TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Moonlit Lagoon and Sunrise Birds: A Two‑Day Lacandona Jungle Camp to Lacanjá Lagoon
A guided, two‑day camping trek from Lacanja Chansayab that leads deep into the Lacandona jungle to swim in Lacanjá Lagoon and sleep beside a fire under the moon.
Moonlit Lagoon and Sunrise Birds: A Two‑Day Lacandona Jungle Camp to Lacanjá Lagoon.
Set in the heart of Chiapas’s Lacandona jungle, this two‑day expedition follows pre‑dawn trails from Lacanja Chansayab into dense rainforest to reach the crystalline Lacanjá Lagoon. Over the course of an overnight camp you’ll trek through lush landscapes, learn about Mayan legacy on interpretive trails, swim in the lagoon’s clear water, and spend a dinner and night beside a jungle fire and moonlight.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dawn start and a full jungle trek
The experience begins before sunrise with a pickup in Lacanja Chansayab and a deep jungle trek of roughly 3.5–4 hours that covers about 11 km to reach the lagoon—time and distance vary with physical condition.
Lacanjá Lagoon: swim in crystalline water
Upon arrival you have several hours of free time to admire the lagoon’s beauty and take a refreshing swim in its clear water before settling in for the evening.
Campfire dinner and moonlit jungle
After a day of trekking and exploration, the group shares a special dinner beside a fire and spends the night in the jungle beneath the moon; the following morning begins with coffee at sunrise before the return trek.
What the day feels like
What the two days feel like
You rise well before dawn in Lacanja Chansayab to follow bird song into an hour‑by‑hour jungle that tightens around the trail. After several hours of steady trekking you break into open water at Lacanjá Lagoon, where a long spell of swimming and quiet shoreline time balances the day. Evening brings a communal dinner and campfire under moonlight; at sunrise you sip coffee to the jungle’s chorus before returning toward Lacanja Chansayab and arriving late afternoon the next day.
THE ROUTE
Dawn start and a full jungle trek
The experience begins before sunrise with a pickup in Lacanja Chansayab and a deep jungle trek of roughly 3.5–4 hours that covers about 11 km to reach the lagoon—time and distance vary with physical condition.
THE WATER
Lacanjá Lagoon: swim in crystalline water
Upon arrival you have several hours of free time to admire the lagoon’s beauty and take a refreshing swim in its clear water before settling in for the evening.
THE NIGHT
Campfire dinner and moonlit jungle
After a day of trekking and exploration, the group shares a special dinner beside a fire and spends the night in the jungle beneath the moon; the following morning begins with coffee at sunrise before the return trek.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring comfortable dry‑fit clothing and shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and closed sandals. A 40‑liter backpack and a water bottle (a Nalgene with filter is recommended) are suggested.
Pack light but prepare for wet and humid jungle conditions; the operator suggests closed sandals and swimwear for lagoon time.
The program starts very early from Lacanja Chansayab (around 4:30 a.m.), includes a full day and an overnight, and returns to Lacanja Chansayab with an expected arrival in the late afternoon the following day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many kilometers is the trek to Lacanjá Lagoon?
About 11 km; the trek typically takes around 3.5–4 hours depending on your physical condition.
Where and when does the trip start?
Pickup is at your ecolodge in Lacanja Chansayab at approximately 4:30 a.m. to begin the first‑day trek.
How long will we spend at the lagoon?
You will have roughly 3–4 hours of free time at the lagoon for exploration and swimming.
Are there any health or access restrictions?
The trip is not suitable for disabled travelers or pregnant women; a moderate physical condition is suggested and swimming is necessary.
What personal gear is recommended?
Comfortable dry‑fit clothes and shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, closed sandals, a ~40 L backpack, and a water bottle (a Nalgene with filter is recommended).