7 Waterfalls in Chiapas Worth The Journey

We set out to explore the best waterfalls Chiapas has to offer as we drove across this wild and rugged state in southern Mexico. Find out which falls lived up to the hype and which fell flat.

Chiapas is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s premier regions when it comes to outdoor and adventure activities.

It is a wild state of striking natural beauty and untamed wilderness. One where you can hike rugged ranges or navigate winding rivers through sheer canyons. Explore Mayan ruins lying hidden in the jungles or negotiate gushing, turquoise rivers. Discover extensive cave systems or dive into deep, clear cenotes.

These natural attractions are scattered throughout Chiapas, offering something for every type of adventurer. But perhaps the most remarkable of all the spectacles here are the seemingly countless waterfalls that have become synonymous with Chiapas.

From mighty El Chiflón to picture-perfect Las Nubes to the famous Agua Azul, we have visited waterfalls across this dramatically diverse state during our Chiapas Road Trip.

But traveling in Chiaps isn’t always straightforward, with limited public transport, vast distances, winding mountain roads, topes, and the occasional blockades getting from point A to B is often an exercise in perserverence in Chiapas.

So which waterfalls are worth the expedition…

The Best Chiapas Waterfalls

Let’s dive right into the best Chiapas waterfalls, starting at the top.

#1 El Chiflón: Chiapas Most Picturesque Waterfalls

Two and a half hours south of both Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas, El Chiflón has some of Chiapas’ and Mexico’s best and most impressive waterfalls. A set of splendid plunging falls that collect in gorgeous turquoise pools.

From the tourism center, you can hike the short, one-kilometer trail from the lower pools all the way up to the head of the falls. Entry is $50 pesos per person.

There are well-maintained paths, restaurants, and even a zipline crossing the river. Entry is $50 pesos per person. Pools at the beginning of the hike are designated for swimming. We recommend arriving right when the center opens at 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds at this popular attraction.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO EL CHIFLÓN

#2 Las Nubes Waterfalls: The Chiapas Waterfalls Worth The Trek

Our second favorite of the Chiapas Mexico waterfalls can be found deep within the Lacandon Jungle in a remote, untouched section of Chiapas, near the Guatemalan Border. Las Nubes waterfalls may not have the sheer height of El Chiflón but the power and majesty of these falls is undeniable.

Five hours’ drive from Tuxtla, and six from San Cristobal, the remote location of these falls means there are few visitors to share them with.

Entry to Las Nubes costs $30 pesos per person and the falls are easily accessible from the tourism center right next to the falls. There are other hikes in the area offering views of the waterway and surrounding areas. You can swim above the falls and organize white water rafting through the tourism center.

There are some simple cabanas available for rent at the tourism center starting from $1,000 pesos. Vehicle and tent camping is available for $70 pesos per person. A restaurant and small store are also located at the eco-tourism center.

The best way to reach Las Nubes is by self-driving or with an organized tour.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO LAS NUBES

CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO LAS NUBES

#3 Agua Azul: The Most Famous Chiapas Waterfall

Although it was overcast when we visited the mighty Agua Azul waterfall, it was hard not to be impressed. Thousands upon thousands of liters of water surge down this series of sprawling falls. Notable for their turquoise color and the huge volume of cascadas, they are certainly worthy of being counted among the best waterfalls in Chiapas.

Unfortunately, bringing down the overall experience is the huge number of guides, food vendors, and stalls flogging souvenirs. These hawkers, packed in and around the natural wonder, vie desperately and constantly for your business. It is difficult to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature as people clamor around you, offering guacamole, wifi, and trinkets.

Added to the pushy element of the vendors was the indignation of being charged twice for entry. We paid $25 pesos for a ticket marked ‘cascada entrada’ only to find out a little further down the road that the initial payment covered only, ostensibly, the use of the road to get there. Another $45 pesos was required to access the actual falls. This not only makes the attraction more expensive than other similar activities but leaves a distinctly unpleasant impression that you’ve been had.

Update: We have since read that many people simply do not stop at the first ‘checkpoint’, and there are zero repercussions.

Agua Azul is north of Chiapas, near the town of Palenque. Palenque is a major stop on the tourist circuit linking Chiapas to the coastal states of Tabasco and Campeche. Palenque is central to the impressive Palenque Mayan ruins and a number of other Chiapas waterfalls on this list, including the Misol Há and Xanil waterfalls.

There are several ways to reach Agua Azul. The falls are accessible by private vehicle, although be wary of the winding mountain roads and road blockades organized by locals using ropes or nail boards to solicit donations from the traveling public. Collectivos leave from from the corner of Benito Juarez and 5a. Pte Sur in Palenque and should be signed ‘Ocosigno’. The easiest way to reach Agua Azul is with a tour which are available from Palenque and San Cristobal

#4 Misol Há: The Best Waterfall in Chiapas for a Swim

We had read a number of travel blogs that the Misol Há waterfalls were a bit of a letdown. We even considered skipping them after a long drive between San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque. Having seen them, I can confirm they are some of the best waterfalls in Chiapas, and I can only speculate they have suffered the comparison to some of the others above them in this list.

While these falls don’t have the gorgeous turquoise waters that some of the others on this list do, the height and volume of the falls mean they definitely warrant a visit. Especially if you are in the area visiting the ruins of Palenque or Agua Azul.

The thundering falls cascade thirty-five meters into a large plunge pool encircled by lush, green vegetation.

Swimming is permitted in the pool, allowing you to get a real feel for the awesome power of the falls as you battle to swim toward them. After a swim under the falls, you can take a walk behind them. A man-made path takes you behind the sheets of water, providing an up-close way to experience the powerful Misol Há. This is another fall where $10 pesos entry is paid first to use the road, and then another $20 pesos is paid to enter the actual falls.

How to Get to Misol Há

With your Own Vehicle

The falls are about forty-five minutes drive from the city of Palenque. The mountainous roads are narrow and windy and have plenty of topes along the way so drive with care.

Tour Group

There are a number of tours to the Misol Há waterfalls that leave from the town of Palenque. You can check the details and prices here.

Public Transport

To reach Misol Há by public transport, you will need to take a collectivo in Palenque. The vans to Misol Há leave from the corner of Benito Juarez and 5a. Pte Sur and should be signed Ocosigno. Check when you board to see if they can drop you off at Misol Há. It should cost around $20 – $25 pesos per person, and the ride takes approximately 45 minutes.

#5 El Chorreadero: The Adventure Chiapas Waterfall

At first glance, El Chorreadero may not be the most spectacular waterfall in Chiapas (a prestigious title to hold in this region), but they have serious depth. They are unique in that they are fed by an underground river that flows through an extensive cave system. A major drawcard for serious cavers and canyoners who come from all over the world to explore the caves. For these explorers, El Chorreadero is definitely among the best waterfalls in Chiapas.

Novice cavers can explore a short way into the cave by themselves. Or, tours are available to take you deep inside the three-and-a-half-kilometer underground canyon on a tour that involves repelling, swimming, and big jumps.

For those of us who are more comfortable above ground, the waterfalls make for an easy day trip from Tuxtla. The clear waters under the falls are surprisingly mild and great for a swim after a hot day. There is a restaurant on-site, or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy. The entrance to the waterfall is a very reasonable $25 pesos.

How to Get to El Chorreadero

With Your Own Vehicle

The falls are only thirty minutes from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or one hour from San Cristobal de las Casas. The roads are in great condition, and the driving is easy.

Tour Group

Caving and canyoning tours are available to the caves behind these waterfalls.

Public Transport

Take a bus to the main square in Chiapa de Corzo. From here, it is an affordable taxi ride of around $200 pesos or an even cheaper collectivo to the falls. If you take a taxi, you can also visit the incredibly impressive nearby Sumidero Canyon.

Honorable Mentions

These waterfalls are not as popular as some of the other waterfalls in Chiapas, but they are worth a stop if you are in the area.

6. Xanil

A pretty waterfall cascades into the Rio Xanil. These falls can be found between Ocosigno and Agua Azul and are worth a stop if you are driving through. Entry is apparently $15 pesos, but there was no one there to collect when we stopped by. Others have camped here, but the fees are reportedly steep at $150 pesos per vehicle. See the coordinates for these falls here.

7. El Corralito

These jungle-covered falls are one and a half hours from San Cristobal de las Casas along Route 199 toward Palenque. Entry is $20 pesos, and overnight camping is negotiable. There are picnic areas, swimming holes, and a small suspension bridge, and you can climb up to the head of the falls. You can find El Corralito here.

Misol Há

You can camp with your vehicle in the car park of Misol Há for $100 pesos per vehicle.

There are also cabins and bungalows which can be rented at the falls.

Las Nubes

What do you think of our list of the best waterfalls in Chiapas? Did we nail it? Are there other Chiapas waterfalls you think should be included on this list? Would you like further information? Let us know in the comments below!