Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lovely Laguna Chicabal
Laguna Chicabal
From San MartÃn, it's a two-hour hike to the magical Chicabal Lagoon, ringed by lush
cloud forest in a spectacular volcanic crater at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,900 feet). It
can be reached by taking the signed path on the side of the road from where the bus drops
you off heading into town. From there you'll go uphill through fields, cresting and des-
cendingahill.You'llsoonseetherangers'station,whereyoupaya$2parkentrancefee.If
you've driven out this way, parking costs an additional $1.30. There's a rustic visitors cen-
ter here where you can get food. There are also some very basic bungalows with a (cold-
water) shared bathroom. Bring your own sleeping bag if you're thinking of staying here.
You can camp on the shore of the lagoon for $1.30, though most folks end up camping at
the visitors center.
From the visitors center it's about 45 minutes to an hour, uphill, to a wonderful lookout
point where you might catch a glimpse of the fantastic crater lake ringed by verdant cloud
forest.Mostofthetime,however,thecloudshavetheviewcompletelysockedin.Opposite
