From San Cristobal: Chiflon and Lakes of Montebello Tour

Traveling in Chiapas and looking for a day packed with natural beauty? This San Cristobal tour offering visits to the Cascadas el Chiflón and the Lakes of Montebello is a solid choice if you’re after impressive waterfalls and striking lagoons. It’s a full-day trip that promises a mix of adventure, scenic views, and some well-deserved downtime in nature.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get to see Chiapas’ highest and most powerful waterfall, Velo de Novia, which truly is a spectacle. Second, the Lagoons of Montebello are renowned for their vibrant colors and peaceful atmosphere—perfect for unwinding or snapping some photos. However, a key point to keep in mind is that the drive is quite long, especially on the way back, which can make the day feel tiring, particularly if you’re not used to long bus trips. Still, for lovers of natural scenery looking for a comprehensive day out, this trip hits many marks.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate nature-focused experiences and don’t mind a full day on the road. It’s not a relaxing stroll—expect to spend several hours in transit and moving between different sites. If you’re after a more leisurely pace or have mobility concerns, it might be worth considering other options or splitting this into two separate outings.

Key Points

• Impressive Waterfalls: You’ll see Chiapas’ tallest waterfall, Velo de Novia, which is a highlight for sure.
• Beautiful Lagoons: The Montebello Lagoons impress with their vivid colors and tranquil surroundings.
• Long Travel Days: The drive from San Cristobal is around 4 hours in total, so prepare for a day of riding.
• Guided Experience: The trip includes a Spanish-speaking guide who adds context and insight.
• Value for Money: At $46, the tour offers a lot of sightseeing for the price, including entrance fees and transportation.
• Some Criticisms: Experiences at the lagoons vary; some travelers find the visit to one lagoon underwhelming, and meals might be limited or not to everyone’s taste.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Out: San Cristobal Pickup

Most trips begin early with a pickup from San Cristobal de las Casas. The bus ride lasts about 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to relax and settle in as you leave the town behind. Keep in mind that the entire day is structured around this transportation, so if you’re someone who doesn’t love long drives, this might be a longer day than you’re used to.

Cascadas el Chiflón: The Waterfall Adventure

Once you arrive at Cascadas el Chiflón, you’ll spend roughly 2 hours exploring this stunning waterfall area. The highlight here is the Velo de Novia, a massive curtain of water cascading 70 meters down, taking your breath away. The tour includes a guided visit and some free time for photos and soaking in the views.

The waterfalls downstream, like Cascada el Suspiro and Ala de Ángel, are also worth seeing—they’re great photo ops and reveal the power of nature in this region. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, which really enhances the experience, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the area’s geology and ecology.

Velo de Novia: The Main Attraction

This main waterfall earns its reputation for its sheer size and beauty. You’ll get a viewpoint close enough to feel the spray and appreciate the scale. Some reviews mention that the waterfalls are truly impressive, with one traveler noting that the experience exceeded expectations. It’s an excellent spot for photos and just soaking in the natural grandeur.

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Continuing to the Lagoons of Montebello

Next, it’s time for the longer drive (approximately 1.5 hours) to the Montebello Lagoons. This part of the trip is what many consider the highlight. The Lagoons are famous for their striking colors—the blue, green, and even reddish hues make each one unique.

You’ll visit several lagoons: Tziscao, Laguna Pojoj, Lake Montebello, Laguna Enchanted, and the so-called “dream lagoon,” known for its vivid waters. The experience here includes a mix of sightseeing, some shopping opportunities, and plenty of time for photos.

One reviewer mentioned the visit to just one lagoon felt short and underwhelming—they thought the tour could be improved by including more lagoons or better options. Still, the natural beauty of the waters is undeniable. If you’re into photography or just want to relax surrounded by peaceful waters, this will undoubtedly be a highlight.

The Long Return

The return journey takes about 4 hours, so be prepared for a full day on the road. Some reviews note that the drive can make the day feel quite lengthy, especially if there’s traffic or if you’re tired from earlier parts of the day.

What’s Included and What to Expect

For $46, the tour covers entrance fees, ground transportation, and a basic traveler’s insurance. It’s a package that offers good value considering the sites you visit.

You’ll be traveling in a comfortable van, with a Spanish-speaking guide providing commentary along the way. Keep in mind that meals and lodging are not included, so plan accordingly—bringing snacks or lunch is a smart move, especially if you have dietary preferences.

Considerations for Travelers

• Mobility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, as the sites involve uneven terrain and some walking.
• Language: The guide operates in Spanish, so basic Spanish skills will help you get the most out of the experience.
• Timing: Be prepared for a full day—early start and late return—so pack some entertainment and patience.

Real Traveler Perspectives

Reviewers highlighted some pros and cons that are worth noting. Many appreciated the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. One traveler said, “The waterfall was worth it,” underscoring that the natural spectacle is truly impressive.

On the other hand, some found the part at the lakes a bit disappointing—they felt the visit to just one lagoon was not enough and that it took too long to get there. As one review stated, “It’s really not worth it to spend 3.5 hours driving just for a short visit to a lagoon.” Others were critical of food options, citing a poor lunch spot, so packing your own snacks might improve your experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid blend of spectacular waterfalls and beautiful lagoons, perfect for nature lovers eager to see Chiapas’ best outdoor sights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The value for the price is quite good, especially considering the entrance fees and transportation are included.

If you’re comfortable with a full day on the road and want to witness some of Chiapas’ iconic landscapes, this trip will serve you well. It’s less about luxury and more about seeing key sights with knowledgeable guides, making it a worthwhile option for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

However, if you’re someone who prefers relaxed pacing or only wants to focus on one or two sites, you might feel the day is too packed or long. Also, be prepared for the variability in lagoon visits and stay flexible in expectations.

This tour balances beauty, adventure, and good value, making it an attractive choice if you’re eager to explore Chiapas’ natural wonders.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes ground transportation in a comfortable van from San Cristobal de las Casas and back.

How long is the total trip?
The entire experience lasts about 1 day, with roughly 2.5 hours driving in the morning and about 4 hours back in the evening.

Are meals included?
No, food and beverages are not included. It’s a good idea to bring snacks or plan to buy something at the stops.

Can I swim in the lagoons?
The tour description doesn’t specify swimming options. Some travelers noted they wish it had been communicated beforehand that swimming is available.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, but for families with active children who enjoy outdoor adventures, it could work—just keep in mind the long bus rides.

How many lagoons will we see?
You’ll visit several lagoons: Tziscao, Pojoj, Lake Montebello, Laguna Enchanted, and possibly more, depending on the day’s schedule.

What is the guide’s language?
Guides operate in Spanish. Some reviews mention they’re very knowledgeable.

Is the visit to the lakes worth it?
Many travelers say yes, especially for the stunning colors and peaceful setting, but some found the visit to just one lagoon underwhelming.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a camera, and some snacks for the day are recommended.

Traveling in Chiapas with this tour gives you the chance to see some of the most iconic waterfalls and lakes in the region without the fuss of planning every detail yourself. It’s a full day of natural beauty, guided insights, and memorable scenery—perfect if you’re eager to tick off these must-see sites in a single trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: