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National park in Chiapas, Mexico
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lagunas de Montebello National Park is in Chiapas in the southern part of Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. It is famous for its many colorful lakes (CONANP says more than 60, some other sources say 59). The lakes are remarkable for the wide range of natural water colors they exhibit; colors that range from light aquamarine to a brilliant deep purple. Some lakes are green, others blue, a few red. The park is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.en.unesco.org/biosphere/lac/lagunas-montebello
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This is a little-known Mayan archaeological site in the western section of the park. The once moderate-size city was abandoned around the 13th century AD. Most of the site has been unexplored with only a few archaeological digs in modern times. Few tourists visit the site, and even though the INAH maintains visitor facilities on the site, they are likely to be closed if you visit at a particularly light time of year. The highest point at the site is called the Acropolis and it serves as the site for a pyramid temple and a vantage point for views of the surrounding lakes. During the rainy season, low lying areas of the site flood, cutting off access to the Acropolis.
3km one way hike to the viewpoints of lake Pojoj and Cinco Lagos. Hike is easy and go through the forest. Possibility to cross the 5 lakes on a raft for M$250 and to hike to other lakes from the other side (ask at the entrance if available). Otherwise you'll have to hike back.
Well maintained cabins with beautiful views over the lake. Has swimming access. Hot water, good WiFi and barbecue available.
The national park is in a remote area on Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. The easiest way for a traveler to visit the park is to fly into Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ).
Read in the guideHiking is a good way to get around the park. You can also take a mototaxi that is waiting at the entrance of Tziscao. Horseback riding is also available.
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Tuxtla Gutiérrez · Regional · TGZ
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