El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip

Explore the Spectacular Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfalls in One Day

This day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas offers a visit to the UNESCO Montebello Lakes National Park, known for its striking, colorful lakes, along with a journey to the impressive El Chiflon Waterfalls. Priced at $85 per person, the tour spans approximately 13 hours, making it a full-day adventure that covers some of the most visually captivating landscapes in the region.

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees, ensuring a smooth experience. While the tour is generally well-organized, it is important to note that it is best suited for those comfortable with about three hours of transfer time each way and long hours on the road. This tour shines for travelers eager to see lush lakes and powerful waterfalls, but may be less ideal for those seeking a very relaxed pace or English-speaking guides, as reviews highlight some communication issues.

Key Points

• Visit Montebello Lakes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with uniquely colored lakes.
• See the Chiflon Waterfalls, including the stunning Bridal Veil Waterfall with a drop of over 300 feet.
• Learn about local flora, fauna, and geology from a professional guide.
• All entrance fees and transportation from your hotel are included.
• The tour lasts about 13 hours, with approximately 4 to 6 lakes in the park.
• Language barrier may be an issue, as some guides do not speak English fluently.

The Journey Begins with Montebello Lakes National Park

The adventure kicks off with a drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, lasting around three hours. Once at Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, visitors are greeted with a display of crystalline lakes that range in color from pale blue and violet to emerald and turquoise. The lakes are famous for their vivid hues, caused by factors like soil composition, vegetation, and light refraction.

You’ll have about two hours to explore between 4 to 6 lakes, walking through a landscape framed by reeds, mountains, and tropical jungle. The rich flora includes orchids, bromeliads, juniper, cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees, offering plenty of photo opportunities and nature observation. The tour provides a chance to appreciate the region’s diverse plant life and the geological factors behind the lakes’ colors.

Visiting the Iconic El Chiflon Waterfalls

Following the lakes, the tour moves to the El Chiflon Waterfalls, where nearly 5,000 feet of waterfalls create a dramatic landscape. The tour includes a visit to the highest point, where the Bridal Veil Waterfall drops over 300 feet, allowing visitors to feel the refreshing breeze and witness the power of nature firsthand.

You’ll spend about two hours at this site, with opportunities to view multiple waterfalls along the trail. The experience is enhanced by the guide explaining the region’s geology and natural features, although reviews note that some guides may not speak fluent English, which could affect the clarity of the explanations.

Guided Insights into Local Flora, Fauna, and Geology

Throughout the tour, a professional guide accompanies visitors, offering insights into the region’s ecosystems. Their knowledge covers the flora and fauna typical of the park, as well as the geological processes that shape the lakes and waterfalls. This educational component helps deepen appreciation for the natural beauty, even if guide language skills vary.

The guide’s explanations are a highlight for many, especially when they manage to share detailed information about the unique colors of the lakes and the powerful waterfalls. Still, some reviews mention that communication may be less clear if the guide does not speak English fluently.

Logistics: Pickup, Group Size, and Duration

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, making the morning transfer comfortable and convenient. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, promoting a more personalized experience, though this also means space fills up quickly, so advance booking is recommended.

Total travel time includes approximately three hours to reach the lakes, two hours exploring the park, and the return journey, which can take about three hours as well. This means the long hours on the road are a consideration, especially for those sensitive to extended transfers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

All entrance fees for the park and waterfalls are covered in the tour price, along with professional guiding and hotel pickup and drop-off. However, the tour does not include food or drinks, so packing snacks or arranging meals at the stops is advisable, especially since the day is quite full.

The tour operates on a mobile ticket, making it easy to access and manage. Since the duration depends on traffic and the pace of the group, flexible expectations around timing are wise.

Customer Experience and Potential Drawbacks

While the major highlights like the waterfalls and colorful lakes are as breathtaking as expected, some reviews point out communication issues, particularly with guides who do not speak English fluently. One review describes the day as “extremely long”, with a pickup at 7:30 am and a return by 9:30 pm, which could be tiring for some.

Despite this, the professional guide’s knowledge and the clean restaurant facilities at the lunch stop are praised. The unbeatable scenery and the chance to see unusual lakes make the trip worthwhile for many travelers, especially those eager to photograph the landscape.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This full-day trip suits travelers who are comfortable with long transfer times and are eager to see both lakes and waterfalls in one excursion. It is particularly good for nature lovers and those interested in geology and ecology. Be aware that English-speaking guides may not always be available, and the long hours could be tiring.

The tour provides an excellent opportunity to access spectacular scenery with all logistics handled, but it’s less suitable for visitors seeking a more relaxed pace or personalized guided experience.

El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes: Worth the Journey

In sum, this tour offers a comprehensive day of natural beauty in southeastern Mexico, combining the vivid lakes of Montebello with the powerful waterfalls of El Chiflon. The all-inclusive price and hotel pickup make it convenient, while the scenery delivers on visual impact.

However, travelers should consider the length of the day and potential language barriers. For those prepared for a full day of travel and exploration, this trip provides an impressive look at one of the region’s most striking landscapes. It is especially suitable for adventure-minded visitors with an appreciation for diverse ecosystems and geological formations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, so it’s advisable to bring snacks or plan to buy food at the stops.

How long is the transfer time from San Cristóbal de las Casas?
The drive to the lakes takes approximately three hours, making it a long day on the road.

Are guides bilingual?
Some guides speak only in Spanish, and reviews indicate that guides may not always speak fluent English, which could affect the explanations.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Since the tour is lengthy, packing snacks is also wise.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour group is limited to 12 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.