Chicabal Lake: A Sacred Mayan Site

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Discover Laguna de Chicabal, Guatemala's sacred Mayan lake: Hike through cloud forests and witness ancient traditions in a stunning volcanic crater.

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Chicabal Lake

Laguna de Chicabal is a crater lake revered by the Mam Maya people, nestled high in the Guatemalan highlands. Formed within the Chicabal Volcano, the lake is a place of spiritual significance where traditional Mayan ceremonies are still practiced. Visitors can hike through cloud forests to reach the serene lake, experiencing both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Chicabal Lake

Local tips

Arrive early to avoid the midday mist that often obscures the views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes as the trail can be steep and uneven in places.
Bring cash for the entrance fee (Q50 for foreigners) and transportation.
Respect the local culture by not swimming in the lake and being mindful of ongoing Mayan ceremonies.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience and to learn about the significance of the site.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Quetzaltenango (Xela), take a 'chicken bus' (camioneta) from the Minerva Terminal towards San Martín Sacatepéquez (also known as San Martín Chile Verde). The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. From San Martín, you can either hike to the Laguna Chicabal Park entrance (approximately 30 minutes) or take a 'Torito' (pickup truck) from the village. The Torito ride costs around Q50 per person.
Walking

From the 'Parada de Colectivos' bus stop in San Martín Sacatepéquez, walk through the village towards the Torito station. Follow the road leading to Laguna Chicabal, which gradually ascends. The walk to the park entrance takes approximately 30 minutes. From the park entrance, it's a moderately challenging hike of about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the lake. The entrance fee to Laguna Chicabal Park is Q50 for foreigners.

Discover more about Chicabal Lake

Laguna de Chicabal, also known as Chicabal Lake, is a stunning crater lake located in the Quetzaltenango region of Guatemala. Situated within the inactive Volcán Chicabal at an elevation of approximately 2,712 meters (8,879 feet), the lake is surrounded by a mystical cloud forest. This area is considered one of the most sacred sites for the Mam Maya people, who have lived in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala and parts of southern Mexico for centuries. The lake's name, Chicabal, translates to "thunder" in the Mayan Mam language, likely derived from the sounds produced within the crater during storms. According to Mayan legend, the lake was once located lower on the volcano's slope but was moved higher by the gods due to the local people's disrespect. Today, the shores of Laguna de Chicabal are adorned with altars where Mayan priests conduct traditional ceremonies, burning incense and offering blessings for health, fertility, and forgiveness. The most important of these ceremonies, the Pedida Por La Lluvia ("Asking For The Rain"), occurs 40 days after Easter. Visitors to Laguna de Chicabal can hike through the cloud forest, observing the unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Quetzal bird. Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited due to its sacred status. The site is recognized as a Prehispanic Monument since 1972 and a Sacred Place of the Mayan since 1997.