Laguna Brava

Laguna Brava, called Yolnajab in Chuj, lies in limestone country in the far north of Huehuetenango close to the Mexican border, a lake several kilometres long and an intense turquoise from the dissolved carbonate in the water, enclosed by low forested hills with no road reaching the shore. The way in is a walk of a couple of hours from the village of Yalambojoch, and once there the lake is crossed on simple rafts poled by men from the community, which is the standard way to see its length. Camping on the shore is possible. It is remote enough that visitor numbers remain low, and the community manages access.

What you actually see

• Intense turquoise water - the colour the limestone gives the lake.
• Rafts poled across the water - the community boats that cross it.
• Forested hills around the shore - the enclosure of the lake.
• No road to the water - the two-hour walk in from the village.

When to go

January to April in the dry season, when the road and trail are workable. Two days, camping or staying in the village. Guides and rafts are arranged with the community.

Honest expectations

Getting there is a long day of rough road from Huehuetenango plus a two-hour walk. Facilities are camping and village lodging. Rafts are basic and there are no life jackets. It is close to the border and identification should be carried.

Nearby

Yalambojoch is south; the Mexican border lies north.