El Chiflón Waterfalls – Lagos de Montebello

Exploring the El Chiflón Waterfalls and Lagos de Montebello: A Natural Escape from San Cristóbal

If you’re considering a day trip out of San Cristóbal de las Casas to experience some of Chiapas’ most stunning natural sights, this tour might be just what you need. It promises a visit to Impressive waterfalls and a collection of vibrantly colored lakes, giving you a taste of the region’s wild beauty without the hassle of planning multiple excursions yourself.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines two very different but equally captivating environments: the thunderous El Chiflón waterfalls and the tranquil, rainbow-hued Lagos de Montebello. Plus, it’s reasonably priced at around $30 per person, and the tour duration—roughly 13 to 14 minutes of driving with ample time at each stop—makes it manageable for a day trip.

One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary is quite packed, with only about two hours at each major site. That’s enough to see the highlights, but if you’re after a more in-depth visit, you might want to plan extra time on your own or consider other options. Also, the tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and outdoor exploration.

This tour appeals to travelers who want an efficient, scenic introduction to Chiapas’ natural wonders. It’s ideal for those who enjoy quick, impactful visits and are comfortable with guided group outings.

Key Points

• Stunning Waterfalls: The highlight is the Velo de Novia waterfall, dropping 70 meters, which offers great photo opportunities and a sense of awe.
• Colorful Lakes: The lakes of Montebello, with their vivid hues and peaceful ambiance, are truly picture-perfect and some of the most beautiful sights in Chiapas.
• Affordable and Convenient: At $30, the trip offers good value, including transport and admission tickets, making it a straightforward choice for a day out.
• Limited Time at Each Spot: With about two hours allocated per stop, expect a brisk visit that covers the main highlights but won’t allow deep exploration.
• Comfortable Transportation: The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, easing the journey between sites.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 16 travelers, it’s a more intimate tour, allowing for personalized attention and easier group dynamics.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The Cascadas “El Chiflón”

Leaving early from San Cristóbal, your first destination is the El Chiflón waterfalls. This site is renowned for its powerful cascade, Velo de Novia, which translates to “Bridal Veil”—a fitting name given its delicate, flowing appearance. The 70-meter drop creates a mesmerizing sight, especially if you catch it in the right light, with mist rising from the spray and lush greenery surrounding it.

Our sources tell us that the area is surrounded by beautiful vegetation, which adds to the appeal, making this a perfect spot for photos and just soaking up the natural vibe. The included admission ticket means you won’t have to worry about extra costs here, and you’ll likely spend around two hours exploring the falls, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery.

Lago Montebello

Afterward, the journey continues to Lagos de Montebello, a series of 59 lakes renowned for their vivid colors and tranquil atmosphere. The tour focuses on the most picturesque lakes, around 4 to 5 of them, giving visitors a manageable yet immersive experience.

The lakes are famous for their different hues, which can vary based on mineral content, algae, and reflection of the sky. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the shimmering waters and the peaceful surroundings. It’s a perfect place to relax, take some photos, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of nature.

Considering the time limit, you’ll get to visit the most scenic lakes but won’t be able to cover all 59. Still, the selected lakes are enough to leave a lasting impression and give you a sense of the region’s natural diversity.

What to Expect During the Tour

The entire experience is designed to be smooth and straightforward. You’ll start at Al Grano Cafe, a central meeting point in San Cristóbal, where you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle. The transportation is comfortable, which makes the roughly two-hour journey to each site more pleasant—especially if you’re traveling during warmer months.

Once at each destination, the tour guides will handle tickets and logistics, giving you time to explore at your own pace. While the stops are brief, they’re well-chosen to maximize impact—both the stunning waterfalls and the colorful lakes.

Expect some walking, especially at the waterfalls where you might want to get closer or find a good vantage point. The tour states that travelers should have moderate physical fitness, which is usually a gentle way of saying some mobility is involved but not strenuous hikes.

The Waterfalls Experience

The waterfalls are likely the most striking part of this tour. The Velo de Novia waterfall, in particular, is often praised for its impressive height and mesmerizing flow. Visitors describe the visual impact as “speechless,” which hints at how powerful a sight it is.

Some reviews mention the misty spray and the lush greenery surrounding the falls, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. The sound of rushing water adds to the sensory experience—something you won’t want to miss if you love nature’s spectacles.

The Lakes of Montebello

The lakes are praised for their vivid colors and peaceful setting. The different shades—green, blue, sometimes even reddish—are caused by natural mineral content, making each lake uniquely beautiful.

You might find the lakes perfect for a quick picnic, snapping photos, or just sitting quietly and soaking in the scenery. These lakes are considered one of the most beautiful attractions of Chiapas, and it’s easy to see why.

Pricing and Value

At $30 per person, this tour offers solid value considering it includes transportation, tickets, and guided visits. The main expense would be any additional food or extra activities you choose to pursue on your own.

Given the short duration—roughly 13 to 14 minutes of actual travel time—this is a good option for travelers wanting a taste of Chiapas’ natural beauty without committing to a full day or more complex arrangements. It’s an efficient way to see some highlights, especially if your time is limited.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a quick but impactful nature excursion. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and looking for a comfortable, guided day out. It’s also good for those who appreciate natural beauty and want to avoid the hassle of planning transportation and tickets themselves.

If you’re traveling with family or a group that enjoys outdoor scenery and can handle a bit of walking, this tour could be a great fit. For those seeking a deeper exploration or more time at each site, you might want to look at other options, but for a straightforward introduction to Chiapas’ natural wonders, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting San Cristóbal de las Casas and craving a day immersed in natural splendor, this tour offers a balanced mix of impressive waterfalls and stunning lakes. It’s a solid choice for travelers with a taste for scenic beauty who want to keep things simple and affordable. The included tickets and transportation make it a hassle-free way to experience some of Chiapas’ most loved sights in a short period.

While the stops are brief, the visual impact is significant. The Velo de Novia waterfall is bound to leave you speechless, and the colorful lakes serve as a peaceful contrast—perfect for photography and reflection. The tour is well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor adventures but prefer guided visits for convenience.

In summary, if you want a manageable, scenic day trip that highlights the region’s natural beauty without overloading your schedule, this experience is a worthy consideration. Just be ready for a somewhat quick pace and bring your camera to capture those unforgettable views.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable if I don’t like walking?
The tour involves some walking, especially at the waterfalls and lakes, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. It’s not a strenuous hike but enough to require comfortable footwear.

How long is the total trip?
The entire experience lasts about 13 to 14 minutes, not including travel time. The drive between sites and the time spent at each stop make it a manageable day tour.

Are tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes all admission tickets for both the waterfalls and lakes, so there’s no extra cost at the sites.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $30 per person, which is quite reasonable considering transportation and tickets are included.

Does the tour include food?
No, food and extra activities are not included. You may want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterward.

What are the meeting points?
The tour starts at Al Grano Cafe, located in the center of San Cristóbal, and ends back there, making it easy to fit into your day.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, it can be suitable for travelers with children who are comfortable with some walking and outdoor conditions.

Can service animals join?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. Weather can be variable, so consider a hat or rain jacket if needed.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic escape that showcases the best of Chiapas’ waterfalls and lakes, this tour offers a dependable and enjoyable way to do so.