The Lagunas de Montebello is a set of more than 60 lakes of different shades that are found in the Lagunas de Montebello National Park, located in the municipality of La Trinitaria, Chiapas, Mexico. This park was created in 1959 to preserve the soils, forests, and lagoons of this region, and it is considered a site of high biodiversity and natural beauty. In addition, since 2003, the park has been recognized as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, and since 2009, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What makes the Lagunas de Montebello so special?
What most attracts the attention of the Montebello Lagoons is the variety of colors that their waters present, ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue. These colors are due to several factors, such as the type of bottom soil, vegetation, depth, and light refraction. Each lagoon has its own charm and name, such as Laguna Ensueño, Laguna Esmeralda, Laguna Bosque Azul, or Laguna Tziscao.
In addition to the lagoons, the park is home to other natural attractions, such as caves, grottoes, cenotes, waterfalls, and cloud forests. It is also a habitat for more than 157 species of orchids, more than 93 species of fungi, and a great diversity of birds, such as the quetzal, the woodpecker, the chachalaca, and the dove. Among the mammals that can be found are the ocelot, the young lion, and the white-tailed deer.
How to visit the Montebello Lagoons?
To visit the Lagunas de Montebello you can arrive by car or by public transport from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas or Comitán. The park is located about 36 km south of La Trinitaria, where the access booth is located. Within the park, there are several services available to visitors, such as lodging (hotel or cabins), camping, food and beverages (restaurant or dining room), water transportation (boats or rafts), ground transportation (buses or motorcycle taxis), museums (forest and tziscao) and certified guide service.
The activities that can be carried out in the park are varied and depend on the taste and time of each one. You can go hiking, boat or raft rides, photographic safari, interpretive hiking, and horseback riding. You can also admire the landscape, the spectacular sunsets, and the fauna and flora of the place. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the humid temperate climate with rain all year round.
Why visit the Montebello Lagoons?
Visiting the Montebello Lagoons is a unique opportunity to get to know one of the most beautiful and emblematic places in Chiapas and Mexico. It is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, culture, and adventure. In addition, it is a way to support the conservation of this ecosystem that is so valuable and vulnerable to threats such as pollution, climate change, and deforestation. The Montebello Lagoons are a natural treasure that must be cared for and enjoyed.
Source: Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello
