Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business El Chiflón is a chain of turquoise waterfalls in the valley of the San Vicente River in southern Chiapas.
Velo de Novia
The San Vicente River pools
Tzimol
Parque Central Benito Juárez
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Chiapas is known for its jungle ruins, deep canyons and spectacular waterfalls, and El Chiflón is one of the most accessible. The falls are part of an ecotourism center in a green valley with sugarcane, mountains and rainforest.
The water comes from the San Vicente River, and the pools at the base are popular for swimming.
The setting is as much a part of the appeal as the water itself. The valley is green and farmed, the air is warm, and the walk between viewpoints lets you see the river from several angles.
Velo de Novia, meaning bridal veil, is the best-known waterfall at El Chiflón. The site is a series of waterfalls and calm pools of turquoise water. Walk the trail up to the viewpoints in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin.
Velo de Novia, or bridal veil, is the best-known waterfall at El Chiflón. Photo: User:Angel06x, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Below the falls, the pools formed by the San Vicente River are popular for swimming when conditions allow. Bring water shoes, a towel and a dry bag for your phone.
The San Vicente River forms turquoise pools below the falls at El Chiflón. Photo: Eduardo Manchon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tzimol is a small town only about twenty minutes from Comitán, famous for its rolling sugarcane hills and the San Vicente River at the edge of town. Local traditions include artisanal pox, palm weaving and panela, an unrefined cane sugar, and you can visit some workshops on a local tour.
Tzimol is known for its rolling sugarcane hills and the San Vicente River. Photo: diego_cue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
This open cenote lies about thirty minutes from Comitán. Its clear water stays near 24 degrees Celsius all year, which suits swimming, snorkeling or simply floating.
The Uninajab pools offer another cool swim and fit neatly into a day that also includes the cenote and the falls. Check opening details and conditions before you go.
Comitán is the fourth-largest city in Chiapas and the best base for the falls. Its main square is a lively spot with shade trees, benches and live music on some evenings.
The Parque Central Benito Juárez is the lively town square of Comitán. Photo: BIOLOGO JORGE AYALA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
This contemporary art museum houses a permanent collection that includes works by Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo, along with temporary exhibitions of local artists. It is a good rainy-day stop.
Lagunas de Montebello National Park holds dozens of lakes in a pine forest near the Guatemalan border, with colors that range from pale aquamarine to deep purple.
Lagunas de Montebello National Park protects dozens of colorful lakes in a pine forest. Photo: Carlos t, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Las Nubes is an ecotourism center in the municipality of Las Margaritas, near the Guatemalan border.
Las Nubes is an ecotourism center with turquoise waterfalls in Las Margaritas. Photo: panza-rayada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
About two hours by bus from Comitán, San Cristóbal is the cultural capital of Chiapas, with colonial streets, markets and craft shops. Many visitors combine it with El Chiflón on a longer loop through the highlands.
San Cristóbal de las Casas is the cultural capital of Chiapas. Photo: Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Comitán's cooking is distinct from the rest of Chiapas.
Among local snacks, look for pellizcadas, a traditional Comitán snack, and chalupas, another street-food favorite. Local sweets such as chimbo and mueganos make good souvenirs.
For a full introduction, visit Mercado Primero de Mayo, the town's main market, or Mercado San José, where several kitchens share a common dining area.
Popular dishes to try in El Chiflón Waterfalls
Comitán de Domínguez is the most convenient base, with colonial streets, plenty of restaurants and good transport links to the falls, Montebello and San Cristóbal.
Tzimol is a quiet town closer to the falls, with sugarcane hills and local crafts. It works for travellers who want a rural feel and an early start at the water.
San Cristóbal de las Casas offers the widest choice of lodging, markets and restaurants, and suits those who plan to see more of the highlands.
Where to stay in El Chiflón Waterfalls
The dry season, roughly November to April, is the best time for the waterfalls, since the water tends to be clear and the trails are easier.
Comitán is cool for much of the year and can feel chilly in the evenings from October to March, so pack a light jacket.
Local festivals include San Caralampio from February 11 to 20 and the Virgin of Guadalupe pilgrimage on December 12, both of which fill Comitán with visitors.
Comitán is the usual gateway. It is about two hours by bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas and about three hours from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital and main transport hub.
OCC and several private minibus operators serve the region from terminals on Boulevard Belisario Domínguez Sur.
Highway 226 passes the cenote, and a car lets you combine the falls, the cenote and the Uninajab pools in one day. Confirm current transport details locally.
Settle into Comitán, stroll the Parque Central Benito Juárez and visit the art museum. Eat at one of the markets in the evening.
Go early to El Chiflón and walk up to the Velo de Novia.
Spend the day at Lagunas de Montebello, or visit Tenam Puente and Las Nubes.
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