Los Aposentos National Park Voyage Tips and guide

Los Aposentos National Park (Parque Nacional Los Aposentos in Spanish) is a tranquil urban wooded park in the Central Highlands region of Guatemala. The park is a favorite weekend picnic spot for nearby city dwellers who come for the two lakes in a pine forest setting. One of the lakes is known locally as Lago de los Cisnes (Swan Lake).

It is a small park that covers 1500 hectares just outside the city of Chimaltenango.

The park was originally a private agricultural estate called Finca la Almeda. In 1929 it was declared a protected natural area and it formally joined the Guatemala national parks system in 1955.

The park is lush woodlands with rolling hills, centered around two lakes. The park sits at an elevation of 1,750 meters.

The woods are temperate, subtropical and wet with tree species that include pine and oak. Guatemala has an abundance of bird species. Two notable birds found in the park are the resplendant quetzal and various types of hummingbird. Mammals tend to be smaller animals, such as armadillos, tapirs, coatis, and raccoons. See also Central and South American wildlife.

Los Aposentos lies just outside the city of Chimaltenango. From the city, head south on highway CA-1. Near the kilometer 55 marker, turn left onto Avenida La Alameda. Continue 2 kilometers to the park entrance on your right.

You can also get to the park by Chicken bus, leaving from the Chimaltenango market. Look for the bus marked "Los Aposentos" and tell the driver you want to get off at the park entrance on Avenida la Alameda. Buses cost about Q5.

Park gates are open daily from 07:00 - 18:00.

Park admission is free, though it costs Q5 to park a car.

Walking is your best option. Trails are marked and well maintained.

• Boating: kayaks and small rowboats are available for rent
• Hiking: marked trails lead around the two lakes and through the woods
• Swimming: the park has spring-fed swimming pools, so bring your swimsuit and towels

Vendors sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

There are usually some vendors with light snacks or tasty Guatemalan barbecue, but more substantial food is within walking distance of the park. Restaurante los Aposentos serves big portions of traditional Guatemalan fare while Restaurante Viva Jalisco serves authentic Mexican food. Both restaurants are on 3a Calle.

Camping is not permitted inside the park. Lodging is in the nearby city of Chimaltenango.

• Guatemala City
• Antigua Guatemala
• Pacaya Volcano