Lacandon Rainforest Coordinates: 16°–17°N, 90°–92°W (Chiapas, Mexico)

The Lacandon Rainforest (Selva Lacandona) lies in eastern Chiapas, Mexico, against the Guatemala border. Its approximate geographic envelope:

• Latitude: 16°00′N to 17°00′N
• Longitude: 90°00′W to 92°00′W
• Area: ~1.8M ha (largest tropical rainforest in North America).
• Elevation: 100–1,200 m (montane transition).
• Hydrology: Usumacinta River basin (east-flowing to Gulf of Mexico).

Key Features

• Biodiversity: Jaguar, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle, Baird’s tapir, >3,000 plant spp.
• Indigenous Territory: Lacandon Maya (~1,000 people) hold communal title (1971 decree).
• Protected Areas: Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (331,200 ha), Lacan-Tun, Chan-Kin, Metzabok.
• Threats: Cattle ranching, oil palm, illegal logging, narco-trafficking, hydro dams.

Access

Base towns: Palenque (ruins + airport), Ocosingo. 4WD essential; guides required for reserves.

The Lacandon is a Mesoamerican biodiversity stronghold—and a contested frontier.