The largest lake in the Lacandon rainforest, a clear expanse of water ringed by uncut jungle inside the Montes Azules biosphere reserve, reached from the Tzeltal community of Emiliano Zapata after a boat ride and a forest walk, with rock paintings and a cave on the far shore
Laguna Miramar is the largest lake in the Lacandon rainforest, a wide, clear expanse of water ringed by uncut jungle deep inside the Montes Azules biosphere reserve, with no roads or permanent settlements around its shoreline. Access runs entirely through the Tzeltal community of Emiliano Zapata, which organises the boat trip and forest walk needed to reach the lake and manages all camping and guiding once there. On the far shore, a small island and cave hold rock paintings left by earlier Maya inhabitants, reachable only with a community guide who knows the route through the surrounding forest. Because there is no infrastructure beyond what the community cooperative provides, a visit to Laguna Miramar is inherently a multi-day undertaking rather than a day trip: most visits run two nights, with the first day spent travelling in and setting up camp, a full day exploring the lake and the rock-painting site by canoe, and a final day for the return journey. The lake's isolation is its main draw, offering a sense of undisturbed rainforest wilderness that is difficult to find elsewhere in Chiapas, but it also means the trip depends entirely on a firm dry-season weather window, since heavy rain can make the access trails impassable and the boat crossing unsafe.
Highlights
- Largest lake in the Lacandon rainforest, ringed entirely by uncut jungle
- Canoe access to an island cave with ancient rock paintings
- Community-run camping and guiding through Emiliano Zapata
- Genuine rainforest isolation with no roads or settlements on the shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Arrange guides, canoes and camping in advance through the Emiliano Zapata community cooperative, as there is no independent access
- Plan for at least two nights, since the boat ride, forest walk and lake exploration cannot be compressed into a single day
- Travel only in a firm dry-season weather window, as heavy rain can make trails impassable and the crossing unsafe
- Bring your own camping gear and insect repellent, as facilities at the lake are basic
- Confirm current access arrangements with the cooperative before travelling, since community-managed routes can change
When to visit
The dry season gives the only reliable weather window for the boat crossing and forest access trails.
Accessibility
Reaching the lake requires a boat ride followed by a forest walk on unpaved trails, making the site inaccessible to wheelchair users and difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Laguna Miramar take?
At least two nights, covering the journey in, a full day exploring the lake and rock-painting cave, and the return trip.
Is Laguna Miramar worth it for kids?
The remote, multi-day nature of the trip and basic camping conditions suit older children and adults with outdoor experience better than young children.
Is photography allowed at the lake and cave?
Yes, photography is generally allowed, though visitors should follow the community guide's instructions around the rock paintings.