Chiapas: El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes Tour

Discover Chiapas’ Natural Wonders with the El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes Tour

This full-day excursion costs $49 per person and offers a comprehensive taste of Chiapas’ stunning landscapes. Spanning 12 hours, the tour is operated by Jaguar Negro, which holds a 4-star provider rating. It begins early in the morning with hotel pickups in San Cristóbal de las Casas, making it a convenient option for those wanting to explore the region’s most beautiful natural sites in a single day.

The tour combines visits to the El Chiflón Waterfalls, famous for their breathtaking cascades, with explorations of the vibrant Montebello Lakes, a UNESCO heritage site known for its colorful waters and cross-border lakes. The experience emphasizes scenic drives, hiking, and opportunities for swimming and photography, making it ideal for active travelers eager to see Chiapas’ diverse landscapes.

While the tour offers excellent value with included entrance tickets and transportation, it involves a full day of activity and some walking. It suits those who appreciate natural beauty and don’t mind a packed schedule. The trip’s well-rounded itinerary highlights the best of Chiapas’ outdoor scenery, with manageable costs and practical amenities.

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Key Points

• Full-day tour costing $49, lasting 12 hours in Chiapas
• Visits to El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes with included entrance fees
• Scenic drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas through lush landscapes
• Swim and hike at the lakes, with the opportunity to cross into Guatemala
• Tour includes transportation, passenger insurance, and a meal break
• Suitable for active travelers interested in nature, photography, and outdoor activities

Starting from San Cristóbal de las Casas to El Chiflón Waterfalls

The tour commences early in the morning with pickups from hotel accommodations in San Cristóbal de las Casas. The drive to the El Chiflón Ecotourism Park takes approximately two hours and twenty minutes, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty of Chiapas’ rural landscapes. This journey introduces visitors to the lush greenery characteristic of the region before arriving at the waterfalls.

At El Chiflón, the guide leads visitors along a 1,268-meter route through the park, where several waterfalls await. The most famous are El Sigh, Angel Wing, and the iconic Bridal Veil Waterfall. The park offers amenities like cabins and restaurants, making it possible for a brief rest or a quick snack before continuing the day’s adventure. The waterfalls are perfect spots for photographs and appreciating the power of nature.

Exploring the Majestic Bridal Veil Waterfall

The highlight at El Chiflón is the Bridal Veil Waterfall, which plunges gracefully from a height, creating a misty spectacle. Visitors can admire the falls from various viewpoints or take short walks along the trail to get closer. The area’s natural beauty is complemented by the sound of rushing water and the vibrant greenery surrounding it.

The park’s amenities make it a comfortable stop despite the focus on outdoor activity. Visitors have the chance to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere before heading toward the lakes. The entire visit at El Chiflón takes roughly two hours, setting a steady pace for the day.

Journey to Lagos de Montebello National Park

After exploring El Chiflón, the tour proceeds to the Lagos de Montebello National Park, another highlight of the trip. The drive from the waterfalls to the lakes takes around two hours, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the scenic countryside, with rolling hills and lush forests.

The park is celebrated for its vibrant, colorful lakes, many of which are separated by narrow strips of land or small islands. The lakes include Pujo, Tziscao, and the International Lake, where visitors can stand at the border between Mexico and Guatemala. The lakes’ vivid hues are due to mineral content, creating striking photo opportunities.

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Swimming, Hiking, and Border Crossings at Montebello Lakes

The over two hours spent at Lagos de Montebello allow visitors to engage in various activities. Swimming in the lakes is a popular option, with several spots safe for taking a dip. The lakes’ bright colors make them an ideal backdrop for photography, and hiking along the shoreline provides different perspectives of the scenery.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Mexico-Guatemala dividing line, where travelers can cross the border and observe the natural boundary between the two countries. A one-hour meal break at the lakes gives time for refreshment and relaxation before the return journey.

Practical Details: Transportation and Amenities

Transportation is provided by tourist vehicles equipped for comfort, with passenger insurance included. The tour ensures a smooth experience with entrance tickets to all attractions, so travelers don’t need to worry about additional costs at each site. The round-trip journey concludes with a scenic drive back along the Comitán – San Cristóbal highway, returning to the hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

The tour’s inclusion of cabins and restaurants at El Chiflón helps balance energetic outdoor activities with moments for rest and food. The 12-hour duration makes it a comprehensive day but requires participants to be prepared for a full day of walking, hiking, and outdoor exposure.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour appeals most to nature lovers and active travelers interested in scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures. The combination of waterfalls, lakes, and border crossings offers a variety of visual and experiential highlights. It is suitable for those comfortable with moderate physical activity, including walking and swimming.

The $49 price point presents good value considering the included entrance fees and transport, especially given the length and richness of the experience. However, travelers should be prepared for a busy day with a tight schedule, making this less suitable for those seeking a leisurely pace or minimal walking.

Unique Aspects and Practical Tips

The visit to the Mexico-Guatemala dividing line adds a unique border-crossing element not always included in similar tours. This provides an opportunity to see the natural boundary between two countries, which is both interesting and scenic.

The scenic drive between sites is an integral part of the experience, showcasing Chiapas’ lush countryside. We appreciate the organized meal break at Lagos de Montebello, which helps maintain energy levels for the activities ahead.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and bring swimwear if they want to swim in the lakes. Given the outdoor nature of the tour, packing sunscreen, hats, and water is advisable. The tour is designed to offer a full day of exploration, so flexibility and readiness for outdoor conditions are key.

Final Thoughts on the Chiapas Waterfalls and Lakes Tour

This $49 full-day tour offers a solid introduction to some of Chiapas’ most captivating natural sites. The combination of El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes delivers both the power of cascading waterfalls and the vibrant tranquility of lakes. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and a meal break makes it a practical choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free day out.

While the schedule is full, the tour’s diverse activities—hiking, swimming, photographing, and border crossing—keep the experience lively and engaging. It’s an excellent option for active travelers eager to see Chiapas’ natural beauty without overextending the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, tourist transportation within Chiapas is included, along with passenger insurance.

Are meals included?
The tour features a one-hour meal break at Lagos de Montebello, giving travelers time to relax and eat.

Can I swim in the lakes?
Yes, swimming is an option at the Lagos de Montebello, with several lakes suitable for taking a dip.

Is it possible to cross into Guatemala?
Yes, the tour visits the Mexico-Guatemala dividing line, allowing travelers to see the border where the lakes straddle both countries.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and water are recommended for outdoor activities and protection against the sun.

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