Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo

Introducing Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo

An incredibly rich UN-listed biosphere reserve, El Cielo encompasses a 1445-sq-km chunk of steep-sided forested mountains ranging from 200m to 2320m. Marking a transition zone between tropical, temperate and semidesert ecosystems, its diversity is incredible. There are 97 species of reptile and amphibian and 430 bird species (255 resident, 175 migrant) including Tamaulipas pygmy owl and yellow-headed parrot. Though seldom seen, black bear and jaguar live in the reserve. There are also dozens of orchid varieties, mostly within the cloud-forest zone between 800m and 1400m. While it should go without saying, picking wild plants is prohibited: 22 species of orchids have become extinct in Mexico in the last decade.

The main jumping-off point for El Cielo is Gómez Farías, a one-road village clinging to a ridge just outside the reserve, 11km up a side road off Hwy 85 between Ciudad Victoria and Ciudad Mante. The village is small and tranquil enough for you to do some decent backyard birding at your hotel. The tourist office (832-236-22-15; 9am-3:30pm Mon-Fri), just off the plaza, has little to offer.

Twelve kilometers out of Gómez (follow the signs for La Bocatoma) on the road heading back to the highway you can swim in Poza Azul, a pond filled with cool blue water. It costs M$30 for a boat across the narrow Río Frío and then it’s an easy 500m walk. The restaurant here rents kayaks (M$50 per half hour).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009