Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in the eastern region of Chiapas, Mexico, the Selva Lacandona spans over 1.8 million acres of primary tropical rainforest, one of the most biologically rich areas in North America. This dense jungle is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as jaguars, scarlet macaws, and tapirs. The geography of the Selva Lacandona includes lowland tropical forest transitioning into montane rainforest with rivers, streams, and rugged hills punctuating the landscape. The region is also culturally important, inhabited by indigenous communities like the Lacandon Maya, who maintain traditional lifestyles connected deeply to the forest.
Historically, the Selva Lacandona has been a refuge for native peoples during the period of Spanish conquest and through ongoing territorial disputes. The area contains significant archaeological sites, including the ruins of Bonampak and Yaxchilan, featuring spectacular Mayan murals and pyramids hidden within the jungle canopy. Outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to the Selva Lacandona for its unparalleled biodiversity, birdwatching, primate spotting, and hiking opportunities through pristine, verdant trails. River excursions and guided canopy tours provide visitors with unique perspectives on this vast rainforest ecosystem. The Selva Lacandona's vastness and relatively low visitation compared to other prominent rainforests offer a remote and immersive adventure experience for environmentally conscious travelers.
