Lagunas de Montebello National Park

Lagunas de Montebello Overview

Lagunas de Montebello National Park (in Spanish: Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello) is located in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. Established in 1959, the park spans approximately 23 square miles (around 60 square kilometers) and is renowned for its stunning collection of lakes, known for their strikingly clear waters and vibrant shades of blue, green, and turquoise.

The park’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and limestone karst formations that contribute to the unique coloration of the lakes. There are over 50 lakes in the park, with the most famous being Tziscao, Pojoj, and Montebello, which vary in size and hue depending on the mineral content, sunlight, and depth of the water. The park’s karst topography also results in numerous sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers, adding to the geological diversity of the region.

The vegetation in Lagunas de Montebello National Park is lush and diverse, with a combination of pine, oak, and cypressforests that thrive in the cooler, high-altitude environment of the Chiapas Highlands. The forests provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, ocelots, raccoons, and armadillos. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 100 species of birds, including toucans, hawks, woodpeckers, and the striking quetzal.

The park offers several outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, swimming, and canoeing. Trails wind through the forests, offering stunning views of the lakes, while visitors can explore caves and archeological ruins within the park. Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve and is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Mexico, known for its tranquil lakes, vibrant landscapes, and rich biodiversity.

Park Map

Lagunas de Montebello National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is rich in biodiversity, featuring species that thrive in its lakes, forests, and wetlands.

White-tailed deer are commonly seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges, their agile movements and distinctive white tails making them easy to spot.

Mexican agouti is a small rodent often found scurrying through the park’s underbrush, known for its role in seed dispersal and contribution to the ecosystem.

Central American tapir is a large herbivore that thrives in the park’s dense forests, known for its unique prehensile snout used for foraging on vegetation.

Nine-banded armadillo roams the park’s forest floors, using its strong claws to dig for insects and small invertebrates, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.

Green iguana is frequently seen basking along the park’s lakes and rivers, known for its impressive size and herbivorous diet of leaves and fruits.

Black howler monkey can be heard long before being seen, its loud calls echoing through the park’s forests, where it feeds on leaves and fruits.

Coati is a curious mammal often found foraging on the park’s forest floor, using its long, flexible snout to dig for insects, fruits, and small animals.

Spider monkeys are agile primates that swing through the park’s forest canopy, feeding on fruits and seeds while contributing to the dispersal of plant species.

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials that roam the park’s forests in search of food, known for their adaptability and ability to scavenge for fruits and insects.

Tarantulas inhabit the park’s forest floor, known for their impressive size and role in controlling insect populations as they hunt for small prey.

Bird Species

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its varied landscapes supporting a wide range of bird species.

Resplendent quetzal is a colorful, iconic bird of the park’s cloud forests, known for its vibrant green and red plumage and its importance in Mesoamerican mythology.

Montezuma oropendola is a striking bird found in the park’s forests, known for its bright yellow tail feathers and unique hanging nests built in tall trees.

Keen-billed toucan is a large, brightly colored bird often seen in the park’s forests, recognized by its oversized beak and diet of fruits and small animals.

Great curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird found in the park’s forests, known for its glossy black plumage and its distinctive, curved beak.

White-bellied chachalaca is a social bird often found foraging in the park’s lowland forests, known for its loud, raucous calls that echo through the trees.

Violet-crowned hummingbird is a small, fast-moving bird that feeds on nectar from flowers throughout the park’s forests and meadows, playing a key role in pollination.

Yellow-throated euphonia is a colorful songbird commonly seen in the park’s canopy, feeding on fruits and insects while adding a vibrant splash of color to the landscape.

Scarlet macaw is a large, vibrant parrot known for its striking red, yellow, and blue feathers, often seen flying in pairs or small flocks in the park.

Brown pelican is often seen along the park’s lakes, diving dramatically into the water to catch fish, using its large throat pouch to scoop them up.

Ruddy ground dove is a small, ground-dwelling bird found in the park’s open areas and meadows, known for its soft cooing and foraging on seeds and grains.

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Engaging Lagunes de montebello

Hiking

The park offers several hiking trails that wind through its pine, oak, and cypress forests. These trails lead visitors through the park’s diverse landscapes, offering the opportunity to encounter wildlife such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, and various bird species.

The trails vary in difficulty, making them accessible to both casual hikers and more experienced trekkers. Hikers will pass by some of the park’s lesser-known lakes, waterfalls, and viewpoints, allowing for a peaceful immersion in nature. Hiking in Lagunas de Montebello provides visitors with a close-up experience of the park’s ecological richness.

Swimming

Certain lakes in the park, such as Laguna Tziscao, are open for swimming, offering a refreshing way to enjoy the pristine waters. Visitors can take a dip in the crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by dense forests and peaceful natural beauty.

Nearby, designated picnic areas provide shaded spots to enjoy a meal with family or friends, making it a perfect way to spend a relaxing day outdoors. Swimming in the cool waters and picnicking by the shore gives visitors a chance to connect with the park’s serene environment.

Lake Exploration

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is famous for its more than 50 stunning lakes, each with distinct colors ranging from emerald green to deep blue. Visitors can explore these lakes by walking along the scenic paths or renting small boats to paddle across the water.

The colors of the lakes change throughout the day due to the light and mineral content, providing a unique and mesmerizing experience. Whether enjoying the lakes from the shore or getting closer by boat, the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make this one of the park’s most popular activities.

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Aerial view of Lagunas de Montebello National Park

Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Lagunas de Montebello, https://www.alltrails.com/ar/parks/mexico/chiapas/parque-nacional-lagunas-de-montebello, retrieved August 2024.
Mexperience, Lakes of Montebello, https://www.mexperience.com/travel/outdoors/lakes-of-montebello/, retrieved August 2024.
Moon Travel Guides, Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello in Eastern Chiapas, https://www.moon.com/travel/trip-ideas/parque-nacional-lagunas-de-montebello-in-eastern-chiapas/, retrieved August 2024.
Planeta, Lagunas de Montebello, https://www.planeta.com/lagunas-de-montebello/, retrieved August 2024.
Voyage Mexique, Montebello Lakes: The Ultimate Guide, https://www.voyagemexique.info/en/montebello-lakes/, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Lagunas de Montebello National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagunas_de_Montebello_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.

Lagunas de Montebello Overview

Park Map