Lake 24 km north of Palenque
A lakeside town on a vast wetland lagoon north of Palenque, with boat rides among herons and a manatee sanctuary.
Playas de Catazajá is a small town on the shore of a huge freshwater lagoon on the plains north of Palenque, where Chiapas meets Tabasco. The name is often explained as Maya for a valley covered in water, and that is exactly what it looks like: in the rainy season the lagoon spreads across the flat land, fed by the Usumacinta river system, and its level rises and falls with the seasons.
The wetland is a refuge for the endangered West Indian manatee, which feeds on the water plants in the shallow channels, and it is also home to herons, egrets, turtles, crocodiles and iguanas. Seeing a manatee takes luck, but the birdlife alone makes a boat trip worthwhile.
The town has a waterfront promenade that is pleasant at sunset and simple restaurants serving freshwater fish. It makes an easy half-day trip from Palenque and a complete change from the jungle and the ruins.
What to see and do
Take a boat ride with a local cooperative through the lagoon's channels.
Watch for herons, egrets, turtles and, with luck, manatees.
Walk the lakeside promenade at sunset.
Eat freshwater fish at the restaurants by the water.
Getting there
Catazajá is about 30 to 40 minutes north of Palenque by car, toward the highway to Villahermosa. Colectivos to Catazajá leave from Palenque town. Boat trips are arranged on the waterfront; agree on the price and duration before setting out.
24 km north of Palenque
Directions from Palenque on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Catazajá
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Catazajá.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Catazajá.
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Weather warm
Catazajá shares the climate of Palenque, 24 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Palenque your base
Catazajá is an easy trip from Palenque, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Palenque
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Zona Arqueológica de Palenque
· Archaeological site · 8 km away
The great Maya city in the jungle 8 km from town: the Palace, the Temple of the Inscriptions and King Pakal's story. -
Misol-Há
· Waterfall · 13 km away
A 35-meter waterfall dropping into a round jungle pool, with a path that runs behind the curtain of water. -
Cascadas de Roberto Barrios
· Waterfall · 21 km away
Terraced turquoise pools and small falls run by a local community, quieter than Agua Azul and closer to town. -
Cascada Welib-Já
· Waterfall · 24 km away
A jungle waterfall about 25 meters high with turquoise swimming pools, east of Palenque on the border highway. -
Agua Clara
· Nature reserve · 29 km away
A calm stretch of the Shumuljá River with a hanging bridge and swimming spots, often a stop on the Agua Azul tour. -
Agua Azul
· Waterfall · 32 km away
Chiapas's famous chain of turquoise cascades, about 1.5 hours south; best in the dry season, and check the road first.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.