitlán.
Santiago Atitlán
Largest of the Lake Atitlán villages, center of the Tz'utujil Maya and the cult of Maximón.
Sabancuy
A charming fishing village in Campeche with calm turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for nature lovers.
Patulul
A municipality in the Suchitepéquez department.
Nebaj
One of the three main towns in the Ixil Triangle in the Quiché highlands.
San Marcos La Laguna
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San Pedro La Laguna
A relaxed village on Lake Atitlán, popular with backpackers and Spanish students.
Nahualá
A traditional K'iche' Maya town in the Sololá highlands.
Chicacao
A city in the Suchitepéquez department, in the coffee-growing zone.
La Gomera
An agricultural municipality in the Escuintla department.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Lacandon Jungle
One of North America's largest remaining rainforests, home to the Lacandon Maya and an incredible variety of tropical wildlife.
Bonampak
An ancient Maya site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved murals.
Yaxchilán
A powerful Maya city on the banks of the Usumacinta River, known for its impressive stone lintels.
Tacaná Volcano
An active stratovolcano on the border between Mexico and Guatemala.
Chiapas Coffee Fincas
Expansive coffee estates in the rugged mountains of Chiapas, a world leader in organic and fair-trade coffee production.
Sierra Madre de Chiapas
A mountain range running parallel to the Pacific coast in the south.
Gumarcaaj Ruins
The last capital of the K'iche' Kingdom, conquered and burned by the Spanish.
Guatemalan Highlands
A mountainous plateau that forms the cultural and political center of the highland Maya.