El Chiflón Chiapas: How To Visit Mexico’s Best Waterfall

In our opinion, El Chiflón has some of the most impressive waterfalls in Chiapas and, quite possibly, Mexico.

Located deep in the rugged and spectacular state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, El Chiflón has long attracted adventurers looking to get further off the beaten path and into Mexico’s wild beauty.

Comprised of four sets of falls, El Chiflón features Cascada El Suspiro, Cascada Mariposa, Cascada Quienceañera, and the most impressive, Cascada Las Tres Tzimoleras.

Together they form some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Mexico. Of course, getting to them can be a challenge, but there are a variety of ways to reach the waterfalls.

El Chiflón: Chiapas Most Picturesque Waterfalls

Under this series of stunning waterfalls, which increase in size and splendor as you ascend the trail toward the largest fall, gorgeous turquoise pools collect and flow along the river. At Las Tres Tzimoleras, the final waterfall, water cascades spectacularly down 120 meters, collecting in a deep pale blue pool before plunging on toward the lower falls. The noise, the mist, and the color, along with the sheer size and volume of water, made this one of the best waterfalls in Chiapas.

Two ecotourism companies operate here, apparently independently of one another, on either side of the river. Both are well-maintained and comparable in terms of services and activities. The only time the two entities cooperate is in the running of a zip line that crosses the river.

From either tourism center, you can hike the well-maintained paths and stairs from the lower pools all the way up to the head of the falls. Entry is $50 pesos per person.

The walk itself is less than one kilometer one way and is not overly strenuous. It shouldn’t take more than half an hour of actual walking, though you will likely stop to collect your jaw and photos along the way and, of course, enjoy a dip in the impossibly blue pools designated for swimming toward the beginning of the hike. We recommend getting here right when the center opens at 8:00 a.m. to enjoy the mild morning temperature, the beautiful light filtering through the thick canopy of trees, and the tranquility before the crowds descend on this popular domestic tourist destination.

There are a number of typical Mexican restaurants and snack stalls selling food. At the lower falls, there are free picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch.

How to Get to El Chiflón

With Your Own Vehicle

Driving to El Chiflon with your own vehicle is straightforward. The falls are about two and a half hours drive from both Tuxtla Gutiérrez and San Cristobal de las Casas or forty-five minutes from Comitan. The roads are in good condition, although they are quite windy.

Tour Group

Undoubtedly, the easiest way to reach El Chiflon if you do not have a vehicle is with a tour group. A number of tour operators run day tours to El Chiflón and the Montebello lakes, starting from Tuxtla Gutiérrez and from San Cristobal de las Casas.

Public Transport

To reach El Chiflón by public transport, the most convenient and straightforward way is to take a bus to Comitan. ADO or OCC service most major routes, including San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

From Comitan you can take a colectivo to the El Chiflón tourist center. The colectivo companies can be found on Hwy 190 between 1a and 2a Calles Sur Poniente. Find one going to El Chiflón. The ride should take about 40 minutes and cost thirty pesos per person.

Where to Stay to See El Chiflón

Options for Staying Near the Waterfalls

The eco-tourism center at the waterfall has cabanas for one to six people ranging from $500 – $1,000 pesos.

If you are camping, you can camp with a vehicle in the eco-tourism parking lot for $70 pesos.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

The state capital is approximately two and a half hours away from El Chiflón and just thirty minutes from El Chorreadero waterfall. There are many different accommodation options to suit any budget or style of travel. Tuxtla is also a great place to base yourself, as it is surrounded by attractions, including the Sumidero Canyon and the historical town of Chiapa de Corzo, which are right on its doorstep. We recommend: Hotel del Carmen

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is approximately two and a half hours away from El Chiflón and an hour from El Chorreadero. San Cristobal de las Casas is the starting point for many tour operators to visit both of these waterfalls in Chiapas.

This pretty mountain town is also a popular holiday destination for domestic tourists and in the know foreigners. San Cristobal is a charming colonial old town with a reputation for great regional and international cuisine. It is also a central jumping-off point for many natural attractions in the state. Again, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit any budget.
We recommend: Gran Barrio

Comitan

Not as popular as nearby San Cristobal or Tuxtla, but if you are looking to get off the beaten path, consider staying in the small town of Comitan. Only an hour from El Chiflón, it is a great option if you have your own vehicle to visit an authentic Mexican town unspoiled by tourism.

Comitan is also a great base from which to explore other nearby lakes, cenotes, and natural springs.

We recommend: Collection O Corazón Del Café Hotel Boutique

Hopefully we’ve answered some of your questions about experienceing Chiapas’ impressive El Chiflón waterfalls, but if you have a question or comment, please leave it below!