El Cielo Biosphere

El Cielo spans 144,530 hectares across the Sierra Madre Oriental, featuring tropical forests, cloud forests, and pine-oak woodlands at elevations from 200 to 2,300 meters.

The area received protection status from Tamaulipas state in 1985, followed by UNESCO recognition as a biosphere reserve under the Man and Biosphere Programme in 1987.

Local communities within the reserve maintain traditional agricultural practices, growing maize, beans, and pumpkins while participating in conservation efforts across 47 settlements.

Visitors access the reserve through Gómez Farías town, with accommodations and dining facilities available in Alta Cima and guided tours throughout the protected zones.

The reserve houses six cat species, including jaguars and ocelots, plus black bears, alongside 255 resident bird species and 175 migratory bird species.

Location: Gómez Farías Municipality

GPS coordinates: 22.90000,-99.16000

Latest update: May 14, 2025 19:12