Reserva de la Biósfera El Cielo

Mexico, Mexico

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The Reserva de la Biósfera El Cielo in Mexico is a significant biosphere reserve located in the Sierra Madre Oriental within the southern part of Tamaulipas state near the town of Gómez Farías.

Spanning about 144,530 hectares, it protects the northernmost extension of tropical and cloud forests in the country, with steep mountainous terrain rising from around 200 meters to over 2,300 meters.

The reserve is ecologically diverse, containing 14 different types of vegetation—from desert and shrublands at lower elevations, through subtropical forests, to cloud forests known for their heavy rainfall and lush mosses. It supports rich wildlife including rare mammals like jaguars, various bird species, amphibians, reptiles, and over 1,000 plant species including many orchids. The reserve also includes caves, sinkholes, and karst formations typical of limestone geography.

Facilities within the reserve provide educational and research opportunities, with the community of Alta Cima offering lodging and visitor services. Activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and camping are possible, making El Cielo a vital natural and cultural treasure recognized by UNESCO for its ecological importance and biodiversity.