R.K. Selander, 1953 42 San Pedro Murriz, 300oft., Chiapas, Mexico Oct. 19 directly west to a town called San Juan (see map). This trail reportedly climbs up the Monte de la Pluma though I don't believe it reaches the top. About 8 Km. from Sotapa to the main peak of the Monte. The guide said this trail was very tough and "dangerous". No water is available from Sotapa to San Juan. I gathered that most of the area through which the trail passes is the dense, humid evergreen forest or rain forest. On the higher portion of the Monte de la Pluma the guide said there are "many large oaks" (Robles) and many palms (!). The higher slope is reportedly "very humid", Sotapa to San Juan would require "2 days or more" on foot "in the dry season". The guide kept insisting that it was very difficult and very easy to get lost. He refused to attempt that particular trip in this wet weather - called it "impossible". I can believe this about the trail. Alvarez was lost on two different occasions in that area. Once with his guide - Helfego Diaz - for one day & night - and once in an area to the north west of the Monte for 3 days & 3 nights. (This confirmed by Bonifacio.) (3) I asked if there is a way up the Monte from Santa Cruz. The guide said it was "impossible" - that the Sotapa-San Juan route was the only way, This seems strange. My few observations