Lacandon Jungle

Lacandon Jungle is a tropical rainforest region in eastern Chiapas and encompasses dense forest, rivers, and hills that spread across a wide lowland. The forest consists of several layers and shelters mahogany, cedar, kapok trees, and a variety of ferns and orchids that grow on the branches.

The Maya inhabitants withdrew into these forests during the Spanish conquest and remained largely isolated for centuries. In the 20th century, settlement programs and logging brought heavy changes until protection measures were introduced.

The Maya group living here calls itself Hach Winik, meaning "true people," and maintains a close connection to the trees and waterways. Some families still live in small settlements at the forest edge and craft bows, arrows, and woven baskets in the old way.

Travelers reach the region through Tuxtla Gutiérrez or Palenque and should plan several days for travel and stay. The dry season between November and April makes walking the trails and crossing streams easier.

At the waterfalls of Agua Azul, water flows over hundreds of flat limestone steps and forms turquoise pools that change color with the seasons. The cave at Laguna Miramar lies deep inside the protected area and can only be reached after days of walking through the forest.