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Imagine standing at the base of a thundering waterfall, mist swirling around you as rainbows arc across the sky. Welcome to Cascadas El Chiflón, one of Chiapas’ top natural attractions and a must-do day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas.
Why Visit El Chiflón Waterfall
Having experienced waterfalls around the world, from the powerful Niagara Falls in Canada to the jungle-draped pools at Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla in Oaxaca, I can confidently say that El Chiflón is well worth visiting.
What makes it unique is that it’s not just one waterfall but a collection of five cascading falls formed by the San Vicente River as it passes through a valley formed by a steep limestone canyon.
The most spectacular of the five falls is Cascada Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil Waterfall), towering over 120 metres (400 feet) tall.
It’s one of Mexico’s top waterfalls in terms of height and volume of water.
But beyond its impressive height, the sheer beauty of the setting and of the falls themselves also makes it a must-see for waterfall lovers.
And there are enough things to do -from zip-lining to hiking the waterfall trail–that makes it appealing whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature enthusiast.
Location of Cascadas El Chiflón
El Chiflon waterfall Eco-Park is located 30 km west of the colonial town of Comitan de Dominguez in Chiapas, Mexico. It’s around 100 kilometres from San Cristobal de las Casas or a 2 1/2 hour drive.
While it can be visited independently, most people do as I did and take one of the convenient, full-day Combination Tours of El Chiflon and Montebello Lagoons.
On an escorted tour, you’ll visit the waterfalls first and then the Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near the Guatemalan border.
Taking a tour is definitely the easiest (and safest) way to visit both of these natural attractions in one day.
Along with the archeological ruins of Palenque and the waterfalls of Agua Azul, Sumidero Canyon and the town of San Juan Chamula, the Cascadas El Chiflón is one of the major attractions in Chiapas.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you have to choose between Sumidero Canyon and El Chiflon, I’d definitely choose El Chiflon. Unfortunately each time I’ve visited Sumidero Canyon the beautiful gorge was filled with plastic trash.
Efforts are underway to address the pollution problem so check before you go.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit El Chiflón is during the dry season (November to May) when the river runs clear and the water in the pools is turquoise blue.
During the rainy season (June to October), the falls are more powerful but the water often appears brown due to sediment.
This means the pools aren’t very inviting and the volume of water can make it dangerous for swimming.
Amenities at El Chiflon Eco-Park
El Chiflon is actually an ecological park created by the local ejidario or community co-operative. The intent was to preserve it for future generations.
The remote location of El Chiflón waterfall means most visitors are locals who enjoy the hiking trails, stone barbecues and natural swimming holes on weekends.
This is a weekday so I’m alone except for a young couple from Milan who stops to smooch or smoke when the trail gets steep.
I see a cave opening hidden in the lush undergrowth. For the Maya, cave openings are portals to the underworld and places of worship to their rain deities. Dwarves who guard the forest are believed to live within.
Earlier, my guide told of a Mayan legend that said the God of the Underworld torments those who die tragically by forcing their souls to wander the earth for four years.
Each morning, their spirits turn into butterflies and at sundown they return to the Land of the Dead. Rainbows are signs of these lost souls.
If that’s true, I’m surrounded by lost souls. Around me flashes a cloud of butterflies — some canary yellow and others with black polka dots–and rainbows arch from one side of the river to the next.
Cascada Velo de Novia or Bridal Veil Fall
Resisting the lure of exploring further, I catch a glimpse of a white snowball above the treetops.
It’s the Cascada Velo de Novia or Bridal Veil Fall and, like a mirage, it sparkles with reflected sunlight.
It’s all I need to motivate me up the steep trail.
An observation platform at the base of the waterfall offers a safe point for viewing. Slender like a needle, the falls drop a dramatic 120 metres into the churning rapids below. A rainbow stretches across the gorge. The couple from Milan disappears into the thick, heavy mist.
The rocks are slippery as I grab a tree branch to get closer. Then I realize I’m no longer alone. A group of young men, bared to the waist, their shirts tied about their heads like turbans, are facing the falls, hanging onto the handrail and riding the blasts of spray as though water-skiing.
With their bare skin glistening with sparkling droplets, they holler with each new gust.
“Give me your hand,” yells one but I’m blown back by a blast of mist as strong as a fire hose.
El Chiflon waterfall is no timid bride.
With her white watery veil streaming into the churning river, she blows until I’m forced to run gasping back to the safety of the path at the jungle’s edge. She sparkles and roars – perhaps proclaiming her devotion to Chac, the Maya rain god.
Swimming
Unlike in Oaxaca, where one of the best experiences in Huatulco is standing beneath a jungle waterfall for a gentle rainforest shower, the waterfalls at El Chiflón are far too powerful for that.
But it is possible to go swimming in the pools near the lower cascades. The waters are calmer and safer for swimming, although you still need to watch for currents, rocks and debris.
There are picnic tables and places to enter the water along the hiking trail. Be sure to wear water shoes if you plan to swim.
How to Get There
San Cristobal de las Casas: Tours to El Chiflon waterfall and Cascada Velo de Novia Chiapas are available as part of the Lagos de Montebello day tour. Cost is around $50 USD.
Bring a bathing suit, food and drink, insect repellent, water shoes and sunscreen (eco-friendly).
Check prices and availability of a Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflon Tour on Viator.com.
If you’re keen to visit more beautiful waterfalls, check out this guide to other amazing Chiapas waterfalls
Adrenalina Tours: You can take a shuttle from Panajachel in Guatemala to San Cristobal de las Casas in around 7 hours.
Travel Between Oaxaca to Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala: Get detailed instructions on how to travel between Mexico and Guatemala in Night Bus to Guatemala.
Puerto Escondido and Huatulco: The distance is 640 km to San Cristobal de las Casas from Puerto Escondido. Or 13 hours drive. It’s slightly shorter from La Crucecita in Huatulco. Check the schedule on the ADO website or book at at the bus station.
Visting San Cristobal de las Casas: Looking for more things to do while you’re in Chiapas? Check out this post on 7 Wonderful Things to Do in San Cristobal de Las Casas Mexico for even more ideas.
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sophie
why don’t you try sleeping in Comitán? It’s a nice town and because it’s pretty near you don’t need to rush and can explore better. I suggest trying it and maybe having dinner in Comitán too, there’s delicious local food for dinner in the Cenadurias. All you hace to do is to ask some locals for one ir some tamales store. If you ever come to Chiapas again I can suggest you a couple of things only locals know about and you could explore the state further.
Michele Peterson
Thanks for the suggestion Sophie! I’ve passed through Comitan a few times on the way to the archeological ruins and it looked like a gracious colonial town and still pretty undiscovered by most travellers. Is there a hotel in Comitan you’d recommend?
Carol Perehudoff
I love your imagery. We should all have a pack of boys helping us hike.
Lesley Peterson
Adrenalina Tours is right:O – mysterious and thrilling. LOVE the legends! and pics