The original town of Tequesquitengo was flooded in 1865 due to the rise of water levels in the basin caused by agricultural irrigation infrastructure.
The submerged church tower of the village of San Juan Bautista can still be seen by divers and sometimes from boats when water conditions are clear.
The lake serves as a major training ground for professional water skiers in Mexico.
The lake's water level is maintained by a tunnel system originally constructed to drain nearby agricultural lands.
The area is a recognized hotspot for skydiving because of the unique visibility of the lagoon from high altitudes.
Laguna de Tequesquitengo is a large, volcanic crater-formed lake located in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The body of water was created by the flooding of a village in the 19th century, leaving a submerged historic church tower that remains visible below the surface. It is the primary destination in the region for motorized water sports, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Paragliding and skydiving are popular aerial activities due to the stable thermal air currents surrounding the basin. The surrounding shoreline is populated with private villas, beach clubs, and hotels that offer direct water access. The lake maintains a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it a reliable destination for swimming. Visitors can navigate the lagoon via motorboat tours to view the site of the original sunken town.
From a private boat on the water or the hills overlooking the lagoon during sunset.
Book water sport equipment or boat tours in advance through established beach clubs to avoid unregulated operators.
Visit during the weekdays to avoid the heavy weekend crowds of visitors from Mexico City.
Sunscreen and protective eyewear are essential due to high glare from the water surface.
Avoid swimming in areas designated for motorized boats unless specifically at an authorized beach club.
Swimwear is expected at beach clubs; use of life jackets is mandatory for all water sports.
