San Cristóbal: El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes

If you’re considering a full-day adventure from San Cristóbal de las Casas that combines natural beauty, a bit of adrenaline, and some truly picture-worthy scenery, this tour might catch your eye. It’s a private 13-hour trip to El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes offered by ENTESUR, rated a perfect 5 stars, which suggests travelers are quite satisfied with their experience.

What we really like about this tour is how it covers two of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring spots in Chiapas, giving you a chance to enjoy waterfalls and lakes in one day—something that can be rare during a busy trip. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means you get personalized attention and flexibility, which can be a real plus. On the flip side, the long duration and early start might not suit everyone, especially if you’re not into a full-day commitment or if you’re traveling with younger children or really tight schedules.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love nature, want to see some of Chiapas’s top natural landmarks, and appreciate the comfort of having a guide and transportation arranged for them. It’s also a good pick if you’re comfortable with a full itinerary and a 13-hour day on the road.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery with impressive waterfalls and vibrant lakes
• Private transportation and guided assistance ensure a smooth, personalized experience
• Incredible photo opportunities at both El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes
• Long day, starting early and returning late, suitable for full-day adventurers
• Optional ziplining and boat tours add extra adventure, though not included
• Cost at $225 per group offers good value considering the private, all-inclusive nature

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

We appreciate that the tour covers private transportation, tickets and entries to all the spots, and continuous assistance from a knowledgeable guide. That means no extra hassle or hidden costs when you’re on the move, which we always prefer.

However, it’s good to keep in mind that meals and flights are not included, so you’ll want to plan for meals either before or after the trip. The price of $225 per group (up to 2 people) might seem a bit high at first glance, but when you factor in the private transport and all the entries, it’s likely a fair deal for such a personalized experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Drive

You’ll start your day early, typically with a pickup from your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. The ride to El Chiflón Waterfalls is comfortable and covers scenic roads that set the tone for the adventure. Expect to be picked up in a private vehicle, which means you avoid large tour buses and can enjoy a more relaxed, intimate setting.

Visiting El Chiflón Waterfalls

Once you arrive, the main event is the El Chiflón Waterfalls, a series of cascading falls formed by rocks over time. The highlight is the tallest waterfall in Chiapas, which drops an impressive 400 feet (120 meters). Walking along the San Vicente River provides fantastic views, and you can get close enough to really appreciate the power and beauty of the water.

For those feeling a bit more daring, there’s an optional ziplining experience (not included), which many reviews say adds a fun, adrenaline-pumping element to the visit. The walkways and viewing platforms offer great photo ops, and the sound of rushing water is truly mesmerizing. Some travelers mention that the site can be quite crowded during peak times, so plan your timing if you prefer quieter moments.

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Journey to Montebello Lakes

After soaking in the waterfalls, it’s time to head to the Montebello Lakes, a stunning collection of lakes famous for their vibrant turquoise and emerald hues. The lakes are a highlight for many visitors, and you’ll visit several—Pojoj, Dreams Lake, The Enchanted One, and the 5 Lake Zone. Each offers a slightly different perspective, making for an incredible visual feast.

The lakes’ colors are due to mineral deposits and reflections, which make them a photographer’s dream. Many reviews praise how “the views are simply breathtaking” and how the colors seem almost unreal. You might find that some lakes are more crowded than others, but overall, the area is peaceful and perfect for photos and relaxing.

Optional Boat Tour and Further Exploration

If you want to go further, there’s an option to take a boat tour (not included), which adds another layer of adventure. This allows you to glide across the lakes, getting up close to the water and enjoying a different perspective. Even without it, the lakes are stunning enough to keep you busy exploring and snapping photos.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up with the drive back to San Cristóbal, arriving around 9 pm. It’s a long day, but with the company of a guide, private transport, and all the sights covered, it feels manageable. Some guests mention that the day is quite packed, so if you prefer a slower pace or want more leisure time, this might be a consideration.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer noted, “The waterfalls are amazing, with a powerful rush of water that really awakens the senses. The lakes are even more beautiful than I imagined, with colors that look almost surreal.” This underlines how much the scenery can impress.

Another mentioned, “The trip is long, but the guide kept us engaged and the scenery kept us wanting to see more. The only downside was that the day felt very packed, so there was little time for lingering at each stop.”

Regarding logistics, travelers appreciate the private nature of the tour, removing the stress of navigating on your own. However, some did mention that the early start and late return can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to lengthy days.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves nature, photography, and getting off the beaten path for extraordinary views, this tour is a solid choice. The private aspect makes it more flexible and comfortable, ideal if you’re traveling as a couple or a duo.

It’s best suited for visitors who don’t mind a long day and are ready to invest in a comprehensive experience. If you’re traveling with children or prefer more leisure, the packed schedule might feel a bit intense.

This trip is also perfect if you want to avoid large tour groups and appreciate personalized guidance, making the most of your time in Chiapas.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the most striking natural spots in Chiapas—particularly the impressive waterfalls and vibrantly colored lakes. The fact that it’s private and includes all the necessary tickets and assistance makes it a hassle-free experience, especially if you want to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than logistics.

While it’s a full day that demands early mornings and long hours, the payoff is unforgettable views and the chance to explore two of Chiapas’s best natural wonders in one go. If you’re keen on outdoor beauty, love landscapes that seem almost unreal, and want the comfort of a guided trip, this tour is well worth considering.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, or have young children, it might be worth planning for a lighter itinerary or splitting the experience into two separate trips. But for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, this day offers a satisfying, picture-perfect taste of Chiapas.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is a full-day experience with long hours, so it’s best for older children or teenagers comfortable with a long day. There’s no specific mention of family-friendliness, but if kids enjoy walking and nature, they’ll likely love it.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts early in the morning, but the exact pickup time depends on your hotel location and availability. Expect to start around dawn or shortly after.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the price. You should plan to bring snacks or buy something during the day.

Can I do the ziplining or boat tour?
Ziplining and boat tours are optional extras not included in the package. You can choose to participate if available and you’re interested.

How long is each stop?
Expect to spend a good amount of time at each major site—several hours at El Chiflón and several at Montebello Lakes—to fully enjoy the scenery.

What is the transportation like?
Transportation is private, comfortable, and air-conditioned, making the long drive more pleasant.

Is this tour good for photographers?
Absolutely, the scenery offers plenty of stunning photo opportunities, especially at the lakes with their vibrant colors and waterfalls.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and possibly a rain jacket—especially if you plan to explore waterfalls or lakes closely.

What’s the return time?
The tour concludes around 9 pm, so be prepared for a long day with travel time back in San Cristóbal.

If panoramic waterfalls and lakes are on your must-see list in Chiapas, this private tour offers an efficient way to tick those boxes while enjoying the guidance and comfort of personalized service. Just remember to pace yourself — it’s all about soaking in those incredible views and making memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: