Laguna Brava
Getting to Laguna Brava is quite an adventure. This journey is not for the addicts to hotels and spas but ideal to the adventurous.It takes a while to get there from Guatemala city. This lagoon is near the mexican border on the upper side of Huehuetenango (read the directions on how to get there below) but it is a place worth visiting it.
Huehuetenango is known for its fresh and cold weather, but being one of the most variated micro-climates department of Guatemala, there is a lot to see and do. This journey will take you first for the warm lands of Huehuetenango until reaching "La Trinidad". Here you can feel the sun at its best.
This is where the next part of the journey begins turning to the right and entering the road that takes you to Magdalena Lagoon. You will notice the ascent and the change of weather entering humid valleys surrounded by beautiful forest. The pouring rain often appears in this part so beware of it. You will need a 4wd vehicle or a jeep as the road gets really moody. The signs are quite clear but ask whenever in doubt.
Once at the small town of Magdalena you are about 2 km from the Lagoon but is not what you think as the adventure increases its level. From here is about 3 or 4 hours walking till the lagoon. Yes, you read it right.
Passing from small plantations and hills the roads goes like a serpent ascending and descending on moody treks. You will find a guide easily at the village, don't go on your own because you will get lost.
One part of the journey involves entering a small mountain called "Sad Night" or "Noche Triste". This place is called like this as the story tells about a group getting lost and entering here with no food, water or gear, spending the night walking while it the poring rain went on and on. Near this place you will have a small view of the Lagoon but you are half the walk maybe.
Once you approach to the lagoon you will crabs, a nice river with huge fish all around and yes, the sound of the waves at the Lagoon.Laguna Brava is called this way as its like the ocean with its waves. When is windy you can hear the sound from far a way.
What to expect at Laguna Brava?
- A long drive from Guatemala city for warm roads until reaching La Trinidad.
- A moody road from there to the lagoon.
- Fresh and cold weather at the small village.
- Yes, there are accommodations so you can spend the night there. Take your sleeping bag with you.
- Expect the ride of your life on the moody trails walking to the lagoon.
- Peace, peace and more peace at the surroundings of the lagoon and at the shore.
Laguna Brava is one of the biggest lakes in Guatemala. It is near the Mexico border.
How to get to Laguna Brava?
Drive via Interamericana Road passing by Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango entrance. Stay on the main road (do not enter Huhuetenango main city) and drive to Nenton and then to La Trinidad. Once there take the only turn to the right at the fork where you will see a small store (trust me, there is nothing else before this point).From here stay on the moody road until reaching the village of Magdalena, take a map and don't forget to ask the locals so you don't get lost. Enjoy the ride.
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The highlands of Huehuetenango have a magic lagoon named Magdalena at 3,200 meters above sea level. The water is kinda cold but the journey is totally worth it as there are few landscapes like this: clear water, a beautiful forest and the gradient of light to deep blue decorating the sky.
You'll have to think twice about the word *impressive*. El Cimarron is 160 meters deep and 172 wide. Its located in the middle of a dry land in Huehuetenango, but it holds a humid and fertile forest at the bottom. There are no ways of getting there except with professional gear, good physical condition and zero fear to heights.
The Archaeological maya site of Zaculeu is located in Huehuetenango at only minutes from the urban center. Its temples show the symmetric beauty so naturally found on mayan cities. It has a great plaza and a foot ball field. The museum shows the skeleton of a maya woman found at the place.