Lachuá, the mirror of the sky

María Godoy

DCA Mundo

Delight with the Lachuá Lagoon… one of the Guatemalan cenotes to get in touch with nature, and that will give you more than one snapshot.

The Lachuá Lagoon is in Cobán, department of Alta Verapaz. It is considered the mirror of the sky because of its circular shape and the crystal-clear waters that reflect the jungle undergrowth and the night stars.

However, for the Q’eqchi culture, “li chu há” means “fetid water.” The water has a high mineral content, so trees that fall into the lagoon are quickly covered with a white layer.

Diversity

According to the National Council for Protected Areas (Conap, acronym in Spanish), Lachuá is 222 meters deep and is home to great biological diversity. It hosts over 200 species, including jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and tapirs. The most important fish species are tarpon, machacas, and various species of white.fish. Several projects and resources are allocated to protect the different species every year.

It is essential to mention that Lachuá and its 55 Q’eqchi communities were recognized as Model Forests and are part of the Ibero-American Model Forest Network. Guatemala is unique and unstoppable!