Tuxtla Gutiérrez: Sinkhole of Parrots Full-Day Rappel

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the bustling capital of Chiapas, conceals a natural wonder that beckons the adventurous. Deep within its lush landscapes lies the Sima de las Cotorras, a captivating sinkhole home to a vibrant colony of green parakeets. Those seeking an unforgettable experience can embark on a thrilling full-day expedition, rappelling over 200 feet into this remarkable geological formation. The journey promises not only adrenaline-fueled exploration but also a chance to take in the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. For those willing to step beyond the ordinary, this sinkhole adventure offers a glimpse into the extraordinary.

Key Points

• A full-day rappelling tour into the 420-foot Sima de las Cotorras chasm in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico, where thousands of green parakeets can be observed.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, equipment, insurance, and a regional Chiapas lunch, lasting approximately 9 hours with 7 hours of rappelling.
• Participants can explore the biodiversity of the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve and discover ancient cave paintings dating back up to 10,000 years.
• The tour is suitable for individuals aged 13 and above who possess the physical fitness required for the descent and ascent within the sinkhole.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and has an overall rating of 4 out of 5, with feedback indicating the desire for dusk timing to view more parrots.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The article provides a detailed overview of a full-day rappelling tour at the Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots) in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas.

The activity lasts 9 hours, including 7 hours of rappelling into the 420-foot chasm. Priced from £123.34 per person, the tour has a limited group size of 14 participants and is offered in both Spanish and English.

Highlights include observing thousands of green parakeets, discovering ancient cave paintings, and exploring the biodiversity of the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, equipment, insurance, and a regional Chiapas lunch.

Tour Highlights

Abseiling into the 420-foot chasm of the Sima de las Cotorras is the highlight of this full-day tour.

Participants will have the opportunity to observe thousands of green parakeets and other birds as they descend into the sinkhole.

The tour also allows visitors to discover ancient cave paintings, dating back up to 10,000 years.

Plus, explorers will venture into the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve to experience the vibrant biodiversity of the region.

After the rappelling activities, guests can savor a delicious meal of regional Chiapas cuisine, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.

Itinerary Details

From hotels in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the tour begins with a drive to the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve.

Once there, you will abseil approximately 200 feet (60 meters) into the 420-foot chasm of the Sima de las Cotorras, or Sinkhole of Parrots.

This offers the chance to observe thousands of green parakeets and other birds, as well as discover ancient cave paintings dating back up to 10,000 years.

After exploring the biodiversity of the sinkhole, the group will return to Tuxtla Gutiérrez following a regional Chiapas cuisine lunch.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees to the Natural Reserve, rappel equipment, water, insurance, and one meal.

Participants should bring comfortable clothes, drinking water, comfortable shoes, and sunblock. Pets aren’t allowed, and participants must be aged 13 and older – those 12 and younger aren’t permitted.

The tour has an overall rating of 4/5 based on one review, with the experience considered great but some wishing for a dusk timing to see more parrots.

Physical fitness is required, as you will need to climb back up after rappelling.

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Cancellation Policy and Reviews

The cancellation policy for the tour is flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Based on a single customer review, the tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5. The feedback suggests it’s a great experience with a good balance of challenge, though some participants wished for a dusk timing to see more parrots. Physical fitness is required to climb back up after rappelling.

Review Metrics	Ratings
Overall	4/5
Communication	Good
Experience	Great
Difficulty	Appropriate

Safety and Physical Fitness

Participants must be physically fit to take part in the Sima de las Cotorras rappelling tour. The descent into the 420-foot sinkhole and the subsequent climb back up require a significant level of strength, endurance, and agility.

Prospective participants should:

1. Be capable of hiking on uneven terrain for extended periods.
2. Have previous experience with rappelling or be willing to undergo proper training.
3. Maintain a healthy physical condition to handle the challenges of the descent and ascent.

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility issues or those who aren’t confident in their physical abilities.

Safety is of the utmost importance, and the tour operator strictly enforces age and health requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Exploring the Biosphere Reserve

Nestled within the lush expanse of the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve, the Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots) beckons adventurers to explore its captivating natural wonders.

This protected habitat shelters a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the vibrant green parakeets that call the sinkhole home. Visitors can marvel at the towering trees reaching up to 100 feet, and uncover ancient cave paintings dating back over 10,000 years.

The exploration of this biodiverse region promises a deeper connection with the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage, complementing the thrilling rappelling experience at the heart of the tour.

Capturing the Sinkhole Experience

Plunging into the yawning chasm of the Sima de las Cotorras, participants embark on a thrilling rappelling adventure that immerses them in the captivating world of the sinkhole.

Descending nearly 200 feet, they observe the stunning natural surroundings, including:

1. Towering trees reaching up to 100 feet tall.
2. Ancient cave paintings, some dating back 10,000 years.
3. Swirling flocks of vibrant green parakeets, the sinkhole’s iconic residents.

As they carefully make their way back up, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the sinkhole’s remarkable biodiversity and the challenges of exploring this natural wonder.

The Sima de las Cotorras rappel offers a truly unforgettable adventure, blending adrenaline-pumping excitement with a profound connection to the region’s captivating natural and cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Climate Like at the Rappelling Site?

The climate at the rappelling site is warm and subtropical, with abundant sunshine and mild temperatures year-round. Visitors should expect a dry, arid environment with little cloud cover, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Is There an Option to Visit the Site on a Different Day?

There’s no option to visit the site on a different day. The tour is a full-day activity with a fixed schedule and limited group size. Participants must book and attend the tour on the scheduled date.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. However, they’ll need to ensure it’s suitable for the rappelling activity and can withstand the rugged environment of the sinkhole.

Is There an Age Limit for the Rappelling Activity?

According to the itinerary, there is an age restriction for the rappelling activity – participants must be 13 years of age or older, and those 12 and younger are not permitted to take part.

Is There a Height or Weight Requirement for Participants?

There are no specific height or weight requirements for participants. However, they must be able to safely complete the rappelling activity, which requires a level of physical fitness and agility. The tour provider assesses each participant’s suitability.

Recap

Descending into the Sima de las Cotorras is an awe-inspiring adventure that immerses visitors in Chiapas’ natural wonders. Rappelling 200 feet into the 420-foot chasm, surrounded by vibrant parakeets, offers a unique perspective on the region’s rich biodiversity. This full-day tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the area’s ancient cultural heritage and connect with its remarkable ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here: