Lagunas de Montebello National Park, National park with coloured lakes in Chiapas, Mexico

Lagunas de Montebello National Park covers 6,411 hectares on the high plains of Chiapas, between 1,500 and 1,800 metres above sea level. Its 59 lakes, including Tziscao, Pojoj and the five Lagunas de Colores, lie in pine and oak forest; the water ranges from emerald and turquoise to dark green, purple and reddish black. The park also holds the Maya ruins of Chinkultic and the limestone caves of Grutas San Rafael del Arco.

The area gained protected status in December 1959 and was the first of its kind in the state. Five decades later it received additional designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The park holds two Maya ruins; Chinkultic dates to the 3rd century and was abandoned in the 13th century. Its ball court bears hieroglyphic inscriptions recording its dedication in May 591, and carved stelae of rulers lie among the unexcavated buildings. On the lakes, boatmen offer rides on rafts made of logs, modelled on how the region's first inhabitants crossed the water.

Fifteen lakes are open to visitors and allow swimming and kayaking at selected spots. Lago Tziscao offers the most facilities and serves as a good starting point for exploration.

The mineral content in the water gives the lakes colors ranging from emerald green through turquoise to purple. This natural palette shifts depending on the season and the angle of light throughout the day.