El Chiflón Waterfalls (Chiapas): How to Plan Your Visit

Everything You Need to Know About El Chiflón (Chiapas)

It is a vivid memory for me: I lay on my hotel bed after arriving in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Half asleep, I entered “El Chiflón” into my phone’s search bar without much enthusiasm.

A second later, my eyes widened and I gasped “wow!” as I saw some stunning turquoise waterfalls. But almost at the same time I doubted “no, that must be Photoshopped”.

Intrigued, I decided to visit El Chiflón the next day and it turned out to be one of my best surprises in Mexico!

To help you plan your visit to this Chiapas must-see, here is My Complete Guide to El Chiflón with all the practical information, what to see, how to get there on your own or with a tour, and where to stay.

What to see in El Chiflón?

El Chiflón is a natural site that features 5 waterfalls fed by the San Vicente River, in the state of Chiapas.

I opted for a tour because it was the easiest way to get there and also to visit the Lagunas de Montebello.

However, you can also go on your own if you have a car or if you take public transportation from Comitán.

After a 2-hour drive from San Cristobal de las Casas, I was the first one to get out of the van, eager like a little girl who had just arrived at the entrance of an amusement park.

“Meet me here in two hours,” the guide instructed us.

Once I had my entrance ticket in hand, I walked away from the group to enjoy nature peacefully.

First discovery:there was only one paved road to the falls. This certainly reduced some of the authenticity, but it made El Chiflón accessible to everyone.

In fact, it was a recreational center for families to come and swim (in some places, and when the water level permitted), barbecue, and even sleep in one of the cabins.

But today, at the beginning of the week, luckily, there were only a few visitors passing by.

But I quickly forget my initial doubt as soon as I see the glittering blue water: how amazing!

I approach the water’s edge and look around in awe. I can hardly believe that I am here among the green mountains and the tropical jungle of Chiapas, with its blend of bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, mahogany and cedar.

The air is warm and moist, and only a few birds add to the constant sound of the stream.

I hear voices coming closer and snap out of my thoughts. I quickly move away so they don’t interrupt my moment of tranquility.

There are 5 waterfalls in El Chiflón: El Suspiro (82ft), Ala de Ángel (98ft), Velo de Novia (395ft), Arcoiris (175ft) and Quinceañera (197ft). You can discover them all in a trail of about 1 mile, very easy, although you have to climb many steps.

I reach El Suspiro first. Then I keep climbing and get to Ala de Angel, just as gorgeous! I want to capture everything with my camera because the scenery is heavenly.

I take a small hidden trail to observe the waterfall from above and spot in the distance, among the vegetation, the majestic sight of the place: the Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil)!

I return to the main road and soon arrive at the foot of this magnificent waterfall. The sound of the Velo de Novia grows louder as I approach.

The waterfall is stunning. It’s a cascade of water plunging from the cliff’s edge and, when I reach the viewpoint, I feel a refreshing mist.

Watch out for your phones and cameras though, but it’s worth getting wet for the experience and the views.

El Chiflón is definitely one of the most stunning natural sites in Mexico.

The waterfalls are a wonderful sight and worth a visit. The cabins and paved road may contrast with the natural scenery, but they also add some charm and comfort.

You can book the tour to El Chiflón with transportation from San Cristóbal de las Casas, which also includes the Lagunas de Montebello here:

Where to stay to visit El Chiflón?

El Chiflón offers cabins with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. You can bring your own food, or eat at the restaurant on site (although it was not open when I visited), as well as buy water, chocolates, etc. from small shops, but they are not very well-stocked.

The other option is to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas and visit El Chiflón in the morning. Here are good hotels for different budgets:

• The Coffee Bean Hostel: A very cozy hostel with nice common areas, a restaurant and bar, a garden, terrace with hammocks, pool tables and several breakfast options, starting at 12 $usd in a shared dorm!

• Parador Margarita: Only 3 blocks from the main square and the bus station, it is a small haven of peace with a garden and very comfortable beds. Wifi and breakfast are included, only 46 $usd per night!

• Hotel Diego de Mazariegos: A magnificent 18th century mansion with a preserved Mexican colonial style, a charming interior courtyard with a fountain and classic decoration in warm tones. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar. Wifi and breakfast included, from only 73 $usd per night!

• Casa Lum Hotel Boutique: My favorite hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas! It is a small and sophisticated hotel decorated between modernity and traditional design. Includes a great restaurant, a terrace with a panoramic view over the city and a garden. A few steps from the main square, it is the ideal place for lovers, from 164 $usd per night!

How to get to El Chiflón?

With a car (on your own)

It takes about 2 hours from San Cristobal de las Casas.

First, take the road to Comitán de Domínguez via Villa las Rosas, then follow the road to Tzimol. The falls are about 30 minutes from Comitán.

By public transportation (on your own)

To reach El Chiflón, you need to take a bus or van to Comitán de Domínguez first (1h30, about 60 pesos). The colectivos depart from the bus terminal, right across from the OCC, so you can choose this option if you like.

Then you need to take another van to Socol or Tuxtla and tell the driver to drop you off at El Chiflón (45 min, 30 pesos). From the highway, it’s a 10-minute walk to the entrance.

With a tour to El Chiflón

I had no car or much time, so I chose to make the most of my day and join a tour from San Cristobal. It was great!

First, because it was a small group. Second, because it covered two amazing places in Chiapas in one day: El Chiflón and the stunning Lagunas de Montebello.

Also, the guide left us at the entrance of El Chiflón, so we could explore the site at our own speed.

And finally, it was very convenient because driving was exhausting with the long distances. As passengers, we had a chance to rest a bit 😉

Of course, this is just my personal opinion, but I think that this tour has the advantages of an organized tour, without the disadvantages.

• If you are short on time, I suggest you book the El Chiflón and Montebello tour in advance so you don’t miss them during your trip. It includes transportation and entrance fees. You can book it here:

How much does El Chiflón cost?

The waterfalls of El Chiflón are managed by two different communities and you can access them from either side of the river.

The entrance fee is 80 pesos for both sides and it includes the small museum at the entrance that displays the local plants and animals.

You can also enjoy 3 zip lines at the site (200 pesos for 985ft, 250 pesos for 1,315ft, 300 pesos for 1,969ft. There are packages of 500 pesos for 3,280ft or 650 pesos for 4,265ft)

What to bring to El Chiflón?

It is hot and humid, even with plenty of shade. So pack water, light clothes, walking shoes and mosquito repellent, as they are very hungry.

When is the best time to visit El Chiflón?

The water is not always so blue!

Stay away from the rainy season between May and mid-October, especially between June and September, or you will see a brown spectacle. 🙃

Rent a car in Mexico

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Chiapas and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to get to Chiapas by plane

There are no direct international flights to Chiapas, you will have to fly first to Cancun or Mexico City and then take a domestic flight (Tuxtla Gutierrez, Palenque or Tapachula).

To find a cheap flight to Chiapas, as well as your international flight to Mexico, I recommend you to use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner – it’s the guarantee to pay the best price!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover

• Chiapas: Top 15 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• How to Visit San Juan Chamula, the Mystical Town of Chiapas
• Montebello Lakes (Chiapas): The Ultimate Guide + My Tips
• Palenque: The Ultimate Guide to the Maya Ruins
• San Cristobal de las Casas (Chiapas): Top 15 Things to Do
• Sumidero Canyon (Chiapas): The Definitive Guide
• Zinacantan: A Guide to the Tzotzil Community in Chiapas

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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