El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip

If you’re planning a visit to San Cristóbal de las Casas and looking to get a taste of nature’s more spectacular sights nearby, this tour to El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park might catch your eye. While it’s not perfect, it offers a solid experience for those wanting a full day immersed in lush landscapes, waterfalls, and vibrant lakes.

What we love about this trip is how it combines two distinctly different natural marvels—powerful waterfalls and a series of lakes with unusual hues—giving you a well-rounded day outdoors. Plus, the guide’s knowledge and the included entrance fees help streamline the experience.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the length of the day. It’s a long one, with pick-up early in the morning and return late at night, which might feel exhausting, especially if you prefer shorter, more relaxed outings.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are eager to see diverse landscapes, enjoy guided explanations, and don’t mind a full day on the road. If you like outdoor adventures with a bit of a scenic drive, it can be a worthwhile option.

Key Points

• Combination of two major sites—Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfalls—offers great variety.
• All entrance fees and transportation are included, simplifying logistics.
• Guide’s local knowledge and food are highlighted as positives in some reviews.
• Long day with early start and late finish means patience is helpful.
• Weather can impact the lakes’ appearance, as noted by some travelers.
• Not all guides are fluent in English, which may affect your experience.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

Visiting Montebello Lakes National Park

We’ll start the day with a roughly three-hour drive from San Cristóbal, heading to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Once there, you’ll have around two hours to explore 4 to 6 lakes, each with strikingly different shades—pale blue, violet, emerald, and turquoise. The lakes’ colors are caused by factors like soil composition, vegetation, and how the light refracts through the water, making each view uniquely beautiful.

As you walk along the shoreline, you’ll be surrounded by dense tropical jungle and mountains, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos. Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of flora—orchids, bromeliads, cedar, mahogany, and more—that thrive in the lush environment. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot and perfect for those who enjoy tranquil, colorful landscapes.

Visiting El Chiflon Waterfalls

Next, we head to the El Chiflon Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls stretching over nearly 5,000 feet of rugged terrain. The main attraction is the Bridal Veil waterfall, which drops over 300 feet and is impressive whether you’re admiring it from a distance or standing close enough to feel the spray.

The highlight here is reaching the highest point of the area, where you can experience the cool breeze from the top of the falls. The waterfalls are a perfect spot for photos, with multiple vantage points that show off their raw power and scenic beauty.

The Experience in Practice

You’ll appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, which takes away the hassle of finding your own way. The tour runs from 8:30 am and is designed to maximize your time at each site. Still, the total from leaving San Cristóbal to returning is about 13 hours, so be prepared for a lengthy day.

The Real-World Experience: Pros and Cons

The Highlights

• Guided insights are a major plus, especially if your guide is knowledgeable, as some travelers have noted. Allen G mentioned their guide was “well knowledge and professional,” which made the experience more engaging.
• The scenic beauty of the lakes and waterfalls speaks for itself. You’ll enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities at each stop.
• The included entrance fees and transportation help keep things simple, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs or navigation.

The Challenges

• Communication issues can occur, especially if the guide doesn’t speak English. One reviewer mentioned theirs spoke no English, which may limit understanding if you’re not fluent in Spanish.
• The day can feel very long—early pick-up at 7:30 am and late return at around 9:30 pm. If you’re not used to full-day tours, this could be tiring.
• Weather plays a role, particularly at the lakes. If the weather isn’t cooperating, the lakes may not look as vibrant, which disappointed some travelers.

Price and Value

At $85 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering the transportation, guided commentary, and entrance fees included. It’s a good deal if you want to see both sites without arranging separate trips. But, keep in mind that this is a full-day commitment, and the value depends on your interest in natural scenery and outdoor activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who enjoy nature and photography, and who are comfortable with long days of sightseeing. If you’re interested in learning about the region’s flora and fauna or love scenic drives, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It might not be ideal if you’re particularly sensitive to weather, want a more relaxed pace, or prefer guided tours in perfect English. Keep in mind the length of the day before booking—if you’re the type who values leisurely mornings or short outings, this may feel a bit taxing.

Final Thoughts

This tour to El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes offers a decent introduction to some of the most beautiful natural sights near San Cristóbal de las Casas. The stunning waterfalls and vibrant lakes make for excellent photo ops and memorable moments, especially if the weather cooperates.

While the long hours and potential language barriers are considerations, the experience is enriched by knowledgeable guides and the convenience of all-inclusive logistics. It’s a good pick for those who want a full day immersed in nature and are prepared for a busy schedule.

If you’re eager to see striking waterfalls and lakes with guided insights and don’t mind the lengthy day, this trip can be quite rewarding. Just go in with realistic expectations about the weather and the pace.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is provided, making it easy to get to and from the sites.

How long is the drive from San Cristóbal to the park? The drive is about three hours each way, so be prepared for a relatively long bus ride at the start and end of the day.

Are entrance fees included? Yes, all entrance fees for the parks and waterfalls are included in the price.

Can I expect an English-speaking guide? Possibly, but not guaranteed. One review noted their guide spoke no English, so clarify your language preferences when booking.

What should I bring for the day? Pack essentials like water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and rain gear if needed—it can be a full day outdoors.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour states children must be accompanied by an adult, and given the full-day nature, it’s best suited for older children or teens who can handle long hours.

What if the weather is bad? The lakes’ colors may not be as vibrant, and waterfalls could be less impressive. Check the weather forecast before booking, and be prepared for possible changes in scenery.

All in all, this tour offers a practical and scenic way to experience some of the best natural sights near San Cristóbal. It’s not a luxury experience, but for the price and the sights included, it’s a solid choice for outdoor lovers and landscape photographers alike.