El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip

Experience the natural beauty of southeastern Mexico with the El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip. For $85 per person, you’ll spend roughly 13 hours exploring two of the region’s most breathtaking spots, with transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide included. The tour starts early at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup, and promises an active day filled with vibrant lakes, roaring waterfalls, and lush jungle scenery.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see both the serene, colorful lakes of Montebello and the impressive cascade of El Chiflon. The lakes’ unique hues—pale blue, violet, emerald, and turquoise—are fascinating, and the explanation about how soil, vegetation, and light create these colors is a highlight. Plus, the 360-foot Bridal Veil Waterfall at El Chiflon is a sight that truly demands a camera. What might give some pause is the length of the day — it’s a long trip, starting early and ending late, but if you’re eager for a full immersion into nature, that’s part of the charm.

This tour is best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of travel, appreciate natural landscapes, and enjoy learning about local flora and fauna. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want everything arranged—entrance fees, transportation, and guiding—so they can just relax and soak in the views. However, be aware that guides may not speak English, which could be a consideration if language is a concern.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure from San Cristóbal includes visits to two major natural attractions.
• Colorful lakes and towering waterfalls provide spectacular photo opportunities.
• Educational commentary enhances understanding of local ecology and geology.
• All logistics handled—entrance fees, transportation, and hotel pickup are included.
• Long but rewarding — expect a 13-hour day with early start and late return.
• Limited group size (max 12) helps maintain a personal touch.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Visiting Montebello Lakes: A Spectrum of Colors

Our day begins with a ride from San Cristóbal de las Casas, which takes about three hours, giving us a window into the scenic landscapes of southeastern Mexico. Once at Montebello Lakes National Park, we find ourselves in a lush, reed-filled valley surrounded by mountains and tropical jungle. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and you can tell why—this is a protected area teeming with life.

The highlight here is the crystalline lakes, which come in shades of pale blue, violet, emerald, and turquoise. These hues aren’t just for show; they are caused by specific factors like soil composition, light refraction, and vegetation. As our guide explains, the variety of soils at the bottom of the lakes, along with the lush flora including orchids, bromeliads, and cedar trees, create a palette of natural colors that almost seem too vivid to be real.

We’re given about two hours to explore the lakes, which is enough time to appreciate their beauty and take plenty of photos. We loved the way the landscape frames the lakes—dense jungle, mountains, and reed beds—making every shot look like a postcard. The guide’s insights about the flora and fauna add depth to the experience, turning simple sightseeing into an educational walk.

El Chiflon Waterfalls: Power and Majesty

After our lakes visit, we hop into the van for the next leg of the journey to El Chiflon Waterfalls. The drive takes around three hours, giving us a chance to rest and enjoy the scenic drive. Upon arrival, we’re greeted by a series of waterfalls spanning almost 5,000 feet of rugged terrain.

The main attraction is the Bridal Veil Waterfall, plunging over 300 feet and offering a refreshing breeze and a thunderous roar. Climbing to the highest vantage point allows us to feel the power of nature up close—an experience that’s both humbling and invigorating. The walk to the waterfalls is accessible but involves some uneven terrain, so good shoes are recommended.

One traveler mentioned, “Waterfalls were fantastic,” and indeed, the sight of the water cascading down the rocks, combined with the lush greenery, makes for an unforgettable scene. The guide’s commentary enhances understanding, and the opportunity to stand in front of such a natural spectacle is worth the long day.

Practical Details and Realities

Throughout the tour, we appreciated the all-inclusive approach—entrance fees to both parks are covered, so no surprises. The transportation is comfortable, and pickup and drop-off at your hotel eliminate the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads yourself.

However, some travelers noted the length of the day. For example, one review pointed out that the tour starts at 7:30 am for pickup, with a drop-off around 9:30 pm. While the guide was praised as knowledgeable and professional, communication about pick-up times was occasionally inconsistent, and guides did not speak English, which could detract for non-Spanish speakers. This makes the tour better suited for travelers who are comfortable with a long, full-day outing and don’t mind language barriers.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What sets this tour apart is the chance to experience Mexico’s natural landscapes without the stress of planning. The guides are knowledgeable about the environment, sharing stories about the flora and the geological factors that influence the lakes’ colors. The food at the tour restaurant was also praised for being clean and tasty, which is a thoughtful touch after a morning of activity.

The reviews reflect well on the professionalism of the guides and the overall value—despite some communication shortcomings, most visitors found the experience rewarding. One traveler summed it up as an “unbelievable experience,” highlighting the memorable guide and the quality of the food.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is best for those eager to see diverse natural beauty in a single day—colorful lakes and roaring waterfalls—without the hassle of organizing transport or entrance fees. It suits travelers who are okay with a long day and appreciate guided commentary on nature and ecology. It’s especially good if you’re staying in San Cristóbal and want to venture further into the wilderness.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or have limited mobility, keep in mind the walking involved at El Chiflon. Also, if English is a priority, confirm whether guides speak it fluently, as some reviews indicated a language barrier.

Final Thoughts

The El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip offers a well-rounded introduction to southeastern Mexico’s stunning landscapes. It pairs the tranquility of shimmering lakes with the raw power of waterfalls, all within a manageable day’s outing. While the day is long and some communication issues are noted, the experience’s authenticity and natural beauty more than compensate.

For travelers who love nature, enjoy learning about the environment, and want everything organized for them, this tour provides excellent value. It’s ideal for those wanting to escape the city, see vivid landscapes, and capture stunning photos. Just remember to bring good shoes, a camera, and an open mind for a full day of adventure.

FAQs

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, starting with hotel pickup around 8:30 am and returning late in the evening around 9:30 pm.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfalls are included in the $85 price.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel to the parks and between attractions is included, making travel hassle-free.

Do guides speak English?
Some reviews mention guides who do not speak English, so if language is important, check with the provider beforehand.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for the stunning scenery, and some water and snacks for the day are recommended.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but the tour restaurant was praised for being clean and offering good food, so you can plan to purchase lunch.

Would this tour suit children?
Most travelers can participate, and children should be accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind the walking involved and the length of the day.

To sum it up, this tour offers a rewarding glimpse into Mexico’s natural treasures, blending scenic landscapes with educational insights. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager for an active day immersed in nature, especially if you want everything arranged and don’t mind a long day on the road.