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Lagunas de Sepalau: A Turquoise Paradise

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Discover the turquoise waters and lush rainforest of Lagunas de Sepalau, a community-run ecotourism paradise in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.

Lagunas de Sepalau, located 8km west of Chisec, Guatemala, are a stunning collection of turquoise lagoons surrounded by pristine rainforest. This community ecotourism project offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature, with activities like swimming, canoeing, hiking, and even ziplining.

A brief summary to Lagunas de Sepalau

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Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lagunas de Sepalau.

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on potentially muddy trails.
  • Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the designated lagoons.
  • Consider visiting outside of February to June to ensure all lagoons have water.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chisec's central plaza, take a pick-up truck or bus to the village of Sepalau Cataltzul. Buses typically depart around 10:30 am and cost Q10 for the 45-minute ride. From the village, it's a 3km walk to the first lagoon. Pay the entrance fee upon arrival in the village.

  • Driving

    Drive on the paved road towards Raxruhá (RD09, KM 298). Lagunas de Sepalau is located 9km from Chisec in the Sepalau Cataltzul community. From Chisec's center, take the street in front of the Municipality and Central Park, turning left with the municipal building in front of you. Continue on this street as it turns into a dirt road. Travel approximately 11 kilometers straight until you reach the community where the parking and visitor center are located. It is recommended to have a 4x4 vehicle.

Discover more about Lagunas de Sepalau

Lagunas de Sepalau is a hidden gem in the heart of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. This natural park features four karst lagoons with strikingly clear, turquoise waters. The lagoons' unique coloration is due to the minerals found in their underground sources, nourished by the surrounding virgin forests. Visitors can swim in designated lagoons and explore the area by canoe or raft. A network of trails winds through the lush tropical forest, offering opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans, and iguanas. For the adventurous, a zipline offers a thrilling ride over the lagoons, providing a spectacular view of the landscape. The lagoons are managed by local communities, making it a sustainable tourism destination. The first lagoon serves as a water source for nearby communities, so swimming is prohibited, but visitors can still enjoy it by canoe or raft. The depth and color of the lagoons can vary throughout the year, making each visit a unique experience. Note that from February to June, the first two lagoons may dry up.

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