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How to Visit the Incredible Cascadas El Chiflón Waterfalls in Chiapas

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Chiapas, Mexico

One of the most beautiful natural gems of Chiapas, Mexico is none other than the roaring Cascadas El Chiflón or the El Chiflón Waterfalls.

These tiered waterfalls feature powerful white water tumbling over rocky cliffs, turquoise mineral pools, and lush vegetation framing the shady hiking trails. The view is simply picture perfect.

There at 5 waterfalls to discover at El Chiflon, but the most impressive waterfall is the Cascada Velo de Novia (or Bridal Veil Waterfall) which towers over 230 ft (70 m) tall. Also, there is more to do inside El Chiflon National Park than just marveling at the falls. You can also go swimming in the lower pools, camping, hiking, and zip-lining.

Whether you visit on a day tour or on your own, you are guaranteed to have an adventure!

Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting the Cascadas El Chiflon!

Table of Contents show
How to Visit the Cascadas El Chiflón Waterfalls in Chiapas
How to Get to El Chiflon Waterfalls
Prices El Chiflon Ecotourism Center
El Chiflon Day Tours VS. Visiting On Your Own
Hiking Up to the 5 Waterfalls at Cascadas El Chiflon
1. Cascada Suspiro
2. Cascada Ala de Ángel
3. Cascada Velo de Novia (Main Waterfall)
4. Cascada Arcoíris
5. Cascada Quinceañera
Swimming at El Chiflon
Camping & Zip Lining at El Chiflon
Best Time to Visit the Cascadas El Chiflón
What to Pack & Wear to El Chiflon Waterfalls

How to Visit the Cascadas El Chiflón Waterfalls in Chiapas

  • image of the Cascada Ala de Angel inside El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico with text overlay
  • The Quinceañera Waterfall and turquoise water at El Chiflon with text overlay

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

How to Get to El Chiflon Waterfalls

The easiest way to get to El Chiflon is to take a tour on a day trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas that includes your transport round-trip.

However, if you want to visit on your own from San Cristobal, you can reserve a seat on an OCC or ADO bus to the colonial town of Comitán de Domínguez for around $100 pesos. From there, hop on a colectivo ($30 pesos) to El Chiflon Ecotourism Center.

El Chiflon Waterfall is located about a 2.5-hour drive away from San Cristobal de Las Casas and 30 minutes west of Comitán near the small village of Tzimol.

If you have a rental car and want to drive yourself, it will take you 2.5-3 hours via Highway 109 from San Cristobal. You will pass through the town of Teopisca to get there. The road is very safe to drive on your own.

No matter how you get to El Chiflon – by bus, shuttle, or car – prepare for all the Mexican “topes” (speedbumps)!

ALSO READ: 10 Amazing Hotels in San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Prices El Chiflon Ecotourism Center

turquoise pools of El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico

Entrance 

As of February 2021, the entry fee for El Chiflon Waterfalls costs $50 MXN pesos per person. You will pay the fee at the gate of the Ecotourism Center upon arrival and receive a red wristband.

The $50 pesos price only includes access to the falls and the viewpoints. If you want to camp, zip line, or eat at the on-site restaurant or snack bars, then that will be an additional cost.

Zip-Lining

There are three zip lines at El Chiflon and the prices vary depending on which of the three you do. It costs $250 pesos for one and $550 pesos for all three.

If you want to zip-line, you must decide and pay before you begin your hike up to the falls. Once you’re past the ticket booth, I don’t think you can change your mind unless you hike back down to pay.

If we had more time to visit El Chiflon, we would’ve taken our time to hike slowly up the falls from bottom to top and then zip-line back down (instead of walking).

El Chiflon Day Tours VS. Visiting On Your Own

I would highly recommend visiting El Chiflon on your own if you have time. That’s because most of the day trips from San Cristobal only allow for 2 hours to explore El Chiflon which is simply not enough.

If you don’t have time to spare, however, and don’t mind combining your day trip to El Chiflon with the Lagos de Montebello at the Mexico-Guatemala border, then the tour will give a great overview and introduction to the falls and lakes.

Most people will find the tour just fine, but if you want to do more than just “see” the waterfalls (i.e. swim, hike to the top, zip line, camp, etc), then you should consider going on your own!

There are rental cars in Tuxtla and San Cristobal that you can get if you want to drive. If you want to take public transport, go to the OCC ticket booth on Calle Real de Guadalupe in San Cristobal to book your bus to Comitán.

Hiking Up to the 5 Waterfalls at Cascadas El Chiflon

  • girl standing in turquoise pool at el chiflon waterfalls
  • trail sign inside el chiflon waterfalls park
  • hiking trail at el chiflon waterfalls
  • distant view of the Cascada Velo de Novia at El Chiflon Waterfalls

The El Chiflon Waterfalls actually comprises 5 different falls, each with its own names, heights, and styles. They are in ascending order from the bottom of the hike to the top: Cascada Suspiro, Cascada Ala de Ángel, Cascada Velo de Novia, Cascada Arcoíris, and Cascada Quinceañera.

It will take around 1 hour+ to hike all the way to the top going at a brisk pace (and not really stopping at each waterfall). You can either hike all the way to the top without stopping and then visit each mirador on your way back down, or vice versa – head slowly up and then fast back down (or zip line).

You should also note that there are two ways to visit and hike the El Chiflon Waterfalls. There is a path skirting the left side of the river, and a trail on the right. If you want to hit all the main points and get splashed from the mirador at Bridal Veil falls, take the right path. But if you have extra time to do both, the left trail offers some killer viewpoints that are perfect for photographing the falls.

1. Cascada Suspiro

cascada suspiro (sigh waterfall) in el chiflon waterfalls in chiapas

The Cascada Suspiro (Sigh Waterfall) is one of the first waterfalls that you will come across on your hike (about a 10-minute walk from the entrance). It’s a small yet beautiful set of cascades that tumble down into bright turquoise water.

2. Cascada Ala de Ángel

  • Ala de Angel at El Chiflon Waterfalls
  • girl standing in Cascada Ala de Angel in El Chiflon in Chiapas Mexico
girl standing in turquoise pool at el chiflon waterfalls

The next waterfall you will come to will be the Cascada Ala de Ángel. This roaring fall is one of the most picturesque in my opinion, as it is set within a jungly setting with tree vines, rocks, and beautiful pools. To get there, follow the flight of steps meandering off the main trail to the left.

3. Cascada Velo de Novia (Main Waterfall)

Drone photo of Cascada Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil Falls) in Chiapas, Mexico
El Mirador (viewpoint) underneath the Cascada Velo de Novia in El Chiflon

The tallest waterfall is Cascada Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil Fall) which is the most popular and main waterfall of the El Chiflon Waterfalls. It takes around 45 minutes hiking from the bottom of the ecotourism center to reach Velo de Novia since it is a 2500 ft (750 m) climb. It’s here where you will be able to take the slippery steps up to “el mirador” (viewpoint) and get splashed by the heavy mist from the falls.

4. Cascada Arcoíris

Cascada Arcoíris (Rainbow Waterfall) at El Chiflón

If you dare to climb the extra 2,624 ft (800 m) up past Velo de Novia, then you will come across two extra waterfalls and their beautiful vistas. The first will be Cascada Arcoíris (Rainbow Waterfall) which is appropriately named as the mist of the waterfall meets with the sun and creates a beautiful rainbow across the turquoise pool. The path down to see the waterfall is quite muddy because of all the mist, so watch your step!

5. Cascada Quinceañera

turquoise heart-shaped pool at el chiflon waterfalls - the quinceañera waterfall in chiapas mexico
  • drone photo of Cascada Arcoiris and Cascada Quinceañera at Cascadas El Chiflón
  • Cascada Quinceañera at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas Mexico
Cascada Quinceañera at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas Mexico

Arguably the most beautiful waterfall at El Chiflon is the Cascada Quinceanera Waterfall, named after the likeness of the princess-like dress worn by the birthday girl at her Quinceañera Party. All in all, it takes around 1 hour to hike up the 1.5 km (1-mile) climb to reach this waterfall. But I promise it is well worth it!!

In addition to hiking up to the falls, you can also go swimming, camping, zip-lining, or visit the iguanas and on-site museum.

Swimming at El Chiflon

You should definitely pack a bathing suit for your trip to El Chiflon because it is extremely tempting to just want to jump into that beautiful turquoise blue water. It is a little chilly, though, but nice on a particularly hot day!

Note that you can’t also dive into any of the pools below the falls – some of them have dangerously high drops so you are only allowed to swim in the river just beyond the entrance of the park. There is a designated place for swimming, nearby which are little picnic huts for relaxing, picnicking, and camping.

Beyond this sign, you are not allowed to swim in the pools. That means you can only swim in the river before the Cascadas Suspiro and Ala de Ángel (the first two on the hike).

If you do decide to swim at El Chiflon, make sure to bring a small microfiber towel and a spare change of clothes (especially if you are on a guided day trip and are going to the Montebello Lakes afterward).

San Vicente River ideal for swimming in El Chiflon Waterfalls

Camping & Zip Lining at El Chiflon

There are cabañas (cabins) that you can rent inside the El Chiflon Ecotourism Center so you will be right next to the gorgeous San Vicente River and swimmable pools. There are 12 cabins in total – regular cabins and deluxe cabins that range in price from $500 pesos per night up to $1,100 pesos.

Don’t forget you can also go zip-lining at El Chiflon that features amazing vistas as you fly down from near the top of the waterfalls over the natural pools and jungle below. There are three lines that are 300 m, 400 m, and 600 m in length (the last being the “mega tirolesa”). It costs $250 pesos for one line and $550 for all three.

Best Time to Visit the Cascadas El Chiflón

There are two seasons in Mexico – the dry and wet season. To see the turquoise water and pools iconic of El Chiflon, make sure to time your trip during the dry winter months of January, February, March, or even April.

During the rainy season, between May-October, the water at El Chiflon becomes murky, losing its gorgeous teal and turquoise color.

It’s also during the dry months that the weather will be most pleasant at El Chiflon. Since it’s located in the southeastern part of the state of Chiapas, at a lower altitude than San Cristobal in the highlands, you will find the temperature to be much warmer and hot at El Chiflon.

That said, here is what you should pack when visiting El Chiflon!

turquoise water Cascadas El Chiflon Waterfalls
bucketlist bri standing in El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico

What to Pack & Wear to El Chiflon Waterfalls

Here is a quick guide for what to pack to the waterfalls for either a day or multi-day trip:

  • Swimsuit
  • Microfiber towel
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Sunglasses or sun hat
  • Shorts, t-shirt
  • Hiking shoes (that you don’t mind getting muddy)
  • Extra pair of clothes
  • Eco-friendly bug balm
  • 2x reusable water bottles
  • Waterproof phone pouch or action camera (so you can take pictures near the falls)
  • Mavic Mini 2 drone (optional – they are allowed for now)
  • Snacks in case you don’t want to purchase any on-site (there are lots of choices plus a restaurant)

Extra tip: In case you don’t swim at the falls and are going on to Lagos de Montebello afterward, you can bring a few wet towelettes to wipe and clean your face and body after your hike (cause you will get sweaty if you climb all the way up to the Quinceañera waterfall!).

RELATED: The Ultimate Packing List for Mexico (+ Free Printable)

El Chiflon is a must-visit whenever you come to Chiapas. Visiting on a day trip can be quite tiring, though, so again I’d highly recommend planning a weekend trip or at least an overnighter here or in the nearby town of Comitán.

Travelers mostly come for the main fall – the Cascada Velo de Novia – but I would argue that all five of the waterfalls in El Chiflon make it worth it so don’t miss out on climbing up to the very top.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out my other guides to Chiapas for more travel tips:

  • 20 Things to Do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas
  • How to Visit the Majestic Cañón del Sumidero in Chiapas
  • 10 Things to Do in the Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo
  • How to Visit San Juan Chamula & Its Church of Syncretism & Sacrifice

Pin this travel guide to the Cascadas El Chiflon Waterfalls for later!

  • image of the Cascada Ala de Angel inside El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico with text overlay
  • The Quinceañera Waterfall and turquoise water at El Chiflon with text overlay
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By: Bri · In: Chiapas, Mexico

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Comments

  1. Imelda Morales says

    August 27, 2021 at 3:18 pm

    Great information! Do you think altitude medicine is necessary when visiting el Chiflon?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      August 29, 2021 at 10:56 am

      hey Imelda! No, I don’t think it’s necessary. You shouldn’t have a problem, even climbing up to the top. Just take your time! x

      Reply
  2. Beth Roach says

    June 19, 2021 at 9:46 am

    Thanks for all the great information! Headed to El Chiflon today

    Reply
    • Bri says

      June 21, 2021 at 8:12 am

      So awesome! Hope you had the best time! x

      Reply

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💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
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There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

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