Laguna Lachuá National Park is named after the Lachuá Lake (or “laguna” in Spanish). It is located in Guatemala’s steamy lowlands. The perfectly round lake and the surrounding park are kept quite pristine by the local rangers.

Surrounding the lake, the dense jungle is filled with the sounds of tropical birds. Bird-watching enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for the park’s toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, and owls. To get to the lake, you’ll take a 3-mile (4.5 km) hike through the jungle to reach the sandy beaches of the lakeshore.

Visitors find the clear, blue-green water particularly inviting. On the tour, you’re invited to swim or wade. The lake is a little over 1 mile (2 km) across and about 650 feet (200 m) deep. You may even get the chance to share the lake with a few local otters.

If you choose to take the 2-day tour, you’ll spend the night in the park’s ecological lodge. This 2-floor lodge offers guests a shower and simple amenities, including mosquito netting over the beds.