Day Trips

Sima de las Cotorras from San Cristóbal de las Casas: Day Trip Guide

Sima de las Cotorras is possible as a long day trip from San Cristóbal, but it makes most sense if you plan around the early-morning bird activity. Current tours leave around 06:00 and combine the sinkhole with El Aguacero; staying closer to Tuxtla can be better for a dawn visit.

Published

Yes, you can visit Sima de las Cotorras from San Cristóbal in one day, but the best plan depends on whether seeing the parrots at dawn is important to you.

Quick answer

Typical organized option from San Cristóbal: full-day tour
Current tour example: departure around 06:00, roughly 12 hours
Common combination: Sima de las Cotorras + El Aguacero / Cañón de la Venta
Best for dawn bird activity: stay closer to Tuxtla/Ocozocoautla or arrange a very early private departure

What is Sima de las Cotorras?

Sima de las Cotorras is a large limestone sinkhole near Ocozocoautla, within the Selva El Ocote region. CONANP lists activities including rappelling, rock climbing and guided walks, with cabins and camping at the community ecotourism center.

The site is especially known for parrots moving in and out of the sinkhole around dawn and dusk. Sightings are natural, not guaranteed.

From San Cristóbal

A current San Cristóbal operator lists a 06:00 departure for a roughly 12-hour tour combining Sima de las Cotorras with Cañón de la Venta / El Aguacero.

That is practical if your priority is visiting the site as part of a full adventure day. If your main goal is the early bird movement, San Cristóbal is not the most convenient base because of the additional road time.

CONANP describes the road approach from the Tuxtla/Ocozocoautla side, with the final access via Piedra Parada and an 18 km road section to the ecotourism center.

Before booking

Confirm:

  • whether the tour includes only the rim or optional adventure activities;
  • entrance/activity fees;
  • actual departure time;
  • whether breakfast or food is included;
  • current bird activity and weather conditions.

Rappelling and other adventure activities are not automatically included in every tour.

For more nature options closer to town, see Best Hikes & Nature Walks near San Cristóbal.

Sources