The Sima de las Cotorras is an imposing natural chasm located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Its fame stems from various factors, such as its great natural beauty and the fact that it is home to thousands of green parrots, which nest in its rocky walls.

This fantastic place is located in the municipality of Chicoasén, about 30 kilometers northeast of the capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Some of the unique features of this hole in the ground are its depth of 140 meters and its diameter of 160 meters, as well as its walls covered with vegetation and rocks, where you can spot a huge number of green parrots displaying their striking plumage.

Also known as green-cheeked conures, these parrots are medium-sized and have bright green plumage with blue markings on their wings. They feed on wild fruits and seeds, and are known for being very noisy.

The Sima de las Cotorras is a popular place to observe green parrots in their natural habitat, as they fly, feed, and nest on the walls of the chasm.

To reach the Sima de las Cotorras, you must walk along a path of approximately 500 meters. When visiting, keep in mind that access is limited to a limited number of visitors per day, who also require a permit to enter.

This fabulous natural sanctuary holds great cultural significance for the local communities in the region, as the indigenous communities that inhabit the area consider the green parrots a sacred species.

Sima de las Cotorras Eco-tourism Center

This facility, located very close to the Sima de las Cotorras, aims to promote the conservation of the region’s biodiversity while also encouraging responsible and sustainable tourism.

Some of the activities the center offers visitors are:

• Birdwatching: The ecotourism center’s main attraction is visiting the Sima de las Cotorras (Cotorras Cave) to admire the thousands of green parrots that nest there. Visitors can observe the birds in their natural habitat and listen to their calls and squawks.
• Hiking: The center has several trails for visitors to explore the region’s nature. The trails are designed to be accessible to people of all ages and physical conditions.
• Camping: The ecotourism center has a camping area for those who wish to spend the night in the area. Visitors can camp in tents or rustic cabins.
• Workshops and Cultural Activities: The center offers workshops and cultural activities for visitors who wish to learn more about the culture and history of the region. These activities include traditional cooking demonstrations, crafts, and local dances.

As the primary focus of the Sima de las Cotorras Ecotourism Center is the conservation and protection of the region’s biodiversity, visitors are educated on the importance of preserving the natural habitats of birds and other animals that inhabit the area. Responsible tourism practices are also encouraged, such as proper waste management and reducing environmental impact.

Do you know the Zoque culture?

The Zoques are an indigenous ethnic group living in the central region of the state of Chiapas. They are believed to be one of the oldest indigenous groups in Mesoamerica, and their presence in the region dates back more than 3,000 years.

Este grupo habla una lengua propia, también llamada zoque, la cual pertenece a la familia lingüística mixe-zoque. Aunque hay algunas variantes de esta lengua, todas son mutuamente inteligibles entre sí.

The Zoque region of Chiapas has a rich biodiversity, making agriculture and fishing important activities for the Zoque subsistence. Corn, beans, squash, and chili peppers are some of the traditional subsistence crops grown by the Zoque, although they also fish in the nearby rivers and lakes.

Their culture and traditions include music, dance, and religious ceremonies. In their worldview, nature and the spirits of the earth and water play an important role, and they have great reverence for the rivers, mountains, and forests.

The state of Chiapas is surrounded by magic and mysticism, so before visiting, it’s important to plan carefully to choose some of the endless activities you can enjoy here. Mexico is like that: a country brimming with culture, nature, archaeology, gastronomy, ecotourism, and the renowned friendliness of its people. This can be discovered both in exploring these mystical places and on a relaxing vacation by the Caribbean Sea at all-inclusive hotels like The Sens Cancún, where you can enjoy the utmost comfort and pamper yourself with signature cuisine, spa treatments, and a beach with calm waves. Discover it, fall in love, and book your stay at discounted prices.