La Sepultura, Biosphere reserve in Tonalá, Mexico.
La Sepultura is a biosphere reserve in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The terrain moves across ridges and valleys covered in cloud forest, with mountain streams running through the lower elevations.
The Mexican government granted the area federal protection in 1995, designating it as a conservation zone to preserve its forest ecosystems. UNESCO then recognized it as a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 2006, which reinforced the importance of protecting both the natural environment and the communities living within it.
The Zoque communities living inside the reserve still practice traditional farming and gather medicinal plants from the forest using methods passed down over generations. Visitors who take guided tours may observe how these daily practices shape the way local people relate to the land.
The terrain is mountainous and weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season from May through October, so it is worth planning your visit accordingly. Sturdy footwear and enough water are essential for any walk through the reserve, where trails can be steep and exposed.
The reserve is home to six wild cat species, including the jaguar, puma, ocelot, and margay, which is an unusually high number for a single protected area in Mexico. These animals are largely nocturnal and rarely seen, yet their tracks and signs appear regularly on forest trails throughout the reserve.
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