El Chiflón Waterfalls & Montebello Lagoons Tour from San Cristobal

Five waterfalls and two lagoons on the Guatemalan border in one route

A full-day tour from San Cristobal takes you through El Chiflón's chain of waterfalls and into Lagunas de Montebello National Park, where you visit Tziscao Lagoon and Lake International on the Guatemala border. You walk a 1 km path past El Sispiro, Ala de Ángel, Arco Iris, Quinceañera and the main waterfall, Velo de Novia at 120 meters high, then explore the park's intensely colored waters and can cross on foot into a small Guatemalan town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. El Chiflón Waterfalls2h · entry included
2. Comitán3h · entry included

Explore waterfalls and lakes in Chiapas

• Walk 1 km path at El Chiflón waterfalls
• Visit Tziscao Lagoon and International Lake
• Cross to small town on Guatemalan border
• Return to San Cristobal de Las Casas

The experience

The day centers on two distinct landscapes. El Chiflón is a chain of waterfalls formed by the San Vicente River, all visible along a single 1 km walking path. You see El Sispiro, Ala de Ángel, Arco Iris and Quinceañera before reaching Velo de Novia, the main waterfall at 120 meters. The walk is straightforward and takes you past each one in sequence.

After El Chiflón, the route moves to Lagunas de Montebello National Park, where the water shifts from white falls to intensely colored lagoons. You visit Tziscao Lagoon and Lake International, both on the Guatemalan border. At Lake International, you can walk across on foot to a small town in Guatemala without needing a passport. The park's lagoons are the reason this area is famous, and the color of the water is what sets them apart from the waterfalls you saw earlier.

An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport between sites and returns you to San Cristobal at the end of the day. The tour runs 13 hours total. Bring comfortable footwear, light clothing, repellent and swimwear if you plan to enter the water. Cash is needed for any personal expenses or food at the lagoons.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to El Chiflón and Lagunas de Montebello.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport between sites and return to San Cristobal.
• hotel pickup from San Cristobal.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 21:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Paxial Tours

Is this one for you?The 13-hour day and 1 km walking path mean this tour suits travelers who are comfortable with a full day out and steady walking on uneven ground. Children from age 3 are welcome, though the length and pace work best for those who can manage several hours of activity.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Velo de Novia and why is it the main waterfall at El Chiflón?

Velo de Novia is the largest waterfall in the El Chiflón chain at 120 meters high, formed by the San Vicente River. It is the final and most imposing waterfall you reach on the 1 km walking path through the site.

Can I actually walk into Guatemala from Lake International?

Yes, you can cross on foot from Lake International to a small town in Guatemala. A passport is not required for this crossing, making it a unique moment on the border itself.

How long is the walk through El Chiflón waterfalls?

The path through El Chiflón is 1 km long and takes you past all five waterfalls: El Sispiro, Ala de Ángel, Arco Iris, Quinceañera and Velo de Novia. The walk is accessible and lets you see each waterfall in sequence.

What makes the water in Lagunas de Montebello different from other lakes?

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is famous for its intensely colored waters. Tziscao Lagoon and Lake International both display these distinctive colors, which shift depending on the light and minerals in the water.

Is there time to swim or enter the water during the tour?

You visit both the waterfalls and the lagoons, and swimwear is listed as optional in the recommendations. Lunch time is given at Lagunas de Montebello, though food is not included and cash payment is required if you choose to eat there.