Laguna Magdalena

Among the most beautiful places in Guatemala, Madgalena Lagoon in located in Huehuetenango and can be called a real paradise that makes you want to come back again and again.

Getting there involves a 18 kilometer drive for a non paved road (more directions on how to get there below).

But fear not my friend, trust me like you will only a few times in your life: the landscape is amazingly beautiful.

The road goes among humble but beautiful houses with children playing on their huge backyard.

The sky is blue and you can see the gradient from the horizon going from light blue to deep dark blue. Remember, we are talking about a journey at 3,200 meters above sea level so the stars look great at night when the sky is clear.

Just relax

People here looks quite happy everywhere. They are very kind and even as they live apart from each other, the community is very united.

As you get closer to the lagoon you will enjoy more and more freshness and different landscapes.

The sides of the road get rocky and suddenly the view opens up again with sheep and farmers around.

Just about your destination a river will join your walk to the entrance.

You can always ask for permission everywhere to camp, but remember, ask for permission, the community is very united but land problems have been around Guatemala since... always.

You'll be tempted to sleep out of the tent but don't do it unless you set up a good fire as the temperature decreases more and more about midnight.

Perhaps you'll have my luck, when the humidity of the grass gets frozen and as you walk you hear the ice braking, or maybe you can look the shiny crystals when you pointing the headlamp at them.

What to expect at Magdalena Lagoon?

• Expect a cold weather and sunny days. The nights are really cold (depending on where you come from) it gets to 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. The moisture of the air makes this even colder.
• Peace, expect a lot of peace and amazing treks around the lagoon.
• Open views, yes, there are no hotels, no hospitals, no nothing... only family houses from time to time so expect no accommodations but the ones nature gives us for free surrounded by beauty.
• Cold water... yes, the view invites to take a jump into the water of the river or the lagoon but beware, it is cold, remember: c-o-l-d :)

Don't forget

Bring enough batteries for your camera, aslo film or memory available for the views you are about to see. Be patient... the 18km road is kinda hard, don't expect to complete this with a sedan. Take a 4wd, jeep or mountain bike with you.

You can also complete the journey walking or taking a bus or pick up early in the morning (ask over there as for the right time). Take your camping gear and enjoy.

How to get to Magdalena Lagoon

The first part is about 5 hours driving to Huehuetenango via the CA1 Road, the same one that takes you to Solola and Quetzaltenango. Once you are at Huehuetenango take the road to Todos Santos, this one goes up passing by the lookout "Dieguez Olaverri". From there the road goes straight up until the view opens up. Stay on the road and you will see a sign stating "Magdalena 18". This is where the paved road ends and the adventure begins.