Moxviquil; Orchids in the Highlands

Indigenous Land

“Moxviquil in language Tsotsil means 'Catgut' which it is a very literal translation in the territorial context means 'Crossing or meeting of paths'. For the Maya we must go back to pre-Hispanic times and know that Moxviquil occupies an area of housing settlement and ritual of the ancient Maya; and since that time, it was a place where traders were passing nearby villages, bringing to exchange their products to the city center.”

Multidminesional Space

Moxviquil is also a training center for sustainability. It is composed of 30 people; some work as professionals, technicians, community workers and as administrative staff. Throughout the year they host courses and lectures for the community exploring medicine, sexology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, biology, agronomy, forestry education, environmental education, and sustainable development.

Wild Collection

The incredible collection of orchids and bromeliads that thrive at Moxviquil began as a private project. Cisco Dietz began collecting specimens from piles that loggers had discarded as refuse. Starting out in his home, Moxviquil has since transformed into a sanctuary for some of Mexico’s rarest plants.

Learning Together

It now attracts both social and environmental scientists from the world over with an aim to:

“Strengthen individual and collective capacities through training processes, educational materials and comprehensive services that promote equity in diversity and social participation, to achieve actions that transform the socio-environmental environment.”

Celebrating Life

We spent the day enjoying the incredible spaces that have been created to mimic the variety of microclimates found across Chiapas. With very low tech the team at Moxviquil have successfully been able to cultivate 20,000 thousand orchids in this one educational center - making it a unique resource for community education and gatherings.

Hyper Diverse Flora

Orchids are forever young, they can reproduce continually as long as the tree or branch is healthy and they do not lack water. At Moxviquil the orchids are cared for meticulously and there are always some blooming no matter what time of year you visit.

Chiapas is the state with the highest density of biodiversity in all off Mexico. Out of the 1,250 species of orchids documented in Mexico there are 700 growing at Moxviquil. 400 of these species are specifically endemic to Chiapas and some brand new to scientists.

Seeing the Wild

In addition to an incredible educational space and orchid sanctuary, there is a fantastic hiking trail on Moxviquil land. Studded among the forest, huge agave plants grow and dense clusters of bromeliads dangles along branches above. The softly sloping path winds up the hillside and back down guiding you through the sun dappled forest.

Visit for Yourself

Orquídeas Moxviquil is located on Periferico Norte #4, a 10 minute car ride or a 30 minute walk from the historical center of San Cristobal.

The entry fee was 80MXP last time we were there and the facility has several bathrooms on site, two of them dry toilets.

Pro Tip - Arrive early and bring a picnic to enjoy the whole day at this special place.