Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots)
Piedra Parada, Chiapas, 29150
Inhabited by thousands of green parakeets, thrushes, woodpeckers, and more, the 460-foot-deep (140-meter-deep) Sinkhole of Parrots (Sima de las Cotorras) is one of Chiapas’ most magnificent natural attractions that will entice bird watchers and adventure travelers alike. Watch as the birds take flight morning and evening, before rappelling into the sinkhole or taking a guided tour to the cave paintings.
The Basics
Although the eponymous sinkhole is the main draw, the Sima de las Cotorras complex—which is part of the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve—also offers cabins and an on-site restaurant. Visitors typically reach the Sinkhole of Parrots from nearby Tuxtla, although tours also run from both San Cristóbal and Villahermosa. Highlights of the sight include rappelling into the cave, taking a guided tour of the 50 ancient rock paintings on the cave walls, and bird-watching.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Sima de las Cotorras is a must-visit for bird watchers and adventure travelers alike, including families.
There’s parking, an on-site restaurant, cabins, and restrooms at the Sima de las Cotorras.
If visiting in winter, bring a light jacket as the area gets chillier than you might expect.
The birds are most active and abundant between May and October each year.
Expect to pay a small fee to access the site and enjoy some of the activities.
The Sinkhole of Parrots is not accessible for wheelchair users, nor are many of the surrounding facilities and activities.
How to Get There
Sima de las Cotorras is situated in the municipality of Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, and is 71 miles (115 kilometers) from San Cristóbal, 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and 143 miles (230 kilometers) from Villahermosa, Tabasco. Guided tours run from all cities, which is useful because the poor signage leading up to the site makes it hard to access independently.
When to Get There
The Sinkhole of Parrots is open daily, typically from 7am to 5pm, although the sinkhole’s birds tend to take flight between the hours of 5:30 and 6am, as well as 4 and 5pm. Time your visit with the evening’s flight or stay overnight at one of the on-site cabins to catch the morning display. Generally, the months of May to October are the best time to see birds at the sinkhole.
Natural Attractions in Chiapas
The Sima de las Cotorras isn’t the only place to enjoy nature and wildlife in Chiapas. Take a boat ride along the vast Sumidero Canyon and look out for birds of prey circling the cliff tops and spider monkeys dangling from the trees. Alternatively, head to the Guatemala border to enjoy the beauty of the Lagunas de Montebello National Park, home to almost 60 lakes in a range of striking colors.
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