Tuxtla Gutiérrez: El Chiflón Waterfalls & Montebello Lakes Day Trip

Three Waterfalls, Twelve Lakes, One Morning Drive from Tuxtla

You visit twelve of Montebello's fifty-nine lakes, each a different shade of blue or green, then walk to three waterfalls at El Chiflón through jungle paths and swimming pools. Transport from Tuxtla, park entry, and water are included. Plan for a full day out. That's what fits both parks into one trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Montebello Lakes and El Chiflón

• Explore Montebello National Park lakes
• Walk to El Chiflón waterfalls
• See El Suspiro, Angel Wings, Bride's Veil
• Observe surrounding vegetation

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Lagunas de Montebello National Park Entry included 3h
2. El Chiflón Waterfalls Entry included 2h

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, entry to Lagunas de Montebello National Park and El Chiflón ecotourism center, an air-conditioned vehicle for the full route, and bottled water.
• You walk the trails at your own pace and can swim in the waterfall pools if you bring swimwear.
• Zip-lining at El Chiflón is available separately for an additional cost.

Times

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• Every day 06:30

Information

Day trip from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to El Chiflón's three waterfalls and 12 of Montebello's 59 lakes. Includes park entry, transport, and water. Full day in Chiapas.

Group Up to 10

Live guide Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 11 pickup points. See the pickup points

Book up to the start time

Ages Adult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (55 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Infants must sit on laps

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.00 ★★★★★ Very good 3 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

"How many lakes are we actually seeing today?" someone always asks before the van pulls out of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and the answer is twelve: out of fifty-nine in Lagunas de Montebello National Park. The park sits about two hours south, and that drive is when you start noticing the landscape shift: the mountains get sharper, the air changes. You'll stop first at the lakes themselves, where the water shifts through shades of blue and green depending on the light and the minerals underneath. Each lake has its own color, which sounds like marketing copy until you're actually standing there and they do.

After Montebello, the route heads to El Chiflón, the ecotourism center where the real walking starts. There are three waterfalls here (El Suspiro, Angel Wings, and Bride's Veil), and the paths between them wind through thick vegetation that feels like you've stepped into a different climate entirely. The water is cold and the mist hits you before you see the falls themselves. You can move at your own pace through the trails, and if you want to zip-line (that costs extra and isn't included), the setup is right there. Most people just walk, swim in the pools if they brought a change of clothes, and take photos that somehow never capture how the light hits the water.

The day is long (you're out from early morning through late afternoon), but it's the kind of long that doesn't feel rushed. The van is air-conditioned, bottled water comes with you, and park entry is already paid. You're not stopping to arrange tickets or negotiate with vendors. The guide handles the timing, which means you can actually look around instead of checking your watch.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

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.

How far is El Chiflón from Tuxtla Gutiérrez?

About two hours by van. Montebello National Park is the first stop, then El Chiflón.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Yes, there are pools at the base of the falls. Bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit if you plan to get in the water.

Is zip-lining included?

No. Zip-lining is available at El Chiflón but costs extra and is not part of the tour price.

What's included in the tour?

Park entry to both Montebello and El Chiflón, air-conditioned transport from Tuxtla, and bottled water throughout the day.

How many lakes do we see at Montebello?

You access twelve of the park's fifty-nine lakes. Each has its own color and character.

What should I bring?

Swimwear if you want to swim, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera. Water is provided.

How long is the full day?

You'll be out from early morning until late afternoon, with time at both parks and travel between them.

Operated by Viajes Itzaa. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated yesterday