A sinkhole 140 metres deep and 160 metres across in the dry Zoque forest of the Cañón del Sumidero region, home to a colony of green parakeets that spiral out of the pit at dawn and return at dusk. Rope access to the cave floor, where 6,000-year-old rock paintings sit in a side chamber, is arranged through the community ecotourism cooperative that manages the site.
Descending into the Sima de las Cotorras is a 140-metre rope rappel into a sinkhole 160 metres across, in the dry Zoque forest of the Cañón del Sumidero region near Ocozocoautla de Espinosa. The descent requires no prior rappelling certification, since certified community guides run the ropes and control the descent, but participants need a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with heights and confined harness use; a minimum age of around 10-12 is typical, and anyone with a fear of heights should think carefully before booking. The Cooperativa Ecoturistica Sima de las Cotorras provides and operates the full rappelling harness, helmet, and rope system, and its guides are experienced specifically with this sinkhole rather than holding an international climbing federation certification. Before the descent, guides run through a safety briefing covering the harness fit, hand signals for the rope team above, and what happens if a participant needs to be paused or hauled partway down; the cave floor has a walkable route back up an inclined path as a secondary exit alongside the rope system. The site is accessible year-round, though the rains from June to September can make the unpaved approach road difficult for standard vehicles, and the best light for photographing the green parakeet colony spiralling out of the pit is at dawn. A side chamber holds 6,000-year-old rock paintings, viewed as part of the same guided visit after the rappel.
Activity facts
- Where
- Sima de las Cotorras, Ejido Piedra Parada, near Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
- Duration
- 3-4 hours including the rappel and rock-art visit
Equipment
Full rappelling harness, helmet, and rope system provided and operated by certified community guides
Location
Ejido Piedra Parada, Municipio de Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, 29140 Chiapas, Mexico
16.8081, -93.4744 View on map
Highlights
- 140-metre rope descent into a forested limestone sinkhole
- Dawn flight of thousands of green parakeets from the pit
- 6,000-year-old rock paintings in a side chamber
- Guided throughout by the community ecotourism cooperative
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at dawn if the parakeet flight is the priority, as birds return to roost by mid-morning
- The unpaved approach road can be difficult after heavy rain from June to September
- Wear closed shoes and clothing that allows free movement in a harness
- Cash is generally needed on-site for the rappel fee and separate park entry
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rappelling experience?
No prior experience is required; certified community guides fit the harness and control the descent for every participant.
Is there a minimum age?
Typically around 10-12 years old, though this depends on the child's size and comfort with the harness and heights.
When is the best time to see the parakeets?
At dawn, when thousands of green parakeets spiral out of the sinkhole; they return to roost by dusk.
What is included?
The rappelling harness, helmet, and rope system are provided and operated by the Cooperativa Ecoturistica Sima de las Cotorras.