El Chiflón is a series of waterfalls in southern Chiapas, commonly visited together with Montebello Lakes. From San Cristóbal de Las Casas, it works well as a long day trip, either on its own or combined with the lakes if you’re short on time.
We visited El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes on separate days, but logistically they pair well. The distances line up, the roads are manageable, and the overall pacing makes sense for a single outing if you want to see both without rushing too much. For many people, this combination ends up being one of the more straightforward nature excursions from San Cristóbal.
Along the trail at El Chiflón
El Chiflón itself is easy to navigate once you arrive. A maintained walking trail follows the river uphill, passing several waterfalls before reaching the largest one, Velo de Novia. You don’t need a guide on site, but getting there without a car can be inconvenient, which is why many people opt for a day tour that includes both stops.
If you want the simplest option, there’s this well-established day trip from San Cristóbal that covers both Montebello Lakes and El Chiflón in one loop.
What to expect at El Chiflón
El Chiflón isn’t a single waterfall but a sequence of cascades along the Río San Vicente. The experience is structured around a gradual uphill walk, with each section of the trail opening onto a different fall or pool. The path is well maintained, clearly marked, and used by a mix of local visitors and travelers.
Walking the shaded trail at El Chiflón
The walk is not difficult, but it is steady. There are stairs in places, and the humidity can make it feel warmer than you might expect, especially if you’re visiting in the middle of the day. That said, it’s accessible to most people with a reasonable level of mobility, and you can turn around at any point if you don’t feel like continuing to the top.
The final and most dramatic waterfall, Velo de Novia, is where most people linger. It drops sharply into a wide basin, throwing mist into the air and creating a constant low roar. On the day we visited, the conditions were right for a visible rainbow in the spray. It’s not something you should expect or plan around, but it’s a good example of how the experience changes depending on light, weather, and season.
One thing worth noting is that the water color varies. In many photos, El Chiflón appears vividly turquoise, but when we visited, the water leaned more green than blue. This didn’t detract from the experience, but it’s useful to know so expectations are set by reality.
Swimming at El Chiflón
There are designated areas along the trail where swimming is allowed. These sections are calmer and clearly signed, and they offer a chance to cool off after the walk. The water is refreshing rather than warm, and we ended up spending more time here than expected.
We visited with friends from our digital nomad co-living space, Co.404, and the day naturally stretched. We swam, sat around talking, and moved slowly between sections of the trail. El Chiflón supports that kind of pace well. There’s no pressure to keep moving, and no sense that you’re meant to “see it all” as quickly as possible.
In total, we spent several hours at El Chiflón without feeling bored or rushed. If you’re combining it with Montebello Lakes in the same day, you’ll likely spend a bit less time here, but it’s still enough to walk the full trail and stop along the way.
Combining El Chiflón with Montebello Lakes
El Chiflón is frequently paired with Montebello Lakes, a national park near the Guatemalan border known for its scattered lakes and changing shades of blue and green. Doing both in one day is common, especially for visitors with limited time in Chiapas.
If you prefer to move independently and have a car, it’s possible to structure the day yourself, though it requires an early start and careful time management. If you don’t have your own transport, joining a day tour is often the most practical option.
The combined day trip works well in terms of rhythm. El Chiflón is more active, involving walking and swimming, while Montebello is quieter and more contemplative. Ending the day at the lakes can feel like a natural slowdown after the movement of the waterfalls.
Again, if you want a low-friction option that handles transport and timing, this tour covers both stops from San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Getting there independently
El Chiflón is roughly a three-hour drive from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route passes through smaller towns and rural areas, and while the roads are generally fine, the drive is long enough that many people decide not to do it solo unless they’re comfortable with Mexican highways and signage.
If you do go independently, aim to arrive earlier in the day. Late mornings and early afternoons tend to be busier, especially on weekends and holidays, and arriving early makes the walk more pleasant in terms of both temperature and crowd levels.
There is an entrance fee, and you’ll want to bring cash for that, as well as for food or small purchases near the entrance. Facilities are basic but functional.
Plan your visit
If you’re already in San Cristóbal and looking for a nature-focused day trip that doesn’t require technical hiking or overnight logistics, El Chiflón is an easy recommendation. It’s well organized without feeling overdeveloped, and it accommodates different energy levels and travel styles.
The base of Velo de Novia
El Chiflón is especially well suited to travelers who want something straightforward: clear paths, defined swimming areas, and enough space to spend time without needing to constantly move on. Combined with Montebello Lakes, it makes for a full but manageable day outside the city.
