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TZANTIZOTZ NATURE RESERVE
Situated in the area of Tzantizotz
which in local Kaqchikel means Point of Bats, this mountainous area
begins at the lake front and reaches high altitude tropical dry
forest. Laguna Lodge is the gateway to 100 acres of safe hiking on
this bio diverse land. Beginning at the lakes edge at 1,563m
The trails encompass large cliffs and ancient Mayan ceremonial rocks. At the top of the reserve there is some of the last remaining primary forest in the area. To protect the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem native flora is replanted. Organic coffee and fruit trees are only grown on the lower slopes of the reserve. Bird watchers will see a plethora of birds many of them being endemic. For sports lovers there are rock cliffs for rappelling and cliff jumping. Swimming is safe and deep and the lake can be explored with kayaks, canoes, fins and masks. Mayan guides explain the medicinal and domestic use of the plants and an interpretation room may be visited before setting of on the trails. PROTECTED AREAS. Guatemala has 44 legally protected areas with 60 more under study. The Lake Atitlan basin is a multi use protected area. Through SIGAP (The Guatemalan System of Protected Areas) and CONAP (The National Council of Protected Areas) The Nature Reserve is in process with CONAP and is a member of ARNPG (Association of Private Nature Reserves of Guatemala).
ADMISSION Proceeds are put back into the reserve for the maintenance of trails, preservation and planting of flora, limiting the spread of invasive species, training of nature guides, and protecting fauna and flora.
Our logo is the plumed serpent, called Quetzalcoatl in ancient Nahuatl and Q’ukumatz in Quiche. This represents the resplendent quetzal which from a distance looks like a bright green snake flying through the air. The feathers of the quetzal were worn by the ruling elite as a sign of there association with the god Quetzalcoatl. In Mayan mythology Quetzalcoatl is the god of nature, life, light, maker, heart of the lake and sea. The quetzal was named a symbol of conservation by pioneer Guatemalan conservationist Professor Mario Dary Rivera. In 1979 he created the first quetzal reserve in the virgin cloud forest of Baja Verapaz. He was assassinated while pushing to protect what was left of the nation’s natural habitat.
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