Lagunas de Montebello, or Montebello Lakes, is a national park in the Mexican state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala, comprising 59 multi-coloured lakes in a pine forest and two Maya ruins. The park is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for the region’s traditional food and a binational collaboration with Guatemala. We visited this area as part of the IBRG CATEX-24 expedition.
On the day we visited it was dull and overcast and very much had an out of season feel about it. Tziscao is the main town with many lakeside cabins that can be rented. We had planned to do that, but the miserable weather and a power cut put paid to that idea.
Our focus was on visiting a small lake near Tziscao which is divided in half by the border. The border is externally well demarcated with large and small border markers, flags, plaques and signs.
There are no controls or restrictions at all, and we walked anti clockwise around the lake, entering and leaving Guatemala without any checks
Point A
Walking around from the main parking place, there are views of Lake Tziscao and then a gate that leads you to the International Lake. Welcome to both Mexico and Guatemala. There are trails that lead around the lake and to adjacent villages. Border POI’s which are also commercial tourist attractions can be a little disappointing, the DMZ in South Korea and BEDENL tripoint at Vaals, Belgium for example. This however was a fantastic place, not over developed and lots to see.
Point B
Walking along the path leads to the first set of border markers. Although there were fewer markers than the ones on the other side they were close to a Guatemalan village which gave added interest. There were large and small markers (3 types) flags and signs.
Looking across the border line
The border is very clearly marked with supplementary and main markers and suspended buoys across the lake.
Supplementary Marker BM#36A
Below the main marker and the flags is situated a supplementary marker which is a smaller version of the large obelisk. It is absolutely clear at all times where the border is and which country you are in.
Guatemalan Village
Just across the border there was a small village called Nentón with colourful buildings, and some artisan shops. The population speaks Spanish and Chuj. Suddenly we were properly in another country, #67 for me. One border POI was a divided chicken coop with the border separating the Mexican and Guatemalan chickens
Point C
Most people come to this point, it is close to the car park and all the Mexican souvenir and food stalls. There is a Pharmacy just across the border in Guatemala.
Looking south along the border, and track leads to other parts of the village. The border is clearly marked, and it appears as that there are trails that cross cross the border.
A fascinating place for border geeks. If you are in the area I would recommend a visit. Very few people here, some Mexican tourists at Point C, I imagine it gets much busier in season.
Date of Visit: 21 November 2024
Barry's Borderpoints 