
This is the largest of Guatemala's lakes. It is a gentle expanse of water hemmed in by the Sierra de las Minas to the south and the Santa Cruz range to the north. The waters of the lake are rich in perch, tarpon and other game fish. Unique to the lake is the fresh-water manatee, or sea cow, 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.