The Lacandon Jungle: Mexico’s hidden natural paradise

The Lacandon Jungle has a tropical rainforest climate.

• Hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures of 24°C – 32°C
• Experiences significant rainfall, particularly from May to October
• The dry season runs from November to April

The best time to visit is from November to April, as the weather is more comfortable. If you’re interested in seeing the jungle at its most lush and green, visiting at the beginning or end of the rainy season can also be a rewarding experience.

The Lacandon Jungle is one of Mexico’s richest ecosystems, teeming with diverse plant and animal life.

It is home to hundreds of bird species, such as toucans, macaws, and parrots, along with mammals like jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys. Reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies also thrive in this tropical environment.

The region’s dense forests are dominated by towering mahogany and cedar trees, vines, orchids, and ferns. The jungle’s rivers, such as the Usumacinta and Lacantún, further contribute to the rich biodiversity of the area.

Eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts flock to this region to experience nature in its rawest form.

Visit Mayan Ruins: Yaxchilán and Bonampak

The Lacandon Jungle is not only a natural wonder but also an archaeological treasure trove. The ancient Mayan ruins of Yaxchilán and Bonampak are located deep within the jungle and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history.

Yaxchilán: Accessible only by boat along the Usumacinta River, Yaxchilán is renowned for its well-preserved temples and impressive stelae. The remote setting, surrounded by dense rainforest and the sounds of wildlife, makes it a truly unforgettable experience.

Bonampak: Famous for its stunning murals that depict scenes of Mayan life, Bonampak is a smaller site but equally captivating. The vibrant frescoes in the Temple of the Murals are among the best-preserved examples of Mayan art.

Hiking and Jungle Treks

For adventurous travelers, trekking through the Lacandon Jungle is a must.

Guided hikes offer the chance to explore hidden waterfalls, rivers, and caves. Hiking through the dense jungle provides opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat and experience the untouched beauty of the rainforest.

Popular trekking routes include visits to Las Guacamayas Ecotourism Center, where you can spot exotic birds and take a boat trip along the Lacantún River.

Boat Tours on the Usumacinta River

The best way to explore the Lacandon Jungle is a boat tour along the Usumacinta River.

Usumacinta forms the border between Mexico and Guatemala. The river cuts through the heart of the jungle and provides a unique vantage point for spotting wildlife, particularly howler monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.

Boat trips to the Yaxchilán ruins are a highlight for many visitors, combining nature and history into a single experience.

Explore Indigenous Lacandon Maya Villages

The Lacandon Jungle is home to the Lacandon Maya.

This indigenous group has lived in the region for centuries. Several Lacandon villages offer eco-tourism experiences that allow visitors to learn about traditional Maya culture, crafts, and sustainable living practices.

Spending time in these villages provides a unique cultural experience.

Getting to the Lacandon Jungle can be a bit challenging due to its remote location.

While Palenque is a common starting point for travelers heading into the jungle, the nearest well-connected cities offering good transportation links are San Cristóbal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and Villahermosa.

From Palenque, visitors can travel by car or bus to the Lacandon Jungle.

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a popular tourist hub. From here, you can arrange travel to Palenque or directly to the jungle. The road trip from San Cristobal is about 6 to 7 hours away from the Lacandon Jungle.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, is about 5-6 hours from Palenque and serves as a gateway to many parts of the state. From Tuxtla, visitors can hire a car or take a bus to Palenque, then continue into the jungle.

Villahermosa is about 2-3 hours from Palenque by road and offers good transportation connections, including flights and buses. From Villahermosa, it’s easy to reach Palenque and continue to the Lacandon Jungle.

Renting a car for more freedom to explore or join guided tours that offer transportation directly into the jungle. Hiring a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, as the roads leading into the jungle can be rough and often unpaved.

Guided tours are an excellent option for visiting remote areas.

Once in the jungle, guided tours are the best way to explore the region. Many areas are only accessible with the help of local guides, particularly the deeper sections of the jungle and remote ruins like Yaxchilán.

A boat tour along the Usumacinta River is a popular way to explore the jungle.

The Lacandon Jungle is an ecological gem, but it faces threats from deforestation and development. Visitors are encouraged to practice sustainable tourism by supporting eco-lodges, hiring local guides, and respecting the natural environment.

Many eco-tourism projects in the area, such as the Las Guacamayas Ecotourism Center, work to protect the jungle while providing economic opportunities for local communities.