Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Day Tour from San Cristobal

Discovering Chiapas: A Full Day at Lakes de Montebello and Chiflón Waterfall

A day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas to Lagos de Montebello and the Chiflón Waterfall offers a wonderful escape into some of Mexico’s most picturesque landscapes. For $40 per person, this 12-hour tour brings you through lush rainforest, alongside shimmering lakes, and to a powerful waterfall — perfect for nature lovers and curious explorers alike. Guided by a friendly Spanish-speaking driver, you’ll experience the natural beauty of Chiapas without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we love most is the diverse scenery — from the vibrant waters of the lakes to the misty rainforest, and the impressive chute of water at Chiflón. The tour’s value for money stands out, especially considering all entrance fees and park costs are included. Plus, the opportunity to paddleboat at Lago de Montebello or take a quick swim makes this trip a well-rounded experience.

A possible consideration is the long hours of driving involved, which might be tiring for some travelers. However, if you’re comfortable with a full day on the road and eager to see a broad slice of Chiapas’ natural offerings, this tour delivers. It’s ideal for those who appreciate scenic vistas, natural parks, and don’t mind a bit of time in transit.

This tour suits travelers looking for an authentic outdoor experience that combines adventure with comfort, especially if you want to avoid complex travel arrangements. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy guided trips that provide insightful commentary and hassle-free logistics.

Key Points

• Impressive natural scenery: Lakes, rainforest, waterfalls, and colorful waters.
• All-included pricing: Entrance, national park fees, and transportation are covered.
• Long but rewarding day: 12 hours with plenty of time at each site.
• Skilled guides: Friendly, informative drivers who enhance the experience.
• Good value: Several activities, scenic views, and transport at a reasonable price.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned minivan suited for day trips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The day begins at the Al Grano Cafe in San Cristobal, where you meet your guide and hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. This initial part of the journey, about 2.5 hours, takes you through Chiapas’ scenic countryside — small villages, lush forests, and rolling hills. The drive itself is an integral part of the experience, letting you soak in the rural charm and observe daily life in the region.

Your first major stop is Chiflón Waterfall, where you’ll spend roughly two hours. Andrea from Italy highlights how this waterfall makes a strong first impression. She mentions that “the waterfalls are amazing,” and that two hours was just enough to walk the short trail, marvel at the cascades, and even enjoy a swim in the pools. From the reviews, it’s clear that many find Chiflón to be a highlight, thanks to its raw beauty and the opportunity for some light hiking. The area is surrounded by reeds and palm groves, adding to the feeling of being in a true natural sanctuary.

After soaking in the waterfalls, the tour resumes with about 80 minutes of travel to Lagos de Montebello. This part of the journey offers beautiful views of the countryside and introduces travelers to the diverse landscape of Chiapas’ lake district. Here, you’ll have approximately 3.5 hours to explore, which many reviewers find just right for enjoying the lakes and opting for activities like a boat ride. Nuala from the UK mentions how her guide, Jonny, made an effort to ensure she understood the sights despite language barriers, emphasizing the personal touch that guides can bring.

The Montebello Lakes are famed for their stunning, often vividly colored waters. The lakes are set in a vast nature reserve, filled with pines, oaks, and rainforest, making it an ideal spot for photographs and leisurely walks. Visitors often comment on how peaceful and scenic the area is. You might see lakes with shades of turquoise, emerald, or even more unusual hues, depending on the mineral content. Many opt for a boat trip — a simple, affordable way to get closer to the water and see multiple lakes from a different perspective, as Andrea suggests was “the main activity to do there at a reasonable price.”

The itinerary also allows for a brief walk along a small strip of Guatemala — a detail appreciated by travelers eager to see the border area without the logistics of border crossing. The reviews mention good opportunities for taking pictures, relaxing by the lakes, and sampling local roadside snacks. Some reviewers, like the GetYourGuide traveler, mention optional activities like rafting and zip lines, which are available at extra costs if you want a bit more adrenaline.

The journey back to San Cristobal takes about three hours, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s sights. The return to the Al Grano Cafe in the early evening marks the end of a full, varied day of natural beauty and cultural insight.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

We found that the diversity of experiences packed into one day makes this tour stand out. From cascading waterfalls to shimmering lakes, the trip offers a taste of Chiapas’ best natural sights. Travelers who appreciate guided logistics and want to avoid the hassle of arranging transportation, entrance fees, and park permits will find this tour particularly convenient and worthwhile.

The friendly, knowledgeable guides – as highlighted in reviews – add depth to the experience, making the natural wonders more meaningful with insights and friendly service. Plus, the inclusion of all fees means no surprise costs upon arrival, enhancing the overall value.

However, the long driving stretches may not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop. The overall duration of 12 hours can be tiring, particularly for those unaccustomed to long days on the road. Still, many reviewers feel the experience is well worth the effort, especially given the stunning scenery.

This tour is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, those traveling with a moderate level of mobility (since some walking and light hiking are involved), and anyone eager to see the natural highlights of Chiapas in a single day. It’s also ideal if you want a guided experience that balances scenic exploration with cultural touches, like seeing a brief border crossing.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation on a clean, air-conditioned minivan makes the long drive manageable, and the included entrance fees cover the primary attractions. Since food isn’t included, bringing snacks or a picnic is a smart idea — especially if you want to avoid overpriced roadside stalls or just prefer your own meals. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at Al Grano Cafe, a central, accessible spot in San Cristobal.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and light hiking, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Since you’ll be outdoors most of the day, dressing in layers is a good idea. Remember your passport if you want to cross a tiny section of Guatemala, although most travelers just enjoy the lakes without crossing the border.

While the tour is conducted in Spanish, guides often go above and beyond to communicate clearly, as one reviewer noted. It’s a good choice for travelers comfortable with basic Spanish or those who enjoy a guided experience where language may occasionally be a barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $40 per person, which includes transportation, entrance fees, and national park fees. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

How long is the total tour?
It’s a full 12-hour experience, starting in the morning and returning to San Cristobal in the early evening.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Al Grano Cafe in San Cristobal de las Casas, located at Portal Oriente 9, Col. Centro.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or plan to buy food along the way is recommended.

Are there activities at the lakes?
Yes, many travelers enjoy boat trips on Lago de Montebello, which are inexpensive and a great way to see multiple lakes from the water.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It’s best suited for those who can handle some walking and light hiking. It’s not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or heart or respiratory conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimwear if you wish to swim, and a daypack for your essentials.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Is there an English-speaking guide?
The guide speaks Spanish; reviews mention that guides make significant efforts to communicate well and ensure understanding, but no official English-speaking guide is mentioned.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day immersed in the natural beauty of Chiapas, combining waterfalls, lakes, and rainforest in one manageable trip. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free way to see these highlights, appreciate authentic scenery, and enjoy good value. While the long hours can be tiring, many find the payoff — stunning vistas and memorable experiences — more than worth it. If you’re eager for an active, scenic, and authentic day outside San Cristobal, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: