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Laguna del Tigre National Park

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Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)

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Laguna del Tigre National Park, covering over 3,350 square kilometers, is Guatemala's largest protected area and an integral part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve in the Petén department. It comprises a complex mosaic of freshwater lagoons, extensive wetlands, and tropical rainforests. The park is a Ramsar site of international importance, serving as one of the most critical nesting grounds for the scarlet macaw in Central America. Beyond its ecological diversity, the park hosts numerous Maya archaeological sites that remain largely unexplored. The region provides a sanctuary for large mammals such as jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys, as well as the rare Morelet’s crocodile. Despite its protected status, the park faces massive challenges from illegal land encroachment, slash-and-burn agriculture for cattle ranching, and the impacts of oil extraction. Rangers and conservation organizations work under difficult conditions to preserve this remaining wilderness. For visitors, the park has one of the most pristine natural experiences in Guatemala, far removed from the typical tourist circuits.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222427303027272727252323
Rain mm9962435213829217625829726215091

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Entry into this remote national park typically begins from the town of Flores, followed by a long and rough drive on dirt roads or a specialized boat journey.
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Best season
The dry season, roughly from February to May, is generally considered the only practical time to visit, as the heavy rains later in the year can make roads impassable.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by vast, dense tropical wetlands, dense forest canopies, and muddy ground, making traversing the area physically demanding and slow.
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What to bring
Robust hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, high-strength insect repellent, and plenty of purified water are absolutely essential for this jungle environment.
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Parking
Secure parking is generally non-existent at the park edges; visitors usually leave their vehicles in Flores or use transportation provided by their guided tour service.
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Safety
Due to its extreme remoteness and very challenging terrain, going with a certified local guide is highly recommended to ensure personal safety and proper navigation.
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Time needed
Given the difficult access and vast size of the area, most meaningful explorations require a commitment of at least one full day, and often multi-day expeditions.

Geography

Coordinates
17.40000, -90.80000

Facts

  • Laguna del Tigre was officially established as a national park in 1990.
  • The park encompasses 14 distinct ecosystems within its borders.
  • Laguna del Tigre is the largest wetland area in all of Central America.
  • The region has hosted oil extraction activities at the Xan field for decades.
  • There are over 300 documented bird species within the park's territory.
  • The archaeological site of El Perú-Waka' is located within the park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Laguna del Tigre Wildlife ZoneLaguna del Tigre Wildlife Zone2 km · SExplore →
Chixoy or Negro RiverChixoy or Negro River2 km · EExplore →
Old Church of ChimaltenangoOld Church of Chimaltenango4 km · EExplore →
Auto Safari ChapinAuto Safari Chapin5 km · EExplore →
Puerto San JoséPuerto San José6 km · SEExplore →
La Azotea Cultural CenterLa Azotea Cultural Center6 km · NEExplore →
UspantánUspantán6 km · SEExplore →
Volcán de AguaVolcán de Agua8 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the park accessible all year round?
During the rainy season, many paths can be impassable; check beforehand.
Do I need to obtain a permit?
Permits are required for some zones and are available through park administrations.
What animals can I see?
Jaguars, crocodiles, and a variety of exotic birds are native there.
Are there camping options?
Camping is only allowed in designated areas; prior registration is mandatory.
What is the best way to get to the park?
The journey is usually made from Flores by boat or off-road vehicle.
Laguna del Tigre National Park: where is it located?
Laguna del Tigre National Park is located in Guatemala.
Laguna del Tigre National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Laguna del Tigre National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Laguna del Tigre National Park, covering over 3,350 square kilometers, is Guatemala's largest protected area and an integral part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve in the Petén department.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

San Benito — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
San Benito
A city on Lake Petén Itzá that has merged with Flores.
Flores — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Flores
Picturesque island town on Lake Petén Itzá, capital of Petén department.
Poptún — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Poptún
A city in southern Petén, surrounded by pine forests.
Melchor de Mencos — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Melchor de Mencos
Important border town with Belize in the Petén department.
Sayaxché — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Sayaxché
Town on the Río de la Pasión, a gateway to Maya sites like Ceibal.
La Libertad (Petén) — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
La Libertad (Petén)
A large, sprawling municipality in the heart of Petén.
San Andrés — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
San Andrés
Village on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá.

Nature

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Usumacinta River
A major river forming the border between Guatemala and Mexico, known for Maya sites along its banks.
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Pasión River
An important river in Petén, serving as a transport route to many Maya sites like Ceibal and Aguateca.
Lake Petén Itzá — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Lake Petén Itzá
A large, deep lake in the heart of the Petén Basin, with the city of Flores on an island.

More places

Laguna del Tigre Wildlife Zone — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Laguna del Tigre Wildlife Zone
A huge protected area in Peten with wetlands, forests, and rich wildlife.
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Altar de Sacrificios
An important Maya ceremonial center at the confluence of the Pasión and Usumacinta rivers.
Dos Pilas Ruins — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Dos Pilas Ruins
A Maya capital that was involved in a bitter war with Tikal.
Petexbatún Kingdom — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Petexbatún Kingdom
An aggressive Maya kingdom in the Late Classic period, centered around Dos Pilas and Aguateca.
Peten Oil Refinery — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Peten Oil Refinery
Facility for processing local oil reserves.
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Peten Cattle Ranchlands
Wide grazing lands in Peten where cattle ranching and rural work shape daily life.
Ceibal Ruins — Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala)
Ceibal Ruins
A major Maya site on the Pasión River, known for its fine stelae and ceremonial architecture.
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Ceibal Forest Reserve
The forest area surrounding the Ceibal archaeological site, rich in ceiba trees.