Laguna de Totolcingo, Saline lake in Oriental Basin, Mexico.
Laguna de Totolcingo is a saline lake in the Oriental Basin whose water level changes significantly with the seasons. The lake expands during the rainy season from June to October and shrinks considerably during the dry months from November to May.
The Oriental Basin has long served as an important water source for communities in central Mexico. The lake played a role in the region's development and remains a key part of the local environment today.
Local people gather tequesquite, a natural mineral salt, from the lake to use as a traditional seasoning in Mexican cooking. This practice has been part of the region's food culture for generations and remains important to families today.
The lake can be reached by car from Huamantla, about 35 kilometers away, with the drive taking roughly 30 minutes. The dry season is the best time to visit when roads are easiest to access.
The lake's high salt content allows only specialized plants to survive, while serving as a seasonal refuge for migratory birds from North America. This combination makes it a special habitat worth visiting during migration periods.
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