Understand

Laguna Miramar, located in the beautiful Lacandon Jungle on the border of Guatemala, is a mesmerizing freshwater lake surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. It is widely renowned as one of Mexico's most ecologically diverse areas, housing an impressive 20% of all known species in the region. The crystal clear, vibrant blue color of the lake beckons visitors to indulge in refreshing swims and exhilarating canoeing adventures. As you explore the area, you'll stumble upon hidden Maya ruins, muffled by the overgrowth of the ever-encroaching jungle. However, reaching this hidden gem is no mere stroll; embarking on a journey to Laguna Miramar necessitates multiple days of travel to fully appreciate the journey and the awe-inspiring sites along the way. Plan your visit through the local community of Emiliano Zapata, who will guide you through this extraordinary experience.

Get in, Get out

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey to Laguna Miramar in Emiliano Zapata village, Mexico. To reach this hidden gem, you must first make your way to the village's visitor center, which is a 2-hour walk from the lake. Public transport operates between Emiliano Zapata and San Quentin, a nearby town located 1 km away. Look for collectivo vans and unmarked pickup trucks departing from under a large tree near the school, at the end of the dirt landing strip in front of the military base. Remember that the departure times may vary due to the local time system used by the villagers. So it's best to arrive an hour early and ask about the current schedule. If you're coming from one of the major cities in Chiapas, expect at least a day of travel by collectivo, a van or pickup truck with an open-air cage in the back. The journey through the jungle offers stunning views of alpine forests, towering mountains, jungle rivers, Maya villages, Zapatista strongholds, and Mexican military outposts. Here are some routes you can take: - Ocosingo to San Quentin: Several collectivos depart from around the corner from Ocosingo's main market early in the morning. If you arrive in Ocosingo on major bus lines, it's best to take a taxi directly to the colectivo garage. The pickups leave as they fill up, with the first one departing around 9:00 AM. The ride takes about 6 hours, with occasional stops for snacks and bathroom breaks. Once you reach San Quentin, it's a 1 km walk to Emiliano Zapata, unless the driver offers to drop you off directly at the visitor's center for an additional fee. - Ocosingo to San Quentin by Airplane: There is an airport located on the way to the Maya ruins of Tonin that offers flights to San Quentin. - Comitan to Las Margaritas to San Quentin: Take a local Comitan collectivo to Las Margaritas, which is located a short distance from Comitan. From Las Margaritas, a colectivo departs several times early in the morning to San Quentin. - Las Nubes: For a different adventure, you can visit the Jungle waterfall of Las Nubes near the Lagos de Montebello. From there, take a river boat 2 hours into the Lacondon jungle, and then catch a colectivo to Emiliano Zapata. The cost of the boat ride can vary between 800-2000 pesos, depending on the number of passengers. - Tours: In San Cristobal de Las Casas, you can arrange a tour to Laguna Miramar for around $400 USD. These tours usually require a minimum of 4 people. Keep in mind that this is not the only way to reach the lake, despite what you might be told.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**Tacos al Pastor**: A traditional Mexican dish consisting of marinated pork (although sometimes made without meat or with chicken and other meats) cooked on a vertical spit, then thinly sliced and served in corn tortillas. The dish is typically garnished with pineapple, fresh cilantro, and diced onions, and accompanied by a spicy salsa.

**Mole Poblano**: A rich, complex sauce originating from the region of Puebla, mole poblano is typically made with a combination of chili peppers, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and spices, resulting in a slightly sweet and deeply flavorful sauce. It is often served over chicken or vegetables, and garnished with sesame seeds and edible flower petals.

**Guacamole**: A famous Mexican dip made from mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and often combined with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro. It is typically served with tortilla chips or used as a condiment for various dishes.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing