Laguna de la Media Luna

Laguna de la Media Luna, near Rioverde, is a crescent-shaped, spring-fed lagoon whose crystalline water stays around 28°C year-round thanks to six underwater springs feeding the basin. Visitors swim, snorkel, freedive or scuba dive in water so clear that the lagoon floor remains visible at considerable depth, and the site has drawn paleontological interest after prehistoric mammoth remains were recovered from its depths, some now displayed in regional museums. A visit generally lasts 2 to 3 hours, whether spent swimming near the surface or arranging a guided dive down to the deeper spring vents. The clearest photographs, especially underwater shots, come in the still water of early morning before wind and swimmer activity disturb the surface. Weekday mornings offer noticeably clearer water and fewer swimmers than weekend afternoons, when the lagoon draws large crowds from Rioverde and surrounding towns escaping the heat. Snorkeling gear can be rented on-site, though visitors planning a scuba dive to the spring vents should arrange this with a certified local operator in advance. The consistent water temperature makes the lagoon a comfortable swim in any season, unlike many outdoor water attractions in the region.