Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls Tour

Planning a trip to Chiapas? The Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls Tour offers a full day of nature’s finest displays, combining vibrant lakes with powerful waterfalls. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a taste of Chiapas’ natural beauty without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions on their own.

What we love about this tour is its combination of diverse landscapes—you get to enjoy the quiet, colorful lakes of Montebello, and then hike up to the impressive Chiflón Waterfalls, known locally as “Velo de novia” (bride’s veil). Both stops are visually stunning and packed with photo opportunities. Another highlight is the convenience of included transportation and entry fees, which makes this a good value for travelers who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience.

On the flip side, the tour involves a fair amount of hiking uphill (about 750 meters to the waterfalls), which could be a challenge for travelers with limited mobility or low fitness levels. Also, since the tour is outdoors all day, it suits those prepared for a full day of activity and contact with nature. Overall, it’s well-suited for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those eager to see some of Chiapas’ most iconic sites — just be ready for a day out in the elements.

Key Points

• Full-day experience visits two of Chiapas’ top natural attractions with minimal hassle.
• Includes transportation, entrance fees, and a driver who provides local insights, making it easy to focus on enjoying the scenery.
• The hike uphill to the waterfalls is a highlight, but also a consideration for less mobile travelers.
• The tour’s value is strong considering all included features, perfect for those wanting guided convenience.
• Suitable for adventurous, outdoor-enthusiast travelers; not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.
• Expect a contact with nature and some physical activity, making it a memorable, immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Nature’s Best in Chiapas

Looking for a way to see some of Chiapas’ most stunning natural sights in just one day? The Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls Tour offers a balanced mix of lakes and waterfalls that showcase the region’s vibrant landscapes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and traveler reviews suggest it’s a well-organized way to discover the area’s highlights without the stress of planning.

What makes this tour worth considering are two aspects we particularly like: first, the chance to see the colorful Lagoons of Montebello, with their varying shades of blue and green—a truly peaceful setting—and second, the spectacular waterfall hike at Chiflón, featuring a cascade that reaches approximately 120 meters. That said, be aware that the uphill walk to the waterfalls is about 75 meters long and can be physically demanding.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who want an authentic, outdoor adventure and don’t mind a full day spent in nature. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a guided tour that covers transportation, entrance fees, and local insights, especially if you prefer not to navigate logistics on your own. Just remember, if you’re not up for uphill hikes or outdoor contact, this might not be the best fit.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Pickup and Departure

The day begins with an early pickup—7:00 am from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or 8:00 am from San Cristóbal de las Casas—making it convenient for travelers staying in either city. The vehicle is air-conditioned with comfortable seats, which is a nice touch after an early start. The tour operates with a minimum of two adults, ensuring small group intimacy, and the driver provides ongoing commentary about the sights and Chiapas’ landscape.

The Chiflón Waterfalls: A Hike to Bridal Veil

The first stop is the Chiflón Waterfalls, famous locally as “Velo de novia.” The journey involves a 75-meter uphill walk (approximately 750 meters of hiking), so be prepared with sturdy shoes and water. The main attraction is the bride’s veil, a stunning cascade that drops around 120 meters. Travelers have described this as a “spectacular sight,” with some reviews mentioning a “beautiful walk” that is worth the effort.

The hike up provides ample opportunities for photos of the lush surroundings, and the waterfall itself offers a powerful display of nature’s force. The sound of rushing water and the mist in the air are invigorating, and standing beneath or near the falls is an experience that connects you deeply with nature.

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The Lagoons of Montebello: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

After descending from Chiflón, the tour continues to Las Lagunas de Montebello, a sprawling nature reserve covering large hectares of forested land and vibrant lakes. Here, you’ll find lakes with different shades—some turquoise, others dark blue or green—each with varying depths. The landscape is spacious and tranquil, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and photography.

Traveler reviews highlight the beauty of the varied lake colors, with one noting that “the lakes are so different from each other, almost like different planets.” Some visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to simply soak in the scenery. You might also get the chance to see the border area near Guatemala, adding a touch of international flavor to the visit.

Final Considerations

The day isn’t rushed—there’s enough time for sightseeing and photos, but be prepared for the drive back in the late afternoon. The total duration is around 12 hours, making it a full but rewarding day out.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Ground transportation with air conditioning and comfortable seats
• Civil liability insurance on the vehicle
• Entrance fees to Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the Chiflón Waterfalls
• A local driver/guide who provides commentary during the tour
• Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb

Not included:

• Food and beverages (pack a picnic or plan to buy snacks along the way)
• Souvenirs or additional activities
• Tour guide beyond the driver (if you want a dedicated guide, you’d need to arrange separately)
• Lodging or overnight accommodations

Practical Tips for the Tour

Prepare for a full day outdoors — pack comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen. The hike uphill to the waterfalls calls for water shoes and clothes that can get dirty or wet. Remember a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to get close to the water or want to freshen up.

Given the outdoor nature of this tour, it’s wise to bring insect repellent, especially around lakes, and charged smartphones for pictures. Since the tour involves physical activity, motion sickness prevention might be useful if you’re prone to car or bus sickness.

What’s not allowed? High-heeled shoes, drones, smoking in the vehicle, fishing, alcohol, drugs, unaccompanied minors, and explosive substances. These rules help keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to explore Chiapas’ natural beauty with a guided, organized approach. It’s especially suitable for outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with some hiking and physical activity. If you’re traveling with children or seniors with mobility issues, you might find the uphill parts challenging. Likewise, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or those with respiratory issues.

If you’re seeking a relaxing day without much exertion, this might not be ideal. But if you want to see stunning lakes and waterfalls in a single adventure, at a reasonable price, this tour delivers.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers wanting a well-organized day trip that packs in some of Chiapas’ most famous natural sights, this tour offers excellent value. The transportation, entrance fees, and local insights included make it a hassle-free way to see two very different but equally beautiful environments—the tranquil lakes of Montebello and the powerful waterfalls of Chiflón.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a day outdoors and don’t mind a moderate hike uphill. The scenic beauty, coupled with the convenience of a guided experience, makes this a compelling choice for visitors who want an authentic, active encounter with nature.

While it’s not a relaxation-focused tour, the visual rewards and fresh mountain air will stay with you long after the day ends. For anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of landscapes, this trip offers a satisfying glimpse into the natural splendor of Chiapas.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children?
It depends on the child’s age and physical ability. The uphill hike at Chiflón may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, so check with the tour provider if you’re unsure.

What should I bring for the hike?
Comfortable shoes, water shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel, change of clothes, and a camera are recommended. Pack light but be prepared for contact with water and mud.

Can I buy food or drinks during the tour?
Food and beverages are not included. You might find opportunities to buy snacks or drinks at the lakes or along the route, so bringing some along is advisable.

How long does the drive take?
The drive to Chiflón takes approximately 3 hours, followed by a hike, and then about 1.5 hours to reach Montebello Lagoons.

Is the tour available in languages other than Spanish?
The driver provides commentary in Spanish. If you prefer another language, check with the provider beforehand, as it’s not specified.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Montebello Lagoons and Chiflón Waterfalls Tour. It’s a fantastic way to experience some of Chiapas’ most iconic natural scenery—just gear up for a day of outdoor exploration!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby