A day trip to Chinkultic and Montebello Lakes from San Cristóbal de Casas: Tour

Planning a day out in Chiapas and considering a trip that combines history with breathtaking scenery? This tour offers a bit of everything—ancient ruins, vivid lakes, and a taste of border-crossing adventure. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, reviews and descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture, especially if you love exploring outdoors and learning about Maya culture without spending days on the road.

What we really like about this experience is its balance: it’s not just about the ruins but also about experiencing the natural beauty of the Montebello Lakes. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional raft trip and time to swim and relax adds a leisurely touch that many travelers appreciate. On the flip side, a potential downside is the long duration—12 hours can be a hefty chunk of your day, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or full schedules.

This tour tends to suit those who enjoy a mix of history and nature, and who don’t mind spending a full day on the move. It’s a good fit if you’re looking to see diverse highlights in one trip without doing the planning yourself. If you’re traveling with a curious spirit and love outdoor activities, you’ll probably find this quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines archaeological exploration with natural scenery.
• Includes transportation and entrance fees: Simplifies planning, making it a good hassle-free option.
• Unique highlights: Crossing the border lake and visiting an orchid island add memorable touches.
• Long day: Expect about 12 hours, so come prepared for a full schedule.
• Swim and relax: Plenty of free time to enjoy the lakes and take photos.
• Weather dependent: The experience can be affected by weather, so be ready for varying conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Chinkultic: Mayan Heritage in Natural Surroundings

The main attraction of the tour is the Chinkultic archaeological site, a place that vividly showcases Mayan history amid lush greenery. The site isn’t overly crowded, which means you get a chance to soak in the ruins at a relaxed pace. You’ll visit key spots like the Acropolis, the Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, each offering insight into ancient Maya civilization.

From what travelers report, the site feels authentic and less commercialized than some other archaeological sites, making it a more intimate experience. One review notes, “We loved the way the ruins are surrounded by untouched nature—it really felt like stepping back in time.” The site’s somewhat remote location preserves its charm, but it does mean you should expect some walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must.

The included entrance fee makes this a straightforward part of the day without extra planning on your part. The tour’s guide will likely share stories about the significance of each spot, helping you connect with the history beyond just admiring the stones. If you’re a history buff or just curious about Maya culture, this stop offers plenty to ponder and photograph.

The Montebello Lakes: Nature’s Canvas

After exploring Chinkultic, the trip moves on to the Montebello Lakes, a true highlight for anyone who loves natural beauty. The lakes here are famous for their striking colors, which can range from deep blues to vibrant greens and even cloudy whites. It’s like stepping into a surreal landscape, one that makes for fantastic photos.

The Montebello Lakes Nature Reserve is relatively accessible, with several viewpoints where you can take in the panoramic views. The lakes are crystal clear, and the scenery is often described as dreamlike. Visitors often mention how peaceful it feels, especially when you’re just sitting by the water or floating in it during your free time.

A special part of this tour is crossing the International Lake, which separates Mexico from Guatemala. The boat ride on a traditional raft is both charming and memorable, giving you a chance to experience a bit of border-crossing history in a relaxed way. The raft takes you to an island with an orchid garden, where you can stroll among beautifully blooming orchids and enjoy some quiet time.

For those keen on swimming, there’s ample opportunity to cool off in the lakes—just remember to bring your swimwear, towel, and change of clothes. Many reviews emphasize how refreshing and fun it is to splash around in these pristine waters. Just keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the experience, so it’s good to be flexible.

Transportation and Logistics: What to Expect

This tour includes federal tourist transportation from San Cristóbal de las Casas, which makes the whole experience smoother. The meeting point is conveniently located opposite the main square, at AL GRANO CAFE, and arriving 5 minutes early helps ensure a prompt start.

The total duration is about 12 hours, generally leaving in the morning and returning in the evening. This long day might be tiring for some, but it’s packed with variety, so the hours tend to fly by. The group size can vary, but small groups are common, creating a more personal experience.

Cost-wise, $70 per person covers the transportation, entrance fees, the raft trip, and free time to swim and explore. For a full day that combines history and nature, that’s pretty reasonable, especially since it takes care of most logistics and entry costs.

What to Bring and Practical Tips

To make the most of this adventure, pack light but thoughtfully. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because of uneven terrain at Chinkultic and around the lakes. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun can be strong, especially when you’re floating on the lakes or exploring outdoor sites.

A swimsuit and towel are must-haves if you want to swim, along with a change of clothes. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery and the moment on the raft. Insect repellent is recommended, especially near the lakes and natural areas.

Cash is handy for small purchases or tips, and a passport or copy is needed if you want to cross the border lakes. A daypack to carry your essentials, plus a charged phone, will keep you prepared for spontaneous photos or updates.

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Considerations and Limitations

While this is a well-rounded tour, there are some considerations. The long hours mean it might not be suitable for everyone—especially travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer shorter outings. The terrain and walking involved can be challenging, so comfortable shoes and a good attitude are a must.

Weather can also impact the experience—cloud cover, rain, or high heat might alter your enjoyment of the lakes and outside sites. It’s worth checking weather forecasts and coming prepared for different conditions.

This tour isn’t designed for pets or those wanting a highly relaxed day; it’s full of activity. Also, because of the border crossing, some travelers might find it a bit adventurous or unusual, but that adds to the charm for many.

The Sum Up

This day trip offers a compelling mix of archaeological discovery and spectacular natural scenery. It’s a great way to cover a lot in one day, especially if you’re keen on exploring Mayan history and seeing the vivid lakes of Chiapas. The included transport, entrance fees, and extra activities like the raft ride make it a convenient choice for those who prefer a guided experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys being outdoors, loves taking photos, and wants to learn a bit about the ancient Maya while surrounded by stunning landscapes, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s ideal for curious travelers who don’t mind a full day on the move and are prepared for some walking and a bit of adventure.

That said, if you prefer shorter, more relaxed outings or have limited mobility, you might want to consider other options. But for an all-in-one day blending history, nature, and border-crossing fun, this trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas provides good value and memorable sights.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides federal tourist transportation from San Cristóbal de las Casas, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the entire trip last?
The experience lasts about 12 hours, usually departing in the morning and returning in the evening.

What is the price for this tour?
It costs $70 per person, which covers transportation, entrance fees, the raft trip, and free time for swimming and exploration.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees to Chinkultic and the Montebello Lakes Nature Reserve are included.

Can I swim in the lakes?
Absolutely. There’s free time to swim, and you should bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments or recent surgeries, given the walking and terrain involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, towel, camera, insect repellent, cash, passport or copy, and a daypack are advisable.

What’s the main highlight of this trip?
Many find the colorful Montebello Lakes and the peaceful, historic atmosphere of Chinkultic to be the standout moments.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, outdoor activities are subject to weather conditions, so check the forecast and be flexible with plans.

If you’re after a full day packed with history and nature, with the convenience of organized logistics, this tour could be a really worthwhile addition to your Chiapas itinerary. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and your sunblock!

You can check availability for your dates here: