Mexico's southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Veracruz, Quintana Roo and Campeche all have lush folds of tropical forests.

Of all of Mexico's forests, perhaps none is as blessed as the Lacandona rain forest in southern Chiapas. Lacandona's wildlife includes the jaguar, harpy eagles, toucans, a wide variety of bats, scarlet and green macaws, and spider and howler monkeys.

For centuries, the river that traverses this forest, Rio Usumacinta, was the most important form of communication between the Maya Indians. And today navigating the river is one of the best ways to enjoy the area's natural beauty and Mayan heritage. Expeditions on the Usumacinta include visits to the archaeological sites of Bonampak, Palenque, Yaxchilan and Piedras Negras, a place not accessible by land and therefore visited by only a very few.  

Sitting 3,000 feet higher than the Lacandona's sea-level altitude, the El Triunfo cloud forest in Chiapas is a different version of tropical forest life. Near constant cloud cover and rainfall make this one of the Mexico's wettest and greenest areas. The cool climate provides an ideal habitat for one of Mexico's grandest prizes: the quetzal bird. With two-foot-long green tail feathers, the quetzal is believed by many to be the world's most beautiful bird.