Laguna Chicabal Guatemala
A sacred Mayan crater lake nestled atop a volcano, offering mystical views and a challenging, rewarding trek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the mystical atmosphere
Laguna Chicabal Guatemala
Best Time
Enjoy the mystical atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred Mayan crater lake nestled atop a volcano, offering mystical views and a challenging, rewarding trek.
"Beautiful mystical sacred Mayan lake. If you are lucky you might catch them performing a ceremony."
🚗 Truck Ride Up
Opt for a truck ride to save energy for the stairs. Foreigners often can't drive up themselves.
⏰ Go Early!
Arrive early to maximize your time and enjoy the serene beauty before sunset.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 187 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Chicabal Crater Lake
Volcano crater
A sacred Mayan lake nestled within a volcano crater, offering breathtaking mystical views. Swimming is prohibited.
Mirador Viewpoint
Top of the crater rim
Panoramic vistas of the lake and Santa Maria Volcano. Catching sunrise here can reveal lava from Volcan Santiaguito.
Hundreds of Stairs Descent
Crater rim to lake
A challenging but rewarding hike down hundreds of stairs to reach the serene lake. Be prepared for the climb back up!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Truck Ride Recommended
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Laguna Chicabal
In Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala, I climbed Laguna Chicabal for the second time since being here. It’s a volcano with a lake in the crater which is sacred to the local Mayans. The first time I climbed it, there was a lot of cloud and I wasn’t able to see anything. This time I…
🚗 Truck Ride Up
Opt for a truck ride to save energy for the stairs. Foreigners often can't drive up themselves.
⏰ Go Early!
Arrive early to maximize your time and enjoy the serene beauty before sunset.
First Solo Trip in Guatemala -10 days
First time solo trip - 10 days in Guatemala! Hi all! I’m going on my first solo adventure to Guatemala at the beginning of January. I can speak a decent amount of Spanish but of course not fluent I’m a content creator so I will be having camera and drone equipment with me.…
Must visit in Guatemala, beside Antigua? I’m still writing down places that I want to visit while Guate. What is a must see for tourist in Guate? I’ll be there for 5 days. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Tikal, Quirigua and Zaculeu, for ancient mayan architecture Quetzaltenango (Xela) for a really architectonichally interesting city and a mix of cultures. The Capital City so you see a more modern area of the country won't like... leave with a completely exoticized view of the…
🦟 Bug Protection
Bring bug nets or repellent, especially if visiting in the afternoon.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures drop significantly at night if you plan to camp.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Truck Ride Up
Opt for a truck ride to save energy for the stairs. Foreigners often can't drive up themselves.
⏰ Go Early!
Arrive early to maximize your time and enjoy the serene beauty before sunset.
🦟 Bug Protection
Bring bug nets or repellent, especially if visiting in the afternoon.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures drop significantly at night if you plan to camp.
💰 Entry Fees
Expect to pay around 75 quetzales for foreigners and 10 for locals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laguna Chicabal is a breathtaking and sacred Mayan site, lauded for its mystical crater lake and stunning volcano views. Visitors praise the unique atmosphere and the rewarding challenge of the stairs, though the steepness and potential for bugs are noted drawbacks. Arriving early is highly recommended for the best experience.
"One of my favorite places to visit every time I’m in Guatemala!
This trek is most enjoyed with a truck ride heading up then down. And hiking is only necessary when you make it towards the craters entrance and from there you hike down hundreds of stairs to the beautiful lake.
Coming back up to the stairs requires more energy so be prepared for that!
If you have bug nets consider bringing them just in case. The bugs were swarming over our heads the first time we went so having them handy would’ve made that moment a bit more enjoyable.
Please head to this lake early and coming past afternoon wouldn’t be advised in my opinion. You’ll need more time to enjoy this trek before the sun starts to set."
Ash
"Locals pay 10, foreigners 75 quetzal for entry. Locals can drive up the mountain with own trucks, foreigners not- otherwise beautiful"
Mirek Ch.
"A nice lake in a Volcano crater. At the lookout on the top you have a great view of the lake and Santa Maria Volcano. The walk up is hard if you are not in shape, but you can pay a pickup to take you most of the way."
Mark T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Xela, take a chicken bus to San Martin Chiquito (around 10Q). From there, it's a 2-3 hour walk up a steep path, or you can arrange a 4x4 taxi for a quicker ascent. Many visitors recommend paying for a truck ride to get closer to the crater entrance.
Locals with their own trucks may be able to drive up, but foreigners are generally not permitted to drive their own vehicles to the crater entrance. Arranging local transport is advised.
The walk up to the crater entrance is steep but wide. The real challenge is the hundreds of stairs down to the lake and, more significantly, back up. A truck ride can help mitigate the initial climb.
Once at the crater entrance, you'll descend hundreds of stairs to reach the lake. The return journey up the stairs requires considerable energy.
Yes, you can hire a 4x4 taxi or a truck ride to take you most of the way up the mountain, saving your energy for the stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for foreigners is typically around 75 quetzales, while locals pay a much lower fee of about 10 quetzales.
Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the entrance. It's advisable to have cash on hand for the entry fee.
Swimming in the lake is not allowed as it is considered a sacred site. Be respectful of local customs and the natural environment.
It's highly recommended to visit early in the morning. Afternoon visits are not advised due to fading daylight.
Yes, camping is permitted. The fee is around 15 quetzales per person. Be prepared for cold nights.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the sacred Mayan lake within the volcano crater, enjoy stunning views from the mirador, and experience a challenging hike down and up the crater stairs. You might even witness local ceremonies.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited as Laguna Chicabal is a sacred Mayan site.
The mirador offers a fantastic lookout point with views of the lake and Volcan Santa Maria. At sunrise, you might even see lava from Volcan Santiaguito.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep terrain and stairs. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change.
Information on specific facilities is limited, but it's a natural site. Bring your own water and snacks. Basic amenities might be available near the entrance.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Overnight Stays
Yes, camping is an option and is quite peaceful, especially if you're lucky enough to have the place to yourself. The fee is around 15 quetzales per person.
Be prepared for cold temperatures, which can drop to around 5 degrees Celsius at night. Bring extra warm clothing and sleeping gear.
Camping is generally considered safe, especially if you are seeking solitude. However, always take standard precautions for remote camping.
Camping allows you to experience the mystical atmosphere of the lake without the rush of a day trip and potentially witness a stunning sunrise.
While not explicitly stated, it's wise to confirm camping arrangements upon arrival or with local guides if possible, especially during peak seasons.
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