Sitting at 2712 meters in a volcanic crater in Guatemala’s highlands, Laguna de Chicabal forms the center of the cosmos for the Mam Maya.
CONTENTS
Mayan Legends
It’s forbidden to wash, swim, or fish in Laguna Chicabal.
Legend has it that once some men once fished there and were sucked under the waters to disappear, forever (like a Stephen King horror).
When Mayans wade into the water to make shrines (picture below) they go only when tied / roped to someone else on the lakeshore … for safety.
The altar is a gateway to the Maya underworld — a place of spirits beneath the lake
Many altars — different spots for blessings of better health, fertility, or to forgive sins — circle the lake.
At these places, the Maya perform ceremonies, lighting fires, burning copal (pine gum incense), offering gifts of alcohol, candies, and cookies to the spirits.
Laguna Chicabal Hike
- The Laguna Chicabal hike takes 2 hours (from the village drop-point).
- The easiest way up starts by getting there with a backpacker-focused van trip, usually a group of 5-6 along with a Mayan guide from Xela (Quetzaltenango).
- You’ll depart around 8 AM.
- It’s relatively easy, following an obvious trail.
- Take water – and a snack, even if you had breakfast.
- The hike travels thru dense cloud-forest, and mist usually blankets the lake and volcano by mid-morning – so, set off early if you want decent views!
A lucky clear-morning view will reveal 3 other volcanoes – including Santa Maria & the small, but active and regularly-erupting Santiaguito Volcano.
Travels in Guatemala – 2009
