Tuxtla Gutiérrez: Sinkhole of Parrots Full-Day Rappel

Tuxtla Gutiérrez: Sinkhole of Parrots Full-Day Rappel — An Honest Look

If you’re considering a trip to Chiapas and love adventures that combine nature, history, and a dash of adrenaline, the Sinkhole of Parrots tour might catch your eye. It’s a full-day experience that promises an unforgettable descent into a stunning 420-foot chasm filled with thousands of green parrots and ancient cave paintings. While it’s not your typical sightseeing tour, it offers a unique look at some of Mexico’s most intriguing natural and cultural treasures.

What really drew us in is how this tour manages to blend the thrill of rappelling with wildlife observation and historical exploration. You get to abseil into an enormous sinkhole, surrounded by lush rainforest, and witness the spectacle of thousands of parrots flying out at dawn or returning at dusk. Plus, the chance to see cave paintings that are believed to be up to 10,000 years old adds a meaningful dimension. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a casual excursion—there’s a fair bit of physical activity involved, and some might find the climbing aspects demanding.

This tour suits those who crave outdoor adventures, are comfortable with heights, and are eager to see some of Mexico’s less-visited but fascinating sites. If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind the activity’s physical demands, especially the climbing components. But for adventurous spirits and nature lovers, it’s a pretty special opportunity.

Key Points

• Adrenaline & Adventure: Rappelling into a massive sinkhole offers a thrill unlike typical tours.
• Wildlife & Nature: You’ll see thousands of parrots and explore biodiverse rainforest environments.
• Historical Significance: The ancient cave paintings add a meaningful cultural layer.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Transportation, equipment, and a regional meal are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Physical Expectations: Be prepared for some climbing and a hike, requiring decent fitness and proper footwear.
• Small Group: Limited to 14 participants, so it’s intimate and well-guided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Once you’re picked up from your hotel in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the journey to the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve begins. This rainforest is part of Mexico’s largest tropical forest, sprawling across Oaxaca and Veracruz, and it’s the kind of lush, vibrant environment that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The drive is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of dense greenery and the chance to appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Arriving at the Sima de las Cotorras, you’re greeted by a circular sinkhole that’s truly a sight to behold. The massive 420-foot vertical cavity is a magnet for thousands of green parrots, which fly out in the morning and return at dusk. We loved the spectacle of these birds—such a lively, natural show that’s hard to match.

The core activity involves abseiling about 200 feet (around 60 meters) into the sinkhole. If you’re at all comfortable with heights and rappelling, you’ll find this step exhilarating yet manageable, especially with the safety gear provided. The guides are experienced and make sure every participant feels secure, which is comforting for first-timers. During the descent, you’ll also get a closer look at the towering trees at the bottom, some reaching 30 meters tall, and the vibrant life they support.

Midway through your descent, you’ll come across the ancient cave paintings. These are believed to date back as much as 10,000 years and offer a glimpse into early human history. Seeing these markings up close, on the sheer cliff walls, is a humbling moment—an unexpected bonus that elevates the experience beyond just adrenaline.

After the rappelling, there’s a well-deserved break for lunch, featuring regional Chiapas cuisine. It’s a nice chance to rest, reflect on what you’ve seen, and enjoy authentic flavors in a local restaurant. The tour then concludes with your transfer back to Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

The entire day spans about 9 hours, with the actual sightseeing and activities taking roughly 5-6 hours. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, equipment, water, and insurance makes the $175 per person cost quite reasonable, considering the uniqueness of the experience.

What the Reviews Say

Two reviews give us a good sense of what to expect. One traveler from Italy rated the experience a perfect 5 out of 5, simply describing it as “UNO SPETTACOLO” — a showstopper. That’s a strong endorsement for the awe-inspiring nature of the ride and the birds.

Meanwhile, a traveler from Germany pointed out that the tour was both challenging and enjoyable, emphasizing the abseiling from 80 meters as impressive but easy. They also mentioned the importance of suitable footwear and a bit of athleticism for the hike and climb back up the steep walls. Interestingly, they noted that the tour doesn’t include a rainforest walk, which wasn’t a problem for them, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re expecting that.

Both reviewers agreed that the guides were professional, clear, and attentive, which is vital for such an activity. Communication via WhatsApp the day before was seen as a helpful touch, especially for clarifying details.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Clothing & Gear: Wear comfortable clothes and suitable footwear—think sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes. Bring sunblock, water, and a hat, especially if it’s a sunny day.
• Physical Prep: Be aware that there’s climbing involved, including ladders and iron steps, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
• Timing: The tour is best done in the morning when parrots are most active flying out of the sinkhole, but the activity is available throughout the day.
• Group Size & Guides: Small groups (up to 14) mean more personalized attention and safer experiences.
• Cost & Value: At $175, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, equipment, and a meal, which adds up to a good value for such a unique adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love outdoor activities, wildlife, and historical sites, you’ll find this tour a memorable adventure. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind heights and physical activity. If you’re traveling with children or have mobility issues, this might be less suitable due to the climbing and rappelling involved. It’s an experience best suited for active travelers looking for something off the beaten path.

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Final Thoughts

The Sinkhole of Parrots tour in Chiapas offers a rare blend of adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural history. Rappelling into the cavern and witnessing the colorful parrots emerge at dawn is a vivid memory you’re unlikely to forget. The ancient cave paintings add an extra layer of intrigue, making this a well-rounded experience for those who crave meaningful, active travel.

While it’s not a tour for everyone—thanks to its physical demands and the heights involved—the sense of achievement and connection to nature make it worth considering if you’re up for a challenge. The small group format and professional guides ensure safety and intimacy, letting you enjoy the environment fully.

All in all, this day trip is a fantastic choice if you want something truly different, with a good balance of thrill, culture, and natural beauty. Just make sure you’re prepared for a bit of climb and a lot of awe.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel in Tuxtla Gutiérrez is included, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable clothes, suitable shoes, sunblock, drinking water, and perhaps a hat. Be prepared for outdoor activities and climbing.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves abseiling and a climb up the steep walls with ladders and iron steps, so a reasonable level of fitness and agility is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s better suited for active travelers comfortable with heights and climbing. Children or those with mobility issues might find it less suitable.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full-day experience lasts about 9 hours, including transportation, activities, and meals.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible to most travelers.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The dramatic descent into the sinkhole, seeing thousands of parrots flying out, and discovering ancient cave paintings are the standout moments.

Is the tour value for money?
Considering the included transportation, equipment, entrance fees, and meal, most travelers find it a good value for a truly unique adventure.

If you’re after a day filled with adventure, wildlife, and history, this tour could very well become a highlight of your Chiapas trip. Just be sure you’re prepared for some physical activity, and you’ll come away with stories to tell for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: