Arco del Tiempo, Natural arch and Tentative World Heritage Site in Cintalapa, Mexico.
Arco del Tiempo is a natural rock arch in Cintalapa, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, carved out of the rock by erosion over a very long time. The opening frames the landscape beyond and can be seen from a distance as a clear gap in the rock face.
The arch took shape over geological time as water and wind gradually wore away the surrounding rock. Mexico later put it forward as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage listing after joining the World Heritage Convention.
The name Arco del Tiempo means "Arch of Time" in Spanish, a name that reflects how local people think about the slow work of nature on this rock. Communities in the area have long treated the formation as a landmark tied to the surrounding land.
The site is reached by following trails through the landscape of Chiapas, so sturdy footwear is a good idea as the ground can be rough and uneven. Visiting during daylight hours makes the walk easier and the arch itself much easier to see.
The arch is on Mexico's Tentative World Heritage list, which means it has been nominated but not yet officially recognized, a status that very few natural arches in the world currently hold. This also means that formal protections tied to World Heritage status have not yet been put in place.
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