Trek to Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon near Quetzaltenango

Walk into a volcano crater where Mayan priests still perform sacred ceremonies

A half-day trek to Laguna de Chicabal, a sacred crater lake in the highlands near Quetzaltenango where Mam Mayan people conduct traditional ceremonies. Your local guide from the region explains the rituals, the 23 Mam groups of Guatemala, and the plants and birds around the lake. The hike is moderate and works for families with children or older adults. A local 4x4 vehicle called "el torito" is available if needed.

The experience

The trek centers on Laguna de Chicabal, a crater lake that has been a ceremonial center for Mam Mayan culture for generations. You'll see the altars where priests perform rituals using candles, flowers and holy crosses, especially around May 3rd and the 40 days following Easter: dates that hold deep meaning in the Mayan calendar. Your guide is a local from Quetzaltenango or the Chicabal area itself, so they explain not just what you're seeing but why it matters to the communities who live here. The Mam are one of 23 Mayan groups in Guatemala, with roughly 500,000 people living in the southwestern highlands and into southern Mexico.

The walk takes about seven hours round-trip from your hotel, including the trek up and down and time at the lake. The route is moderate and not technically difficult: families bring children and elderly relatives regularly. If the terrain gets steep or someone needs a break, the local 4x4 called "el torito" can help. Along the way you'll spot local agricultural activities and birds native to the highlands. The fog that often wraps around the volcano adds to the sense of the place being set apart, which is exactly how the Mam people describe it: sacred and miraculous.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and covers Mayan religion, local plants, animals and the cultural significance of what you're walking through. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. The trek runs year-round, though camping at the lake is available between October and May, outside the rainy season. Entrance fees are separate.

What’s included

• Driver and guide in English or Spanish.
• round-trip shared transfer from your hotel.
• access to the crater lake and ceremonial sites.
• explanation of Mayan rituals, culture and local ecology.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Adrenalina Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a local guide, so you move at the group's pace and follow the route they set. Choose it if you want someone who lives in the region to explain what the Mam people actually do at the lake and why it matters to them: that local knowledge is what makes the difference between seeing a beautiful crater lake and understanding why it's sacred.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What do Mayan ceremonies at Chicabal Lagoon actually involve?

Mam Maya priests perform traditional rituals on the shore using candles, flowers and holy crosses. The ceremonies mark important dates on the Mayan calendar, especially May 3rd and the 40 days after Easter. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance and the history of these practices.

Is the hike to Chicabal Lagoon difficult for older adults or families with kids?

The trek is moderate and not technically difficult, so families regularly bring children and elderly relatives. If the terrain becomes steep or someone needs assistance, a local 4x4 vehicle called "el torito" is available to help.

Who are the Mam people and why is this lake sacred to them?

The Mam are one of 23 Mayan groups living in southwestern Guatemala and southern Mexico, with around 500,000 people in Guatemala. Laguna de Chicabal is their most important ceremonial center. The lake sits in a volcano crater and is surrounded by fog, which deepens its spiritual significance as a miraculous and sacred place where priests have performed rituals for generations.

What wildlife and plants will I see on this trek?

The highlands around Chicabal support lots of birds and local agricultural activities. Your guide will point out plants and animals native to the region and explain how they fit into the landscape and local life.

Can I camp overnight at the lake?

Camping at Laguna de Chicabal is available between October and May, outside the rainy season. If you book a camping option, all equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and food), is included.