Lake Izabal Travel Guide

This is the largest of Guatemala's lakes. It is a gentle expanse of water hemmed in by the Sierra de las Minas to the south and the Santa Cruz range to the north. The waters of the lake are rich in perch, tarpon and other game fish. Unique to the lake is the fresh-water manatee, or sea cow, a mammal that can weigh up to a ton. This species is in danger of extinction and the manatees are the largest mammals in the country.

The photo is of a hot waterfall on the north side of the lake.  Hot water falls from a height of 10 meters into a cold mountain pool at the foot of the mountains. 20 minutes from there you can stay at the Beach of Finca Paradiso (125Q, if negotiaded).  It is possible to hike a couple of hundred yards upstream and see the cave from which the river exits after passing completely under the mountain.  A little further along the dirt road that lines the north shore of the lake is the Boqueron Canyon where for a very small sum you can paddle up an incredible canyon.  The sleepy town of El Estor is a few miles further on and has a couple of backpacker hotels where you can get transport to Coban and Lanquin.

Lake Izabal is also accessable on the south shore by taking the paved road that leaves the main east-west highway at the Trincheras junction (KM 217) and visiting Mariscos, a small fishing village.  This road is very beautiful and passes through rubber plantations and offers great views of the lake.  There is also affordable accomodation in Mariscos and other nearby towns.  This area is great for hiking, water sports, kayaking and other great activities.

This area is virtually untouched by tourism, and there is a good chance that you won't see many other groups of travellers.  If you value this, Lake Izabal is a good choice for you to spend a few days.