Arco del Tiempo, Natural arch and Tentative World Heritage Site in Cintalapa, Mexico.
Arco del Tiempo is a natural stone arch in Chiapas shaped by water and wind erosion over many thousands of years. The formation rises from the surrounding landscape with a clear opening that frames the terrain beyond.
The arch formed through natural processes over geological time long before humans discovered it. Mexico proposed it as a Tentative World Heritage Site after joining the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
Local communities gather near the arch for traditional celebrations and ceremonies that mark the seasons. It holds meaning in their connection to the surrounding land and its rhythms.
You can reach the site by following marked trails that lead through the local landscape. It is best to visit during daylight hours and wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
Scientists study the arch to understand how rain and wind shape rock in this specific region and climate. The particular conditions create erosion patterns that are not found in many other places.
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