#4 - Sotano del Barro
Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra GordaLength: 6.1 mi • Est. 4 h 27 m
Beautiful, but difficult trail in the Sierra Gorda. It features one of the deepest sinkholes in the world, and is also home of the military macaws (Ara militaris), a beautiful green and noisy large parrot and medium-sized macaw. Although you can do it on your own, you can contact an agency in Jalpan de Serra. A guide will take you to the small community of Santa Maria de Cocos and then another guide from the community will be assigned.
The trailhead is at the end of the small community near the basketball court (21.32833, -99.65302). From this point you will walk up for about 2 hours on a well-marked, but steep trail until you arrive to the sinkhole.
If you want to see the macaws, leave the cave early in the morning. You need to be at the trailhead at about 4am (this depends on the time of sunrise). Your guide will give you a head lamp to illuminate the trail and see where to walk. At the top, you will enjoy watching the birds flying out of the cave, an unforgettable experience! A good pair of hiking boots and a stick will help you a lot, especially when going down. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water.
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