Hike up a path on the Chicabal Volcano to see the landscape that shaped the spiritual lives of the Maya. This destination is 8,897 feet (2713 m) above sea level. At the summit, you’ll see Chicabal Lake, a body of water that formed in the mouth of the volcano.

On your way to the lake, you’ll hike through the humid environment of a cloud forest. These special atmospheric conditions allow for a wide variety of rare plants and insects. Your guide will point out the area’s most unique specimens. Because of the mist from the cloud forest, the lake is sometimes enveloped in fog. From the shores of the lake, you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding volcanos.

The Chicabal Volcano is part of the homeland of the Mam tribe. In the pre-Columbian area, the Mam people made up part of the enormous Maya kingdom. At the lake, you will see priests visiting the lake to make sacrifices to Mayan water spirits. Priests stand at the edge of the lake, saying prayers and performing ceremonies with small crosses, candles, and flowers. Chicabal is especially busy during the 40 days after Easter, when the priests visit the lake at Chicabal to ask for rain.

Because this place is such an important spiritual location, visitors are asked to not swim in the lake, and be especially careful to not leave any litter behind.