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Bucketlist Bri

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How to Visit the Sparkly Blue Montebello Lakes in Chiapas

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Chiapas, Mexico

The Montebello Lakes (Lagos de Montebello) inside the vast, 6000-acre Lagunas de Montebello National Park in Chiapas is a stunning natural wonder set right along the border of Mexico and Guatemala.

Any traveler who is fascinated with the beauty of this world can’t miss out on visiting the Montebello Lakes, especially on an epic Chiapas road trip.

That’s right! Exploring the sparkly blue lakes is one of the best things to do in Chiapas. Even though you can’t visit all 59 of the lakes, there are almost a dozen that you can visit and shouldn’t miss out on!

Whether you are planning to go on a day trip from San Cris or spend a couple of nights in a cabaña there, here is everything you need to plan and prepare for your trip to the incredible Montebello Lakes.

Table of Contents show
Visiting the Montebello Lakes in Chiapas, Mexico
How to Get to the Lagos de Montebello
Should You Go with a Tour or On Your Own?
Cost
Best Lakes to Visit at Lagunas de Montebello National Park
International Lake (Lago Internacional)
Lagunas de Colores
Lake Tziscao
Cinco Lagos (Five Lakes)
Lake Pojoj
Other Things to See Nearby Montebello Lakes
Responsible Tips & What to Know Before You Go

Visiting the Montebello Lakes in Chiapas, Mexico

  • lake pojo photo with text overlay
  • lagos de montebello photos 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 the Lagos de Montebello

Most people visiting the Lagos de Montebello do so on a day trip from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, one of the most charming and colorful highlands towns in Chiapas.

To drive there yourself, make sure to first rent a car at Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport to snag the best rental rates. It only takes 1-hour to drive from Tuxtla to San Cristobal.

From there, exit onto the Hwy 190 out of San Cris and follow the Carr. Internacional/San Cristóbal de las Casas – Comitán de Domínguez route until you reach Trinataria. Here, slight onto Hwy 307 toward Lagos de Montebello/La Trinataria-Palenque.

If you want to go by public transport, buses from San Cristobal to Comitán run daily. From Comitán, you can hop on a colectivo for $50 pesos to finally reach Lake Tziscao inside the park.

Should You Go with a Tour or On Your Own?

If you only want to see a few highlights of the lakes and also want to combine them with a day trip to El Chiflón Waterfalls, then an all-day guided tour will be the most convenient option.

However, I do not personally recommend visiting both places on a day trip tour from San Cristobal. The trip is way too rushed and we felt completely exhausted by it.

If I had the chance to do it over again, I would definitely go without a tour and stay overnight at either El Chiflón or inside the Lagunas de Montebello National Park. You can camp or rent cabins at both. Another option would be to book a hotel or Airbnb in nearby Comítan.

That way, you have plenty of time to visit all the lakes and have extra time to swim, take pictures, hike, and rent a raft at one of the lakes.

Cost

If you go on your own, entrance into the Montebello Lakes National Park costs around $60 pesos per person total. That includes fees from both the government and the public land (ejido).

Tours to Montebello Lakes will cost around $350-400 pesos per person. You will depart from San Cristobal around 7-8 AM and first visit El Chiflon before touring the lakes. All in all, the tour lasts for about 12 hours. So, an all-day adventure.

All that said, here are the prettiest spots to visit at Montebello Lakes!

Best Lakes to Visit at Lagunas de Montebello National Park

International Lake (Lago Internacional)

lago internacional border between mexico and guatemala in chiapas
international lake on mexico-guatemalan border

Lago Internacional is probably the most interesting of the Montebello Lakes. That’s because it is literally split in two with one half inside official Mexican territory and the other half inside Guatemalan territory.

What’s even cooler is that you can actually cross the border by foot without having to go through immigration or show your passport, ha!

The lake itself isn’t all that huge, but there is a cool “Bienvenidos a Guatemala” welcome sign, a bustling and colorful local market, and a few shops and cabins nearby on Lake Tziscao which you can rent out.

At the “border crossing,” you can see the white statues marking the horizon, dividing the land into two. Just over the hill, where the tiny statues become even tinier, lies Guatemala.

Note: If you are visiting on a guided tour, you will only have approx. 25 minutes to visit Lago Internacional. The area isn’t that big, but the time goes by fast.

Lagunas de Colores

The Lagunas de Colores (Colored Lakes) are a series of lakes with wildly different colors, despite all being connected.

Each one has its own shape and color and can be visited by driving and hiking to each. They are:

  • Agua Tinta
  • Ensueño
  • Encantada
  • Esmerelda
  • Bosque Azul (Blue Forest)

However, you can only really see the difference if you visit each one, or if you launch your drone up (which isn’t allowed in most locations unless you have a permit – we asked).

So why are the lakes different shades of colors if they’re all connected? Thanks to the diversity of the soil, vegetation, and how the light refracts on each, the colors may vary from dark blues to vivid bright greens.

These lakes, unlike many of the others inside Lagos de Montebello National Park, are managed by the government rather than the local Tziscao communities.

Lake Tziscao

lake tziscao in lagos montebello in chiapas mexico

Lago Tziscao is one of the largest and deepest of the Montebello Lakes, with a depth of nearly 150 ft or 45 m. It is one of the first that you may visit as well, whether on a tour or on your own since you can’t miss it!

Tziscao lake also has cabaña rentals, rafts for rent, and dining options at one of its lookouts (although for $100 pesos per plate, it’s a bit pricey and not even tasty).

Cinco Lagos (Five Lakes)

Cinco Lagos gets its name from the five brightly-colored and interconnected lakes that truly create a picturesque setting.

On sunny days, you can truly see the various shades of blue and green pop out from the hills. The lookout from the road is one of the best views inside Montebello Lakes Park.

But you can also get up close and see the colors even better from the seat of a kayak. There are many local guides who, for $150 pesos, will take you out on the handmade log rafts.

Lake Pojoj

rafters on lake pojo in montebellolakes in chiapas mexico
lake pojo montebello lakes chiapas

Lake Pojoj is another must-see if nothing but to wade out into the middle of the lake to explore the mini island that boasts a beautiful orchid.

Other than renting a raft or kayaking, there isn’t much to do at Pojoj besides marveling at the natural setting. The only disruption you may have is when all the local boat guides are yelling to get everyone on board.

We stayed behind, and once the rafts left the shore, peace returned to the area and we were able to just enjoy the still quietness of the lake and forest views.

There are bathrooms here and a few roadside stalls in the parking lot with locals selling coffee and other little homemade snacks. Bring small change!

Other Things to See Nearby Montebello Lakes

Chincultik Mayan Ruins: also inside the lake’s protected Biosphere Reserve lie two hidden Mayan ruins sites called Chincultik. Here, you can explore the lost city, which is still partially hidden by vegetation, and get a panoramic view of the lakes from atop the Acropolis pyramid. The archaeological site is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and is closed on Sundays.

Grutas San Rafael del Arco: a series of limestone caves and a cenote that you can visit by hiking or on horseback. There is not much in the way of signage, so you’ll have to do a little exploring to find these caves.

Las Nubes: About 1 hr 45 mins drive east of the Montebello Lakes National Park lies a beautiful series of waterfalls set in the Lacandon jungle called Las Nubes, or The Clouds. This is a popular waterfall to visit in Chiapas. As such, you will find a developed Ecotourist Center, hotel, and restaurant on-site.

RELATED: 15 Adventurous Things to Do in Chiapas, Mexico

Responsible Tips & What to Know Before You Go

1. Pack out all trash you pack in: The lakes are becoming more polluted and muddier with each passing year and rainy season when waste runs off into the lakes. Already about a dozen of lakes have dried up from lower rainfall, mismanagement of human waste, soil erosion, and deforestation. It’s imperative that we protect this area by reducing our impact wherever and whenever possible.

2. Apply eco-friendly sunscreen and repellent, and bring a hat: With over 6,000 acres of pine forest and lakes, you can expect a few mosquitos. Bring and wear biodegradable repellent as well as eco-friendly sunscreen. Avoid swimming in the lake after applying any chemical-packed sunscreens or lotions (that’s why you should wear eco only!).

3. Wear layers for temperature changes: The weather inside the park can change suddenly, especially when it becomes overcast. Although it will be hot and warm on most days, it can become chilly in the mornings/evenings when the sun isn’t out and the wind off the lakes is cool.

I hope this guide to the Montebello Lakes in Chiapas in southern Mexico helps plan your trip to this stunning destination.

Please remember to travel responsibly and mindfully, as you are visiting a fragile ecosystem and local communities that have their own regulations and customs.

If you have any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments below!

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By: Bri · In: Chiapas, Mexico

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Comments

  1. Signe Bæk-Jensen says

    April 28, 2022 at 7:30 am

    Hi
    We are a family who would like to go on an adventure and see the waterfalls, lakes and jungle. We would like to book a packet at a travel agency. Can you recommend any agencies in San Cristobal?
    Best regards Signe Baek-Jensen

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 5, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      Hi Signe! I only used one agency (the one mentioned in the guide). I would recommend just vetting any organization for responsible tourism first before booking.

      Reply
  2. Doris says

    November 23, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    Hi sounds great! I will come with a collectivo to Montebello lake, do you know , where they stop?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 23, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      Hello Doris! I think the colectivos departing from Comitán take about 1 hour and drop you off in the town / lake of Tzicao but you can hop out before if you have another lake you’d like to visit first! x

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 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!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
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• Coding / Development
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📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
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 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

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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! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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