A steep stepped trail descends roughly 700 steps from the Aguacero visitor centre into the canyon of the Río La Venta, one of the entry points to the vast Selva El Ocote biosphere reserve, ending at a wide river beach and a waterfall pool suitable for swimming when the water is low. The reserve protects one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical rainforest in Chiapas outside the Lacandon jungle, and longer guided routes from General Cárdenas push deeper into the reserve toward cave systems and river canyons rarely visited without a community guide. CONANP or the local ejido charges an access fee at the visitor centre, typically 30-50 MXN (approx USD 1.75-3), and the steep return climb out of the canyon is the trail's defining physical challenge, best avoided during the hottest hours. River levels rise fast after rain, so swimming plans should be checked with staff at the visitor centre before descending.
The El Ocote canyon trail begins at the Aguacero visitor centre, accessed from Ejido General Cárdenas off the highway between Ocozocoautla de Espinosa and Cintalapa, with parking at the centre and an access fee collected by CONANP or the local ejido; no separate hiking permit is needed for the main descent. The round trip covers about 3 km, but the defining feature is the roughly 700-step stone stairway that drops about 200 m from the rim at 750 m into the canyon of the Río La Venta, exposed to sun for much of its upper length before reaching cooler, shaded forest lower down. The trail ends at a wide river beach and waterfall pool suitable for swimming when the water is low, which serves as the natural turn-around point; longer guided routes from General Cárdenas continue deeper into the Selva El Ocote biosphere reserve toward cave systems rarely visited without a community guide. There is no water source on the stairway itself, and river levels can rise quickly after rain, so checking conditions with visitor-centre staff before swimming is advised.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Reserva de la Biosfera Selva El Ocote, trailhead at Ejido General Cárdenas, Municipio de Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
- Best season
- November to April, for lower, safer river levels and firmer steps on the descent
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes with grip for the long stone stairway
- Swimwear and a dry bag if planning to swim at the river beach
- At least 2 litres of water for the steep return climb
- Sun hat, since the stairway has little shade in its upper section
- Cash in pesos for the reserve access fee and any community guide
Location
Sendero El Aguacero access, Ejido General Cárdenas, 29140 Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas, Mexico
17.0500, -93.7500 View on map
Highlights
- 700-step stone stairway descent into the Río La Venta canyon
- River beach and waterfall pool suitable for swimming
- Access point to the vast Selva El Ocote biosphere reserve
- Guided routes toward remote cave systems and river canyons
- One of the largest remaining blocks of tropical rainforest in Chiapas outside the Lacandon jungle
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip for the long stone stairway
- Carry at least 2 litres of water for the steep return climb
- Bring swimwear and a dry bag if planning to swim at the river beach
- Check river levels with visitor-centre staff before swimming, since levels rise fast after rain
- Avoid the steep return climb during the hottest hours of the day
When to visit
November to April brings lower, safer river levels and firmer steps on the descent; an early start avoids the heat on the exposed upper stairway.
Accessibility
The roughly 700-step stone stairway descent is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the return climb?
The steep 700-step return climb out of the canyon is the trail's defining physical challenge and is best avoided during the hottest hours.
Is swimming safe at the river beach?
Swimming is possible when the water is low, but river levels rise fast after rain, so conditions should be checked with visitor-centre staff first.
What does entry cost?
CONANP or the local ejido charges an access fee at the visitor centre, typically 30-50 MXN (approx USD 1.75-3).