Laguna de Atezca

Laguna de Atezca is a lake set in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, fed by five seasonal streams that flow into its basin and discharge partially into the Rio Claro. The body of water occupies a natural depression surrounded by elevated terrain in this mountainous region.

The name comes from the Nahuatl word ātezcatl, combining ātl meaning water and tezcatl meaning mirror, in reference to its reflective water surface. This ancient terminology preserves a link to the language spoken in this region before modern times.

Local folklore tells of a fisherman's daughter who vanished in these waters after her father opposed her romance, transforming into a siren who lures men to the lake. This legend remains woven into how people speak about and perceive this place today.

The lake area has parking, changing rooms, covered spaces, and bathrooms for visitors to use. People who come here can go sport fishing, kayaking, or hiking, and it helps to check on conditions beforehand.

The water is home to the endemic Nosferatu molango fish, a species found nowhere else that faces pressure from introduced black bass and tilapia. These fish are specially adapted to this lake's conditions and struggle when other species move in.