A Guide for Visiting El Chiflon: One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Chiapas
Looking for one of the true hidden gems of the world? Well, look no further than El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico.
It’s not just a single drop, it’s an entire park of gorgeous cascades running into one another, with various waterfalls to enjoy.
We loved it so much that we have now visited twice, and are happy to share our El Chiflon Waterfall guide so that you can learn about the experience and add it to your bucket list.
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📍 Where is El Chiflon?
El Chiflon is is tucked away in the jungle in Chiapas, Mexico.
The closest town to El Chiflon is a tiny village called San Vicente La Mesilla, and the biggest town nearby is Comitan, which is 37 km away, and a 45 minute drive.
As far as larger cities go, San Cristobal de las Casas is a little over 100km away, and 2 1/2 hours driving, while Tuxtla Gutierrez is 130 km away, and also takes 2 1/2 hours to drive from.
How Do I Get to El Chiflon?
El chiflon can be reached in two different ways. You can either take a tour from one of the other towns in the area, or you can rent a car and drive yourself.
🚐 Tours to El Chiflon
The easiest and most popular way to visit El Chiflon is by tour. Tours typically go from San Cristobal de las Casas, which is the capital of Chiapas, or from Tuxla Gutierrez, another nearby city.
🚗 Driving to El Chiflon
We decided to stop by El Chiflon on our road trip from the Yucatan Peninsula to Guatemala.
We spent the night in Comitan, and then had a 40 minute drive from Comitan to the El Chiflon park.
Driving from the Yucatan Peninsula we also stopped in Palenque, which is the perfect place to stay to break up your trip, since it has impressive ruins, as well as a proper town with plenty of restaurants, ATMS, supermarkets, and hotels.
Driving from Campeche to Chiapas
Once you leave Campeche and start driving inland towards Chiapas, you’ll notice the driving changes drastically.
As this is a fairly mountainous region, you can expect a lot of twists and turns on the road, but also a ton of speed bumps and pot holes.
There are really not many regular gas stations along the way or big towns, which is why it’s better to drive during the day time, and have plenty of cash with you in case you need to buy gas, get food, or pay tolls.
Driving from Cities in Chiapas to El Chiflon
The most convenient area to visit El Chiflon from is from one of the cities north of it.
The most popular city nearby is San Cristobal de las Casas, which is 100 km away and a 2 1/2 hour drive. The next closest town is Tuxla Guttierez, which is just under 130 km away, and also takes about 2 1/2 hours in a car.
You can easily rent a car from either city, and use it to visit El Chiflon, as well as other cool places in the area. This is certainly the cheapest option, and is great for those that like flexibility, or for those that potentially would like to spend the night.
🚕 How Do I Get to Chiflon from Comitan?
From Comitan el Chiflon is a 45 minute drive away. If you don't have a car, you can arrange a taxi or another form of private transportation, and there are also some tours that leave from there.
What to Expect While Visiting El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas
El Chiflon is one of our favorite waterfalls in Mexico, and that’s because it is the perfect balance of being well-maintained, to keeping it’s natural beauty.
It has enough amenities to be comfortable, but isn’t over commercialized like a lot of the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.
El Chiflon is well maintained, without being overly commercialized.
As soon as you enter, you’ll pay for your ticket and the park’s entrance is right there.
You’ll get a bracelet to enter, and then are free to enjoy the park as you please.
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🏞 Experiencing the Park of El Chiflon
At the front of the park, you’ll find some shops and kiosks selling drinks and food. Just keep in mind that there really isn’t great signal here, and everything we found was to be paid solely in cash.
The park has a guided pathway to walk along the right bank of the river, where you’ll find several areas to relax, picnic tables, and even grills so that you can barbecue.
The park continues to go up along the river, and you’ll be climbing stairs along the way. Everything is well-paved, and even, making it pretty accessible for all ages.
Some people just stay in the bottom areas, while others continue to go until they get to the top, where they are greeted with the most powerful waterfalls.
Keep climbing up and you'll experience some stunning and powerful waterfalls!
Here is a map of what the park of el Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas looks like:
🏊🏼♀️ Swimming at El Chiflon
El Chiflon is not just one waterfall, but there are a ton of different cascades that pour into one another with an endless amount of turquoise pools.
There are plenty of areas that you can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters, and they are well marked along the way.
There are certain areas you can swim at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas.
There are certain areas (for example the bigger falls) where swimming is not allowed, but you can enjoy walking right next to the water.
"Prohibido nadar" is the sign for no swimming.
It’s also important to know that it’s prohibited to swim during the rainy season, as the water levels are much higher, and it can be dangerous.
The first time we visited El Chiflon was right after the rainy season. You can see how different it looks!
💦 The Different Waterfalls at El Chiflon
There are three different main waterfalls to check out along the way! Make sure to stop and enjoy each and every one, as they are all beautiful in their own way.
It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t be able to swim at any of these, but you are still about to appreciate the beauty.
💧 Cascada el Suspiro
This is the first set of waterfalls of El Chiflon you’ll find, where you’ll get to come face to face with a large set of waterfalls coming down.
💧 Cascada Ala de Angel
This waterfall is even larger than the previous, and has a small set of woods in the middle of the water facing them. Cascada Ala de Angel was definitely one of our favorite places to photograph at El Chiflon.
💧 Cascada Velo de Novia
This is one of the largest waterfalls of El Chiflon, and is extremely powerful. You’ll find a set of stairs up to a platform, and this is where you’ll get to get up close to the biggest drop of El Chiflon.
Depending on the wind, you may or may not get soaked going up there.
Our first time at El Chiflon the wind blew the mist from the waterfall right onto the platform, and it was pretty intense.
This last time we walked up with hardly any mist, and were really able to enjoy this powerful viewpoint.
💧 Cascada Quinceñera
This is the highest waterfall, and apparently one of the most beautiful! I say "apparently" as we had no idea we totally missed out on this waterfall until we looked back at the map after leaving.
If you look at the drone shot we took below, you can see Cascada Quinceñera is the top fall, above the biggest drop, which is Cascada Salto de la Novia.
🚡 Ziplines at El Chiflon
Looking for a little adrenaline? Well, one of the most exciting ways to enjoy Cascadas el Chiflon is by zip lining.
There are three different zip lines running across the river.
- Super Tirolesa (300 meters) - 200 pesos
- Tirolesa (400 meters) - 250 pesos
- Mega Tirolesa (600 meters) - 300 pesos
There is also an adventure package that includes all three of the zip lines in the park, which is 650 pesos.
Each zip line has professional photographs being taken, and you can either buy a printed picture in a folder for 100 pesos, or you can get all of the digital copies of the photos on a USB for 150 pesos.
You can purchase the photos in cash at the bottom of the zip line, or you can get them on your way out at the entrance of the park.
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Amenities at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas
Since you'll probably be spending quite a few hours at the park of El Chiflon, here are some things to keep in mind for planning your visit.
🅿️ Parking at El Chiflon
Parking is free of charge at El Chiflon, and is in a large unpaved lot right next to the entrance.
🚽 Bathrooms at El Chiflon
There are bathrooms right at the entrance of El Chiflon, which are free of charge for people to use.
📶 Is There Wifi at El Chiflon?
There is no wifi in the park, and the service is a little spotty.
There is better service near the entrance of the park, and we started to lose ours about half way through.
🍴 Food & Drink at El Chiflon
There are plenty of places offering food and drinks at the park. Most of them are at the front, but there are also a few scattered along the way, making it perfect to stop for a drink or snack between climbing higher and higher.
There are also plenty of picnic tables and grills you can find along the park, and you’ll find that most people come in big groups and do their own picnic or even an entire barbecue.
There are grills you can use for free at the park.
🎠 Playground at El Chiflon
If you're bringing little ones with you, you'll be pleased to know that there is also a small playground on site, pretty close to the entrance.
🏨 Hotels Near El Chiflon
Want to experience the night out in nature? There is no better way to enjoy these beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas than staying right on the premises!
There are rooms for rent right inside the park of El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas.
🛌 Where (Else) to Stay for Visiting El Chiflon
As we’ve mentioned, you can stay right on the property of El Chiflon! If you’d like the most affordable stay, or to be in a city instead, then you can either stay in Comitan de Dominguez or San Cristobal de las Casas.
San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the most popular cities in Chiapas, and perfect for backpackers, digital nomads, and travelers who want to soak up some of the culture of Chiapas.
Comitan is located about 35-45 minutes south east from Cascada el Chiflon, and is where we stayed, since we were coming from Palenque.
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Price & Timetable for El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas
Here are some of the important details to know when visiting El Chiflon.
🎫 Tickets for El Chiflon Waterfall
The entrance to el Chiflon costs 80 pesos, which can only be paid in cash.
🕘 Hours of El Chiflon
The park showed that it opened at 7:30 am, so we showed up at 7:50 and saw only employees setting up. There wasn’t even anyone at the entrance, so we believe the opening time is actually 8:00.
El Chiflon technically closes at 5:00 pm, but since there are rooms to stay on site, the gates are still open for those staying there.
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Fun Fact About El Chiflon Waterfall
When exploring El Chiflon Waterfall park you’ll notice that there are amenities and a path on the other side of the river. This is actually another park, called Belo de la Novia!
They both have similar views and amenities, but El Chiflon has the large platform in front of the largest drop, as well as 3 zip lines rather than just one.
El Chiflon park has more amenities than Belo de la Novia.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas
Now that you know what your visit to El Chiflon will look like, let’s go over a few final details so you can have an amazing stay.
☀️ Weather at El Chiflon Waterfall
Having come from the Yucatan Peninsula, we wouldn’t believe the massive climate difference that Chiapas had!
Visiting in June, temperatures around many areas in the south of Mexico are extremely hot and humid, and easily over 100 degrees Fahrenheit each day.
One we got close to El Chiflon though, the temperatures dropped to the low 60’s at night, and only reached the low 80’s during the day time. This made walking around super pleasant, and our quick dips were super refreshing after continuously climbing up the stairs.
📆 The Best Time to Visit El Chiflon Waterfall
The best months to visit el Chiflon are in June and July, when the temperatures are warm enough to swim, and the days are dry and sunny.
The rainy season is in August and September, so this is the worst time to go, and the months following the rainy season the waters turn brown from their normal stunning blue color, as the sediment rises from all of the storms.
Our first time visiting El Chiflon was in October, and the water looked drastically different from when we had just visited this year in June.
For the bluest waters, go before the rainy season.
🌅 What is the Best Time to Visit El Chiflon?
We were honestly shocked when we visited El Chiflon and saw no one around all morning.
Little did we know that families and friend groups typically don’t go there until around noon, spending the afternoon swimming and barbecuing.
We definitely recommend going in the early morning though, as you can really get to enjoy the park with little to no people, have great lighting, and really pleasant temperatures.
We were shocked by the little amount of people when we visited in the morning!
🎒 Packing for a Day at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas
Here are some of the things we suggest bringing for your visit to El Chiflon:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insulated Water Bottle (to hold the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Small Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market and last super long)
- Beach Towel
- Bathing Suit
- Camera - (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Action Camera (we use the GoPro for underwater shots, and the Insta 360 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Case Mate Phone Pouch)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has amazing quality)
- Cash (there aren't many places that accept credit card)
Bring a drone for some unique shots!
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🤔 Is El Chiflon Worth it?
Despite being very far away from other major tourist attractions, El Chiflon is absolutely worth the trip.
This stunning set of waterfalls will blow your mind with its bright blue waters and endless cascades.
⏳How Much Time Do You Need at El Chiflon Waterfall?
We recommend spending half a day at El Chiflon.
While you can see the park in under an hour, it truly has a lot to offer, and is one of those places you could spend several hours enjoying.
If you’re with a big group, or like a bit of a slower lifestyle while traveling, then you could also opt to stay a night at Cascadas el Chiflon.
You could easily spend a few hours at El Chiflon Waterfalls in Chiapas.
Rules & Tips for Visiting El Chiflon Waterfall
Here are some of the things you should know while visiting El Chiflon Waterfall to be a respectful guest to the area.
👙 Swimming is allowed in most areas, but the ones that are not allowed will be clearly marked.
🌧 There is no swimming at all during the rainy season.
🥤 Food & Drinks are allowed everywhere, but you must clean up after yourself.
🧼 No soap or products with chemicals allowed. This is to protect the water.
🚁 Drones are allowed, but make sure to keep them away from the zip lines.
🏊🏼♀️ Swimming is at your own risk.
🎒 Keep your belongings within sight. The area overall is pretty safe, but it’s better to be extra safe than sorry.
💶 Bring Mexican pesos - there are no credit card machines.
📶 Service is very limited, so choose meet up points if you split up with your group.
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