Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Day Tour from San Cristobal

If you’re planning to visit San Cristobal de las Casas and want to see some of the most stunning natural sights Chiapas has to offer, this Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfall day tour could be a great option. It promises a full day of scenic driving, beautiful views, and memorable nature experiences — all for around $40 a person. Based on reviews and the itinerary, I’ll walk you through what to expect and what makes this trip worth considering.

One thing we really like about this tour is how it combines waterfalls, lakes, and rainforest scenery, giving you a well-rounded taste of Chiapas’ natural beauty. Plus, the value seems pretty solid — entrance fees, park fees, and transportation are covered, so you’re mostly paying for the experience itself. On the flip side, the long drive (about 8 hours total) might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of long bus rides. This tour suits those who love nature, don’t mind a full day on the road, and want to see the region’s highlights without fuss.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure: About 12 hours of sightseeing, travel, and exploring
• Diverse sights: Waterfalls, lakes, rainforest, and even a bit of Guatemala border crossing
• Cost-effective: Includes entrance and park fees, transportation, and a Spanish-speaking driver
• Long travel time: Be prepared for several hours on the road with scenic views
• Good for nature lovers: Especially those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities
• Not suited for mobility issues: The tour involves walking and outdoor exploration

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Chiapas’ nature without the fuss of planning individual parts. It starts early in the morning at a meeting point near San Cristobal, then whisks you away in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. From the start, you’ll notice that the group sizes tend to be manageable, and the driver/guide often goes beyond just driving—many reviews mention how helpful and friendly guides are.

The Journey Begins: Transfer to the Waterfalls

The first leg of your day involves a roughly 2.5-hour drive to Chiflón Waterfall, a spectacular natural freefall surrounded by reeds and lush palm groves. We loved the way the guide sets the tone here, pointing out details about the flora and fauna along the way. When you arrive, you’ll have about 2 hours to walk the short trails, enjoy the cascading water, and even take a quick dip if you’re feeling brave. Reviewers consistently mention that the waterfalls are “amazing” and that two hours is just enough time to see everything without feeling rushed.

Highlights at Chiflón Waterfall

The main attraction here is, of course, the waterfall itself. It’s a natural spectacle, and many find the sight quite impressive. If you’re interested in added fun, some might opt for ziplining, which is an optional extra, though not included in the tour price. It’s worth noting that the waterfall environment is quite lively, with reeds and palms making a picturesque backdrop. The reviews praise the friendly guides who help with safety and share interesting tidbits about the area.

Moving on to the Lakes

After soaking in the waterfalls, your group hops back into the van for about 80 minutes of travel to the Lagos de Montebello. This part of the day can be quite scenic as you pass through small towns and observe local life in Chiapas. Once you arrive at the Montebello Lakes, you’ll have approximately 3.5 hours to explore.

This lakes district is probably the most striking part of the trip. The park is filled with acres of pines, oaks, and rainforest, with lakes that come in different colors, depending on the season and sunlight. Many reviews mention that the views are “gorgeous” and that the lakes are a must-see. You might find opportunities to walk along narrow trails, snap photos of the varied waters, or even take a boat ride — which many consider the best way to experience the lakes fully. The price of boat trips is not included but is readily available at reasonable rates.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why the Lakes Are Special

Travelers often comment that the lakes’ changing hues are mesmerizing. It’s not just a pretty sight; it feels like a peaceful escape in the middle of nature. Plus, the area is large enough that you can find some quieter spots away from crowds, especially if you’re there early in the day. Some reviewers mention walking on a small strip that even borders Guatemala briefly — an unexpected bonus that adds a bit of international flavor.

The Return Journey

The trip back to San Cristobal takes roughly three hours. This part of the tour may feel a bit long, but many reviews note that the scenery makes it worthwhile. The driver, often lauded for being efficient and friendly, makes sure the ride is comfortable, and you’ll likely get some interesting local stories or explanations along the way.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s cost of $40 covers most essentials: transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, all entrance and park fees, and a Spanish-speaking driver. However, you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks, as these are not included, although there are roadside stalls where you can grab snacks or a quick meal. The tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so plan to reach the starting point at Al Grano Cafe on your own.

Practical Tips

• Bring a passport, especially if you plan to walk toward the Guatemala border area.
• Dress comfortably, with suitable shoes for walking on trails.
• Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent—outdoor fun means exposure.
• Consider bringing a swimwear if you want to take a dip at the waterfalls.
• Carry some pesos for snacks, boat rides, or optional activities.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for outdoor lovers who don’t mind a full day of travel and outdoor exploration. It’s been praised by travelers who enjoy scenic drives and scenery, and many appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable guides. If you’re traveling with kids who can handle walking and outdoor activities, it could be suitable, but it’s not specifically tailored for those with mobility issues or respiratory concerns.

Final Thoughts

This Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfall tour offers a reasonably priced, comprehensive look at some of Chiapas’ most gorgeous natural spots. The combination of waterfalls, lakes, and rainforest scenery makes for a memorable experience that’s well worth the long day on the road. Visitors seem to especially enjoy the friendly guides, beautiful vistas, and delicious roadside food.

If you’re after a manageable, affordable way to see nature’s best in Chiapas and don’t mind spending several hours in transit, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s particularly great if you love being outdoors and want to make the most of your day outside the town.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers looking for an easy, all-in-one day trip — especially those who love scenic drives, lakes, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures — will likely enjoy this experience. It’s a wonderful way to see more of Chiapas without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions yourself. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and nature-focused day, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, the price covers transportation in an air-conditioned minivan from the starting point and back.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Yes, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is recommended.

Can I do activities like boat rides or ziplining?
While activities like boat rides are available locally and not included in the price, ziplining is an optional extra that you can choose if available.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, suitable clothes for outdoor activities, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfalls.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for kids who can handle walking and outdoor environments. It’s not specifically designed for those with mobility issues or health concerns.

What time does the tour start and end?
It generally starts early in the morning and returns in the early evening, lasting around 12 hours total.

Do I need to speak Spanish to enjoy the tour?
The driver and guide speak Spanish, so some understanding will help you get the most out of the experience, although many guides go beyond just driving and share helpful information.

Overall, if you’re craving a day immersed in nature with easy logistics, this tour from San Cristobal offers a good mix of scenery, adventure, and value — perfect for travelers eager to see Chiapas’ natural highlights without overcomplicating their plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: