Laguna Lachuá, National park and lake in Alta Verapaz Department, Guatemala.
Laguna Lachuá is a circular lake surrounded by dense tropical forest with unusually deep, mineral-rich waters. The surrounding national park protects a network of rainforest, wetlands, and waterways that support the entire ecosystem.
The government designated this area as a protected national park in 1976 to safeguard the unusual ecosystem. This decision marked an important step in protecting Guatemala's tropical forests and wetlands.
The name comes from Q'eqchi' Maya words meaning 'water of the pool', reflecting how local people have understood this place for centuries. Walking around the shore today, you can see how the lake remains central to the region's indigenous identity.
A hiking trail leads from the park entrance down to the water, with designated swimming areas available for visitors. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as there are few facilities along the route.
The lake contains fish species that are rarely found in freshwater environments, creating an unusual biological setting. Big cats like jaguars and cougars roam the surrounding forest alongside howler monkeys, a combination rarely seen together in one region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
