Volcan Chicabal

Located high within Guatemala’s western highlands, within easy reach of the city of Quetzaltenango, sacred Volcan Chicabal offers rare international visitors a combination of breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity and profound cultural significance.

Rising to over 2,700 metres above sea level, and with a crater measuring some 575 metres in diameter, Volcan Chicabal is a dormant volcano that forms part of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range. Visiting Volcan Chicabal is more than just another Guatemala hike however.

For the local Mam Maya, both the volcano and its lake are considered sacred. In the local Mam language, ‘Chicabal’ can be taken to mean either ‘Sweet Spirit Water’ or ‘Place of Good Blood’ and for centuries the lake has been one of the most sacred ceremonial sites for the local community.

Colourful altars line the shore where traditional ceremonies continue throughout the year, with offerings of flowers, candles, incense and prayers honouring nature and ancestral spirits. Visitors are welcome to observe respectfully, although swimming is strictly prohibited to preserve the lake’s spiritual importance.

For most visitors, the day begins with an early start from Quetzaltenango and a scenic drive through rolling farmland before reaching the protected reserve at the volcano’s base. From there, a well-maintained forest trail winds through towering cloud forest filled with ancient oak, pine and cypress trees, ferns, orchids, bromeliads and mosses.

The reserve is also home to a wide variety of birdlife including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, horned guan and, for the very lucky, the elusive resplendent quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird.

After a moderate hike of around one hour, the trail reaches the rim of the volcanic crater. Here, panoramic viewpoints reveal the emerald-green waters of Laguna Chicabal resting perfectly within the circular crater below. On clear mornings, visitors can also enjoy sweeping views of neighbouring volcanoes such as Tacaná, Tajumulco, Santa María and Santiaguito.

The best time to visit to visit Volcan Chicabla is during the Guatemala high season between November and April, when skies are more likely to be clear. Early morning departures are also strongly recommended as clouds frequently gather over the lake by midday, creating an atmospheric but much more limited outlook.

Beyond The Ordinary specialise in private, tailor made tours of Guatemala any of which can include a visit to Volcan Chicabal as part of the itinerary. One such example is our Hike Guatemala tour although this really is no more than one potential suggestion.