Laguna Brava — Attraction in Huehuetenango

The hills of Guatemala’s remote northwestern corner in Huehuetenango municipality conceal the limestone Laguna Brava. Flanked on all sides by green mountains, this lake hides at the end of dirt roads, some of which lead into remote areas of Chiapas, Mexico.

Measuring 5 km long, Laguna Brava is big but relatively far from any major towns and hence is not an easy place to get to. There are entry points at Aguacate, Yolombojoch, and Bendiciones—this one leads to either the town Yulaurel or a turnoff for Hotel Buena Vista. A couple other secret, back country entrances exist on the northwest approach to the lake, but good luck traversing them!

If you are looking to camp, or stay in a proper cabin, Aguacate is the most developed site on the lake. They have drinks and hot food, a few different roofs, and guides who will row you to a waterfall or cenotes. My favorite restaurant here has a gazebo on stilts! See my review of “Laguna Brava, Aguacate” for photos.

If you are looking for a more exotic experience, head to the Yulaurel entrance because that’s where the Tres Cenotes are. Yulaurel is challenging to reach, but there is a campsite with small rooms you can stay in for free. Bring a sleeping bag and pad. There is a beach. The cenotes here are well worth any extra effort traveling—see my review of “Cenotes de la Laguna Brava” for pictures!

Be clever with your camping supplies, you can find water in these towns but not much fresh food. Bring fresh food or accept 35-45Q meals for vegetables. Dry noodles and eggs are readily available.

Overall, Laguna Brava is a beautiful spot to relax in and listen to jungle noises. Hiking along the water isn’t huge here because the mountains are so dense, but swimming in crystal clear water, enjoying views with jungle noises, and the weather are all idyllic. If you like hiking, walk and hitch down the country roads.

Come to Laguna Brava for incredible , breathtaking mountain scenery, and brilliantly colored water with linestone. This lake is one of the most remote in Guatemala, but is ideal for nature lovers or someone en route to Mexico to renew their...

este lugar se lleva las 5 estrellas, es un lugar súper hermoso, todo empieza desde las vistas a la laguna brava que son hermosas, luego tendrás que remar como 1:30 minutos para llegar a los cenotes, es bastante cansado ya que por ayudarle al lanchero uno se pone a remar pero al llegar a los cenotes les aseguro que todo habrá valido la pena, son 3 cenotes preciosos, en el tercer cenote es al único que puedes entrar a nadar y si van a esos cenotes definitivamente tienen que meterse a nadar, el agua es fría pero luego de un rato se siente rico, para llegar a los cenotes tienes que pasar por un sendero entre la selva y pasar por un río, el trayecto es como de 15 minutos máximo, mi recomendación es que hagan este recorrido en la mañana, ya que yo lo hice en la tarde y regresamos en la noche cuando ya no había nada, ni se mirada el camino de regreso, mejor si apuntas el número de los pick ups ya que de regreso no querrás subir camiando de lo cansando que vienes, pasen un...

I was here many years ago ., back in the day there was no pave roads ., in those days you can rent horses or donkeys to bring you down … if you don’t like to walk , this is not your place to go … it’s a tough trip.,...