Guatemala, Sierra del Lacandon

Sierra Del Lacandon, Guatemala

Total Area of Park: 1656842 ha

Detailed Map of Site
Destination Site Overview

Partners: Fundacion Defensores de la Naturaleza

Location: Peten, Guatemala

Site Description:
Established in 1990 as one of eight protected core zones of the Guatemala Maya Biosphere Reserve, Sierra del Lacandon National Park (SLNP) is Guatemala's second largest national park. It covers a surface area of 500,000 acres of luxuriant broad leaf tropical rainforest, unique karstic geological formations, freshwater lakes, impressive mountain ranges and low-lying savannah plains.

SLNP is rich in biodiversity, containing at least 27 species of mammals, 424 resident and migratory birds, 97 reptile species, and 32 amphibious species, besides the 112 fish species registered in the Usumacinta River. The SLNP is also habitat to many endangered species - such as the jaguar, puma, anteater, howler monkey, ocelot, scarlet macaw, and moreletti crocodile.

Principle Ecotourism Attractions:

  • Rainforest
  • Maya Ruins at Piedras Negras and Yaxchilan
  • Wildlife and birds
  • Landscapes and riverscapes
  • Karstic water holes over 100 meters deep
  • Caves
  • River
  • Large lakes

    • Guide Availability: Some availability of local guides and bilingual naturalists.

    Infrastructure: Simple community owned lodge in operation. Potential for more and diverse lodge types.

    View our map of ecotourism sites in Meso- America