Laguna

Laguna is a small Q’eqchi’ Maya village of around 250 people living against a backdrop of limestone karst hills. The scenery is also home to howler monkeys and many types of parrots, which can be seen flying over the village daily. The village’s namesake lagoon is now a protected area called Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary [1] and is one of the best spots in Toledo to go birding.

With the new mile-long boardwalk, it is easily accessible (except for the first five minutes of the walk, which can get a bit muddy). Laguna is also home to a loosely organized women’s crafts group that produces cuxtales (traditional woven Maya bags, pronounced “CUSH-tal-les”), table mats, beading, baskets, embroidery, beaded necklaces, and earrings.

There is also a long muddy farmers’ road that leads to the confluence of Blue Creek and the Moho River; this two- to three-hour flat hike is very beautiful but only recommended in the dry season (March–May). There’s also a super-cool cave about a 20-minute hike away; ask your guide.

Getting to Laguna

To get to the village, take the Laguna bus directly to the village, or take any bus that can drop you at the Laguna junction (10 miles from Punta Gorda). It is only about three miles to the village from the highway.

Laguna is the oldest member of the Toledo Ecotourism Association (TEA) guesthouse program [2], and there is a guesthouse with a nice veranda; beds are equipped with mosquito nets. A TEA guesthouse stay includes all meals and the opportunity to interact and cook or farm with local Q’eqchi’ indigenous people.

If you're interested in arranging a guesthoude stay, contact the central TEA office (tel. 501/722-2531, teabelize [at] yahoo [dot] com, www.plenty.org/mayan-ecotours [3]) in Punta Gorda [4]. Local tours, craft demonstrations, and cultural performances are available at an additional cost.