Lagunas de Montebello

About Lagunas de Montebello

Up in the pine-covered hills of eastern Chiapas, right against the Guatemalan frontier, a national park protects dozens of lakes in shifting shades of blue and green. It protects dozens of lakes set among pine and oak forest, and the waters range in color from deep blue to green and turquoise depending on depth, minerals and light. Local communities, many of them Indigenous, operate much of the tourism infrastructure, from rafts to small eateries.

A road loops through the park, linking the main lake areas. The Lagunas de Colores are a cluster of small lakes known for their contrasting shades, while Lago Tziscao, the largest, stretches toward the border and has a village on its shore. Laguna Pojoj has an island reachable by raft, and the Sendero El Pojoj follows the shoreline through forest. Laguna Montebello is a popular stop with horse rides and a viewpoint at La Cañada. Wooden rafts, kayaks and horses are offered at several lakes, and the forest shelters birds and other wildlife. Within or near the park, the ruins of Chinkultic sit on a hill above a cenote. Farther out, the natural arch of Grutas San Rafael del Arco, the waterfalls at El Chiflón and the river rapids at Las Nubes are worthwhile additions.

The park suits nature lovers and photographers. Comitán is the usual base, and the highland air can feel cool year-round.