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Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico
About The Waterfalls
Read an Introduction to The Waterfalls
Key Waterfall Attractions
Highlights to be discovered
Getting There & Around
Getting there and around effectively!
Practical Information
Useful Facts, Local Resources & Facilities
Nearby Places & Attractions
Nearby towns & cities; local places of interest
Local Climate / Live Weather
What to expect from local weather
About The Waterfalls
The State of Chiapas in southern Mexico is one of the country's most attractive areas of outstanding natural beauty: and a large part of its attraction is the abundance of wilderness engulfed by a constant carpet of greens and turquoises; a reflection of the rich fertile ground here.
Lakes (like the Lakes of Montebello) and rivers are everywhere: the climate here is tropical - and the rains that help to keep these lands fertile also create some spectacular water features that roll over and down into deep valleys and gorges. The end result is a series of inspiring waterfalls; many of which can be visited thanks to local co-operative groups that have created roads, pathways and trails that cut into the jungles where some of these natural wonders hide away.
Three Waterfalls
We're going to introduce you to three of the most impressive waterfalls in Chiapas, which are close enough to other destinations and places of interests so they can be included as part of a travel itinerary when you're visiting the area with just short detours off main routes and without too much additional planning.
Misol-Ha: (Near Palenque) - named after the river Misol-Ha, the water falls nearly 120 feet into a refreshing pool below...
Agua Azul: (Near Palenque) - The turquoise blue waters of this waterfall and river are one of Chiapas most beautiful and famous natural attractions....
El Chiflon: (Near Comitan) - Probably the most remote of the three, although worth every kilometer, this is a multi-stage waterfall featuring a stunning "angels wings"....
All of the waterfalls are also bathing centers: bring your swimming gear and a towel. Be sure to see our Picture Galleries that offer you a visual glimpse into these wonderful natural habitats, waiting for you to experience them in Chiapas...
Key Waterfall Attractions
Misol-Ha
River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), in the "Chol" tribe area of Chiapas, creates one of the state's most wonderful natural sights as the river falls off the edge of a cliff and 35 meters (120 feet) down into a deep pool of water surrounded by lush vegetation.
The water at the foot of the waterfall is deep (scuba divers have reported depths of 45 feet), and there are signs warning visitors of this. You should only swim here if you are a good swimmer, and children should be watched carefully. The water is deliciously refreshing.
A scuba diver who has been in the the pool has told us that it is cone-shaped and at the very center is an opening about 6 feet in diameter that is possibly a subterranean waterway which connects to somewhere farther downstream.
A small walkway will take you behind the curtain of water created by the waterfall. There are some caves behind, of which local people waiting there will give you a guided tour in return for a small tip.
Also take a look at The Photo Gallery for Misol-Ha
Agua Azul
Rio Xumul-Ha (meaning River of Blue Water, or in Spanish, Agua Azul features a series of torrential cascades and fast flowing waters rolling down a limestone ridge to form pools and small streams. The limestone bed gives the waters here a turquoise blue effect: although during the rainy season, silt turns the waters brown - so you have to time your journey right if you MUST see the water blue - in which case avoid June - October.
When you arrive at the river (see Getting There - below), you will be greeted by a gauntlet of market stalls: walking past these and about 1km up the path, things return to a more natural state. On the way back, they're an ideal place to buy. Local people make their living by trading here and they come from the same communities that created the access routes to this natural wonder.
The river is surrounded by breath-taking green valleys, and as you leave the area on the road upwards, you can look left into the valley below and see the river winding through it. If it's the rainy season, look for brown water - otherwise, the eye dazzling turquoise will stand out by itself.
At weekends, this area becomes packed with visitors and local people who come here to swim and relax: it's a great place to do that! If you want less people, come during the week and better still, off-season - that is, during school terms.
The waters here can be deceptive, so caution is advised when bathing. Some areas are plainly safe to bathe in, and you'll often see other people bathing in them. Some areas are clearly dangerous and signposted: "the liquidizer", for example, where a rush of water drops suddenly to create an enormous swirling undercurrent. Not all places may look dangerous, so take care, and if you have children with you - supervise them and be sure they don't stray away from safe bathing waters. People have been known to drown here, but with sensible precautions and some common sense, there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy bathing in this natural wonder.
Also take a look at the Photo Gallery for Agua Azul
El Chiflon
About 30 minutes' drive from the colonial city of Comitan is El Chiflon, a waterfall that seemingly protrudes from the mountainside as you drive towards it and has the shape of angels' wings.
There is an eco center at the entrance to the Chiflon reserve, and a paved walkway that hugs the edge of the river. There are small huts and BBQ areas where people bring their own food to enjoy picnics and a day out by the water. The river has several pools and calm stretches, so bathing is possible and the water isn't too deep: watch out for steeper areas though, where the water does become more fierce.
The climb up to the top of the pathway is rewarded with some great views of the waterfall itself; the angels' wings are best viewed from a distance - close up you can see what is called the "brides train" - see the photo gallery and see why.
If you want to to get closer to the main waterfall, you'll have to do some climbing, although the pathway has steps built into it and there are rest-stops on the way. Once at the top, there are two main vantage points, the closest built upon a natural rock - expect to get wet if you want to get that close - although the views are quite spectacular and if the day is warm, it will provide a refreshing shower.
Also take a look at the Photo Gallery for El Chiflon.
Getting There & Around
Tours - Many local tour operators include these waterfalls as part of a locally arranged itinerary. Check with local agents for current details in San Cristobaland Palenque.
Misol-Ha - The waterfall is 25 Km south of Palenque, about 2km off Highway 199 (which connects San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque). The area is sign-posted on the main road.
Agua Azul - There is a sign-posted turn off the main highway between Palenque and Ocosingo on Highway 199. Agua Azul is about 35 km south of Palenque.
El Chiflon - El Chiflon waterfall is near the archaeological center of Tenam Puente - just south east of Comitan
Practical Information
Opening Days & Times: Most eco centers around the waterfalls are owned and managed by local communities of ejidatarios. They are normally open during daylight hours and some have rustic cabins that can be rented for overnight stays.
Best Times to See The Falls: The rainy season is between May and September each year and it's then that the waters are at their fullest. However, the rains durign this period stir the silt from the river beds and the beautiful hues of blue, green and turquioise reflected in the waters may not be seen (the water may be river brown after the heaviest downpours). The falls are spectacular all-year round as Chiapas is in the sub-tropics. If you want to experience the waters at their fullest, go in the rainy season; if you want to see the picturesque colors, visit in the dry season.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.
Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole; if you have a good pair of walking boots - all the better. Insect repellent is also very useful as these areas are located in the jungle. See Climate, below.
Swimming and Bathing: You are allowed to swim at all of these waterfalls, so bring your swim gear if you want to. Take heed of the advice regarding dangerous areas - swim only where it is obviously safe and you see others (especially locals) swimming safely.
Nearby Places & Attractions
Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)
Colonial Cities: Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas, Comitan, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Oaxaca
Nearest Beaches / Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres
Nearest Archaeological Sites: Palenque, Tenam Puente, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Chinkultic
Local Climate
The Local Climate is the same as that for Palenque: jungle weather and therefore extremely hot and humid. Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun screen, insect repellent and a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times.