Lake Izabal

Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala. It is more than 45 kilometers long and covering about 590 square kilometers. In some places it is 50 feet deep. Lake Izabal is fed by many tributary rivers, the largest of which is the Rio Polochíc whose mouth is at the west end of the lake. Lake Izabal drains into the Rio Dulce at its eastern end.

Lake Izabal is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest inhabited by hundreds of bird species, monkeys and many other animals. The waters of the lake are rich in fish. Unique to the lake is the fresh-water sea cow (manatee), a mammal that can weigh up to a ton. This species is in danger of extinction and the manatees are the largest mammals in the country.