Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty, this Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a full day of scenic landscapes, waterfalls that look like they belong in a painting, and peaceful lakes with different shades of blue and green. We haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, but based on the info we have, it looks like a well-rounded option for anyone wanting to get out of the city and into nature without sacrificing comfort.

What we really like about this tour is that it combines two of Chiapas’ most iconic natural sites. First, you get the thrill of hiking uphill to see the main waterfall at Chiflón—known as the “Velo de Novia” or bridal veil—which is around 120 meters tall. Then, you’ll wind down to the Montebello Lagoons, a vast reserve with stunningly colorful lakes and lush forests. Plus, the price of $97 per person includes transportation, park entrance fees, and a driver who shares local insights. That means you won’t have to worry about navigating or additional costs on-site.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a full-day outdoor adventure. The tour starts early, with pickups around 7 or 8 am, and you’ll be out for roughly 10 hours. The drive to Chiflón takes about three hours, and you’ll be hiking uphill for approximately 750 meters, which requires a decent level of fitness and comfortable shoes. If you’re someone with mobility issues or low energy, this might be a bit demanding. That said, if you’re into nature and don’t mind a bit of physical activity, it offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of Chiapas’ most beautiful landscapes in one day.

This tour seems best suited for those who love outdoor activities, are comfortable with a full day of travel and walking, and want a straightforward, well-organized experience without too many extras. It’s also good for travelers who prefer to explore with a driver and don’t mind a group setup, given the minimum of two adults.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines visits to Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls, offering diverse scenery in one tour.
• Includes Transportation: Ground transport, park fees, and a knowledgeable driver are part of the package, simplifying logistics.
• Physical Activity: Involves a hike uphill for about 75 meters to the main waterfall, suitable for those with moderate fitness.
• Cost-Effective: At $97, it covers a lot of ground without hidden fees, making it a good value for a full-day experience.
• Timing & Contacts: Pickup from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristobal de las Casas, with flexible cancellation and booking options.
• Limitations: Not suitable for wheelchairs, very young children, or those with respiratory or mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Early for a Full Day of Adventure

The tour begins early, with pickups at 7:00 am in Tuxtla Gutiérrez or 8:00 am if you’re staying in San Cristobal de las Casas. This timing makes sense because you’ll want to maximize your day and beat some of the crowds. The drive to Chiflón takes about three hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery as the landscape shifts from urban surroundings to lush countryside.

The Chiflón Waterfalls: Majestic Bridal Veil

Once you arrive at Chiflón, the real adventure begins. The main attraction is the tall waterfall, affectionately called the bridal veil—”Velo de Novia.” To reach the viewpoint, you’ll hike uphill for about 75 meters, which takes roughly 15-20 minutes. The hike isn’t overly strenuous but does require sturdy, comfortable shoes and a bit of stamina.

From the top, you’ll witness the main waterfall cascading down nearly 120 meters, creating a misty, ethereal scene. Many reviews highlight how impressive the waterfall is, with one noting, “The view was breathtaking, and the sound of the water was so calming.” Be prepared for some mist and spray, so packing a waterproof camera or protective cover is a good idea.

The Lagoons of Montebello: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

After soaking in the waterfalls, you’ll move to the Montebello Lagoons, a vast natural reserve with large hectares of lush forests and lakes of vibrant hues. The different shades of blue and green in these lakes come from mineral deposits and varying depths, making each one uniquely beautiful.

You might find yourself just gazing in awe at the landscape—it’s a photographer’s dream, especially with the forests framing the lakes. Several visitors mention the scenic beauty, with one stating, “The lakes have such different shades, it’s like being in a painting.” The lakes are situated near Guatemala, adding a bit of international flavor to your trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Aspects

Transportation is comfortable, thanks to air conditioning and seats designed for long rides. The driver acts as a local guide, sharing insights about the sites and the region. Since the tour operates with a minimum of two adults, it’s usually a small group, making the experience more personal.

You’ll need to bring essentials such as comfortable shoes, a hat, a change of clothes, water shoes if you plan to get into the water, and biodegradable sunscreen. The tour emphasizes respecting nature, so carrying biodegradable repellent is recommended.

What’s Not Included & Additional Tips

The tour price does not cover food, beverages, souvenirs, or additional activities. So, plan to bring snacks and water or arrange for a meal afterward. Given the outdoor nature of this trip, packing clothes that can get dirty and a towel for water activities is advisable.

One reviewer pointed out that the full-day outdoor activity is demanding but worth it: “It was tiring but so rewarding to see these incredible sites in one day.” Keep in mind that there’s a good amount of walking and hiking, so please assess your fitness level.

Considerations for Travelers

This tour isn’t suitable for everyone—it’s not wheelchair accessible, and those with respiratory issues, very young children, or elderly over 70 may find it challenging. The walking and the drive are both quite long, making it better suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor conditions.

Booking & Cancellation

Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later—with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility can be a relief if your plans shift unexpectedly. Just remember to contact the tour provider 24 hours before to confirm details.

Final Thoughts

This Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls tour offers a solid way to experience some of Chiapas’ most picturesque natural sights. It’s best for those who enjoy moderate physical activity, outdoor scenery, and the convenience of a guided day trip. The combination of waterfalls and lakes ensures you get a varied visual experience that’s both relaxing and invigorating.

While the day is packed, the landscapes you’ll encounter are worth the effort. It’s a straightforward tour that combines adventure, nature, and cultural beauty without too many bells and whistles. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to see nature’s quiet, stunning side, this experience could be a highlight of your Chiapas visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not specifically designed for children; the hike uphill and outdoor activities require a decent level of fitness. Very young children or babies under 1 year old might find it challenging, and it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with a hat, change of clothes, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, water shoes, and clothes that can get dirty. A charged smartphone is also handy for photos.

How long is the drive to Chiflón?
The drive from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristobal takes approximately three hours to reach Chiflón.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and physical activities involved.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. It’s best to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

What’s the best time to book?
You can reserve now with the flexibility to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operates daily with a minimum of two adults.

Is the tour guided in Spanish?
Yes, the driver provides information during the tour in Spanish. If you need guides in other languages, check with the provider beforehand.

Can I get great photos?
Absolutely. The lakes and waterfalls provide stunning photo opportunities, especially if you bring a waterproof camera or protective cover.

How demanding is the hike?
The uphill hike to the waterfalls is about 75 meters and takes roughly 15-20 minutes. It’s manageable for most with moderate fitness but could be tiring for those less active.

Are there any restrictions?
Certain items like drones, smoking in the vehicle, fishing, alcohol, and explosive substances are not allowed. High heels and unaccompanied minors are also restricted.

If scenic lakes and waterfalls sound like your kind of day out, this tour offers a good chance to see some of Chiapas’ most beautiful spots in one organized trip. Just be ready for a bit of a physical workout and outdoor adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: