Biosphere Reserve of Centla Swamps
State: Tabasco. Country: Mexico.

The Biosphere Reserve of Centla Swamps is located northwest of the state of Tabasco, an hour and a half from its capital Villahermosa. Most of its 300 thousand hectares are swampy areas with stagnate waters that create a rich environment, sheltering a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Birds are one of the main attractions in Centla Swamps, in winter time they migrate from North America and arrive to this area to nest and feed, concentrating in specific areas, some of the species that can be seen this time of the year are: roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), wood stork (Mycteria americana) and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). Birdwatching advantages in this area are that in very short distances it is possible to observe several species of birds.

Tres Brazos (Three Arms) is another attraction of Centla Swamps, where 70% of the fresh water of Mexico flows through this river basin. This place is where the San Pedrito river and two of the most important rivers of Mexico meet, the Usumacinta and Grijalva.

Three Arms, can be seen from a 20m tower located at Uyotot-Ja, the interpretation center of the biosphere reserve. Guided visits are given in the interpretation center, were the importance of the swamps, the culture of its inhabitants and the reason for conserving these swamps are shown. Boat trips are also available observe and enjoy this amazing ecosystem.

The boat service trips are given by two communities, where bird watching and flora observation is the main attraction. These communities also have restaurants with traditional food.

How to get there?

From Villahermosa take the road to Frontera in the municipality of Centla, after crossing the Grijalva river bridge turn right, in the 12.5 km there is a green gate that is the entrance to the interpretation center and were the boat trips leave. By public transportation take a public bus to Frontera, from there take a collective taxi from the plaza to the Biosphere Reserve of Centla Swamps.

Schedule

Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Prices

The entrance to Uyotot-Ja is 20 pesos (2 dlls aprox) per person.
Boat trips are charged per trip (up to 9 passengers) and the price varies depending on the length of the route, 400 to 500 pesos per boat (40 to 50 dlls aprox).

What to bring?

Hat, sun block, water, comfortable shoes and a respectful attitude towards nature and its inhabitants.

Further Information:

Phone (52 - 913) 331 09 66, email: uyotot_ja@mexico.com