Georgie’s Wanderlust

Chiapas is Mexico’s most southern state. It is full of natural wonders, of which it’s waterfalls are a huge stand out! Chiapas is a mountainous region with archaeological sites, waterfalls and lakes.

I spent a week in San Cristobal de las Casas which is the little mountain town with a population of almost 200,00. After spending time in Guadalajara it feels small. This is the best place to stay if you want to explore what Chiapas has to offer. Tours run everyday from San Cristobal de las Casas to all of the below mentioned sights!

I stayed at Rossco Backpackers Hostel for a week in San Cristobal de las Casas. It is one of the cheapest and cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. The staff are super friendly, the beds are comfortable, and it’s in a great location. Rossco Backpackers Hostel can book tours for you, or you can visit one of the many tour desks in town.

I went with Pasion Por Chiapas for all of my tours. They give a good price, and pick you up at your hostel and drop you back there in the evening/night which I loved, I don’t like walking the streets alone at 10pm! Overall I had a really good experience with them, and while I can’t find a website for them, I have included their tour desk location on Google maps so you can go and book direct with them. Like most base price tours in Mexico, the bus driver/guide spoke Spanish to the group, and could answer my questions in English when I asked him direct.

Here are the Chiapas waterfalls you absolutely must visit! (and a few other incredible spots of interest too)

Agua Azul

Agua Azul is easily one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. The water is an incredible aqua blue, and you can swim in it! Tours drive right to the waterfalls, and a path leads up the side of the falls. There are many access points to view the waterfalls and lots of calm swimming holes. Vendors sell fresh coconuts, fruit and empanadas. You can also buy bottled drinks and coffees, or have a sit down meal in one of the many restaurants. I visited Agua Azul, Cascada Misol Ha, and Palenque in one complete day tour.

Cascada Misol Ha

One of the Chiapas waterfalls not to miss, Cascada Misol Ha is like a scene out of a fairytale. So much so it was one of the filming locations for Avatar 2. A short walk from the carpark, this 65m drop waterfall is great to spend an hour (or more) at. The water is comfortable for swimming and there is a restaurant and gift store to buy ice-creams.

Palenque Archaeological Site

As part of my Agua Azul and Cascada Misol Ha day trip, the Palenque archeological site was the final stop on the tour. This impressive UNESCO world heritage site, is an ancient marvel of the Mayan people. I visited in March 2023 and it was SO hot, I recommend bringing lots of water, a hat, and sun protection. There are lots of vendors at the gate selling tacos, tamales and cold drinks for pretty cheap.

If you do the Agua Azul, Cascada Misol Ha & Palenque tour from San Cristobal de las Casas, be prepared for an 18 hour day. Departing at 4am and returning at 10pm, the drive takes up most of the day. However, I found it to be well worth it and I’m so glad I went! If you just want to visit Palenque there are tour options for this too. You can also stay in the modern town of Palenque and visit from there, which is much closer to the archaeological site.

Cascada El Chiflón

These Chiapas waterfalls make for an awesome day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas. Combined with the Lagunas de Montebello and a visit to lago de Tziscao, the border of Guatemala. This was a great day and really showcased the beauty of Chiapas.

Cascada El Chiflón was our first stop. Arriving to the car park of the waterfalls in the morning, it is aprroxiamately 1.4kms to the top waterfall known as Velo de Novia or “Bride’s Veil.” Brilliant turquoise waters pool in this gorgeous part of Chiapas rainforest.

We then headed for our lunch stop of tacos before exploring the border of Guatemala at lago de Tziscao.

Lagunas de Montebello

Our last stop of the day for the Cascada El Chiflón & Lagunas de Montebello tour, is the Mirador at Cinco Lagos Montebello.

A gorgeous deep blue lake, the mirador (lookout) is a short walk from the car park, and gave great views across the lake and forest. There was also the opportunity to go for a boat ride in boats made of tied together logs.

The day trip to Cascada El Chiflón & Lagunas de Montebello was 13 hours, from 8am to 9pm.

Summary

Thanks for reading about the Chiapas waterfalls you must visit! This state in Mexico has a really magical feeling to it, and if you go I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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