Private Tour

Private Hike to a Sacred Lagoon on a Crater Volcano - Full-Day Tour from Xela

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

The Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal are a must on your visit to Xela. Go on this easy hike and visit the volcano´s crater full of water, now considered a sacred place for the Mayans.

In Guatemala, there are only two volcanoes with a lagoon on their crater, and this is one of them. Many Mayans come to the crater lagoon to practice ceremonies, have direct communication with their ancestors and gods, and be surrounded by nature.

Because this is considered a sacred place, it is not permitted to swim in the lagoon, however, you will appreciate up close the Mayan beliefs whether you see a ceremony or not. If you don´t see one, you will not miss the chance to see all the bouquets on the shore, left there by people as offerings or to say thanks for a favor answered.

We will coordinate everything for you, so you just enjoy the experience.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please make sure to bring hiking shoes, sun protection, mosquito repellent, and healthy snacks

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Entrance fee to the Volcano

Shared 4WD transportation to get to the entrance of the volcano

Certified tour guide

Air conditioning in the vehicle

Gratuities

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

We will start with this tour by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel located in the central area of Xela or nearby the central park. Our professional team, tour guide, and bus pilot will be ready to pick you up on time and without inconvenience. The tour will start at 8:00 AM, so you have enough time to have breakfast and, get ready for the upcoming adventure at Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal. The ride will take us only 1 hour to get there. Once we get to the general area of the volcano, a 4WD vehicle will be waiting for us to take us to the entrance and where we pay for our admission tickets. Remember to bring hiking shoes, that is very important as the weather up there is cold and wet, and the soil could be a little slippery. You may also bring mosquito repellent and sun protection, as well as some healthy snacks to give you energy in case you need it such as raisins, granola bars, nuts, or similar.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Laguna Chicabal

After we get to the entrance of the volcano, we will go to the viewpoint where we will have a great view of the lagoon. Spend some time there appreciating nature, the peace, and the fresh air, and then go downstairs to the shore of the crater lagoon. Once you get to the shore, you will feel a pleasant energy surrounding you. This is a sacred place for Mayan people as they come here to do ceremonies, pray, and ask their ancestors for favors. If you are lucky enough, you will see a ceremony right before your eyes (if we get permission from the Mayan priest and the indigenous people witnessing the ceremony). If there´s no ceremony taking place, you will definitely see many bouquets decorating the shore, they are offerings for favors asked. If the weather is on our side, you will have a clear view of the entire lagoon and even witness a local legend, we are talking about the Mayan God that descends from heaven in form of mist, skims the water, and leaves back to heaven.

3 hours • Admission Included