Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall

Exploring the Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas to see some of the most striking natural scenery Mexico has to offer, this full-day tour might be on your radar. While it promises visits to the breathtaking Montebello Lakes and the impressive El Chiflon Waterfall, it’s good to know what really awaits and what to watch out for before booking.

What we like about this tour is its focus on natural beauty — with turquoise lagoons and cascading waterfalls, it’s a feast for the eyes. Plus, the fact that the transportation includes recent models with air conditioning and traveler insurance adds a layer of comfort and safety, especially for a long 12-hour day. On the flip side, some reviews mention logistical hiccups, like late pickups and vehicle breakdowns, which can affect your overall experience.

This tour is best suited for those who love nature and are willing to spend a good chunk of the day on a bus, with some hiking involved. If you’re looking for a relaxing day immersed in scenic views rather than detailed cultural stories or off-the-beaten-path experiences, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Natural wonders like turquoise lagoons and waterfalls are the main highlights.
• Comfortable transportation with recent vehicles and insurance is included.
• Long day, roughly 12 hours, so be prepared for a full schedule.
• Mixed reviews highlight stunning scenery but also mention logistical issues like delays.
• Ideal for nature lovers and those comfortable with a bus tour that involves some walking.
• Not including meals, so plan to bring snacks or plan for meals outside the tour.

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This tour offers a chance to tick off two major natural attractions in southeastern Mexico — the Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall — all in one day. It’s a practical choice if you’re short on time but eager to see some of the area’s most stunning scenery. The fact that it’s operated by an experienced provider with over 25 years in the business, and that they include insurance and recent vehicles, makes it a fairly reassuring option.

What really makes this trip appealing are the spectacular views. The lakes are famous for their shifting, vivid colors, and the waterfalls are among the tallest around, promising some pretty spectacular photo moments. The itinerary is packed, with around six hours spent at each location, so you’ll get enough time to soak it in without feeling rushed.

However, there are a couple of caveats. The reviews remind us that things don’t always go perfectly — there’s a mention of a late pickup and a vehicle breakdown that had guests changing vans, which isn’t ideal when you’re hoping for a smooth day. Plus, the absence of included lunch means you’ll want to bring your own snacks or plan to eat on your own during the day.

This tour is best suited for travelers who crave natural beauty, don’t mind a full day of travel, and are prepared for the unpredictability that can come with bus excursions. If you’re okay with some logistical hiccups and value the chance to see these incredible sights, it’s worth considering.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Cascada El Chiflon

The journey begins early, with a 8:00 am pickup from your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. After a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the El Chiflon Ecotourism Center, which is near the famous Sumidero Canyon. The highlight here is the El Chiflon waterfall, a roaring cascade that you can choose to climb up to for panoramic views — around 800 steps if you’re feeling energetic. Many visitors find this climb rewarding, as the vistas from the top are truly spectacular.

The walk through the jungle for about 1.5 kilometers offers a chance to see several smaller waterfalls and get close to nature. You’ll stop at waterfalls like El Suspiro, dropping 25 meters, Ala de Ángel, with over 30 meters of fall, and the Velo de Novia, plummeting more than 120 meters — each one with that irresistible turquoise hue that makes the water look almost surreal. Expect to get wet and in awe of the sheer power and beauty of these natural features.

One thing to keep in mind: some reviews point out that the itinerary listed on Viator doesn’t always match the actual experience. That could mean some slight changes or fewer stops, so don’t be surprised if the timing shifts. Still, the scenery at El Chiflon is generally considered a highlight.

Stop 2: Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello

After lunch (or snacks you bring), the bus heads towards the Montebello Lagoons, arriving after about two hours of travel. This is where you’ll see the famous colorful lagoons — shades spanning from turquoise to black, owing to the surrounding flora and mineral content. It’s a scene that really sticks with you and makes for fantastic photos.

You’ll have roughly six hours here, which is plenty of time to walk around, relax, and even rent a raft to reach a small island in the lagoon — a fun little activity that many find relaxing and picturesque. If you’re hungry, there are options to buy food nearby, so you can enjoy a casual meal while taking in the views.

The lagoons are a peaceful contrast to the waterfalls, and many regard them as the most peaceful part of the tour. The vibrant colors and tranquility make it a favorite for travelers seeking natural beauty and a break from busy cities.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers transportation, including insurance and a park bracelet for entry. It also covers admission tickets for both El Chiflon and Montebello Lagoons, so no hidden costs there.

However, meals are not included — you’ll need to bring your own breakfast and lunch or plan to buy food at the stops. This is worth considering, especially if you’re hungry or have dietary restrictions.

The transportation is with recent model vehicles and offers the comfort of air conditioning, which is a plus for a long day. But as one reviewer noted, vehicle breakdowns do happen, and on this trip, guests had to switch vans, leading to cramped conditions.

Logistical Considerations and Tips

Expect an early start, with pickup at 8:00 am. The day is quite long — around 12 hours in total — so bringing snacks, water, and comfortable walking shoes is essential. Since the group size can be up to 50 people, be prepared for a lively atmosphere and some business in sharing space.

A key thing to note, based on the reviews, is that punctuality and vehicle reliability can vary. If timing is crucial for your trip or you prefer a smoother ride, it might be worth preparing for delays or considering alternative arrangements.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One of the few reviews available was quite candid: “Picked us up 15 min late. Van broke down before we even made it out of town so we had to change vans to a much smaller van — with 15 people on our tour, we were very cramped.” While this is an inconvenience, many others mention that the stunning views at both stops made up for the logistical hiccups.

Another reviewer pointed out that the itinerary doesn’t match what’s listed online, so be flexible and open-minded during your day. Despite these issues, the natural scenery is consistently praised, with visitors captivated by the turquoise lakes and powerful waterfalls.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers who want a full day immersed in lush landscapes and waterfalls. If you’re comfortable with a long day of travel, enjoy scenic walks, and don’t mind some unpredictability, this tour offers a lot of visual reward.

It’s not particularly tailored for those seeking cultural or off-the-beaten-path experiences, nor for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace. Since meals aren’t included, it’s better for those who like to plan their own snacks or meals.

Final Thoughts

Taking a trip to Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall through this tour is a solid way to see some of the most striking natural sights near San Cristóbal de las Casas. The scenery alone makes the long day worthwhile, and the included tickets and insurance add convenience.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic regarding logistical hiccups. The experience hinges on the weather, vehicle reliability, and timing, so flexibility is key. If you’re prepared for a full, adventure-filled day and want to see some of Mexico’s best waterfalls and lakes, this tour could be a good choice.

For those who prioritize comfort and punctuality above all, or prefer a more curated experience, you might want to explore other options or set aside extra time for self-guided exploration.

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses recent model vehicles equipped with air conditioning, which helps make the long day more pleasant.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food at the stops.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers find the stunning views at the lakes and waterfalls to be the highlight, especially the turquoise waters and impressive falls.

How long is the total trip?
Approximately 12 hours, from pickup at 8:00 am to return in the evening.

Are tickets and entrance fees covered?
Yes, admission to El Chiflon and Montebello Lagoons are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the walking involved and long hours suggest it’s best for travelers comfortable with a full day out.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and possibly a rain jacket depending on the weather.

Can I expect delays?
Based on reviews, delays can happen due to vehicle issues or punctuality, so be flexible.

Is the tour good for photography?
Absolutely — the scenery is very photogenic, especially the lagoons’ changing colors and waterfalls.

How do reviews generally rate this experience?
It’s around a 3.5 to 3.7 out of 5, with most praise directed at the scenery, but some mention logistical frustrations.

If you’re looking for a day packed with incredible vistas and adventure, this tour offers a lot for the price. Just keep in mind it’s not without its hiccups, so go with an open mind and a sense of adventure.