Laguna Chicabal
A crater lake surrounded by cloud forest, sacred to the Mam Maya people, where ceremonies are often held on the shore.
Laguna Chicabal lies in the Chicabal volcanic crater at an elevation of about 2,700 meters, surrounded by dense cloud forest. The lake surface is often shrouded in mist, giving it a quiet and mysterious atmosphere. For the local Mam Maya people, this is a sacred site. There are altars on the shore, so please do not swim or make noise. From the entrance of San Martín Sacatepéquez village, the hike to the viewing platform takes about 1.5–2 hours. From there, go down 615 steps to the lake. Admission costs about 50 quetzales. The park may close during the rain-prayer ceremony in early May each year.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Santiaguito Volcano Viewpoint
- Santa María Volcano
- Cerro Quemado (Almolonga Volcano)
- Los Vahos
- Temple of Minerva
- Quetzaltenango General Cemetery
- Museo Ixkik' del Traje Maya
- Casa de la Cultura & Natural History Museum