An award-winning community lodge run by the ejido of Reforma Agraria on the Rio Lacantun, founded in 1996 around a scarlet macaw conservation project that began with artificial nests in 1991. Cabanas have private bathrooms with hot water, fans, and verandas, and boat trips upriver into the Montes Azules reserve leave from the lodge's own landing.
Las Guacamayas Centro Ecoturistico is a community lodge run by the ejido of Reforma Agraria on the Rio Lacantun, in the Marques de Comillas region of southeastern Chiapas near the Guatemalan border and the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Founded in 1996, the lodge grew out of a scarlet macaw conservation project that began with artificial nesting boxes in 1991, and it remains one of Mexico's best-known examples of community-based ecotourism tied directly to species recovery. Cabanas have private bathrooms with hot water, fans, and verandas overlooking the forest, with room types ranging from an Economy Room with shared bathroom to a King Suite. A restaurant serves regional dishes prepared by lodge staff, and river boat trips upriver into the Montes Azules reserve leave from the lodge's own landing, alongside guided birdwatching walks and a canopy walkway through the surrounding rainforest canopy. There is no pool or spa; the draw is direct access to scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and old-growth Lacandon rainforest with minimal tourist infrastructure between the lodge and the jungle.
Room types
- Economy Room with shared bathroom
- Triple Cabana
- Double Bed Suite
- King Suite
Amenities
- restaurant
- river boat trips
- guided birdwatching
- private bathrooms with hot water
- fans
- verandas
- canopy walkway
- parking
Location
Ejido Reforma Agraria, Marques de Comillas, 29948 Chiapas, Mexico
16.1214, -90.8383 View on map
Highlights
- Community-run lodge tied to a scarlet macaw conservation project since 1991
- River boat trips into the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve
- Canopy walkway through the surrounding rainforest
- Guided birdwatching walks led by local staff
- Cabanas with private bathrooms, hot water, and verandas
Tips for visiting
- Book birdwatching walks for dawn, when scarlet macaws and other bird activity peak.
- Bring cash and any needed supplies from Palenque or Comitan, as Marques de Comillas has few services.
- Pack for humidity and insects, as the lodge sits deep in the rainforest.
- River boat trips should be arranged a day ahead, as departures depend on group numbers.
Accessibility
The lodge is built on forested ground with verandas and paths that include steps and natural terrain, which is not well suited to wheelchair users; visitors with mobility concerns should contact the lodge in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the history behind Las Guacamayas?
The lodge grew from a scarlet macaw conservation project that began with artificial nests in 1991 and formalised as a community ecotourism lodge in 1996.
Can guests take boat trips from the lodge?
Yes, river boat trips upriver into the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve leave directly from the lodge's landing.
Do all rooms have private bathrooms?
Most cabanas do, though an Economy Room with a shared bathroom is also available.
Is the lodge easy to reach?
It is remote, in the Marques de Comillas region near the Guatemalan border, and best reached by car or arranged transport from Palenque.