v2.webp){kind=logo}
- The multicolored lakes (the park’s main draw) — About 50-60 karst lakes clustered together, each a slightly different shade of blue, green, turquoise or chocolate depending on depth, algae and sunlight. Walking or driving between them is like hopping through a natural color palette.
- Laguna Tziscao — One of the larger lakes, with calm water, reed fringes and small boat rentals. Great for relaxed paddling, photography, and watching waterbirds close to shore.
- Laguna Montebello — The namesake and easily accessible from the park entrance; good viewpoints, picnic areas, and shallow spots for wading. It’s a nice “first stop” to get the lay of the land and plan the rest of your visit.
- Laguna Esmeralda — A jewel-toned, emerald-green lake with mirror reflections on still mornings. Personal favorite:
- The multicolored lakes (the park’s main draw) — About 50-60 karst lakes clustered together, each a slightly different shade of blue, green, turquoise or chocolate depending on depth, algae and sunlight. Walking or driving between them is like hopping through a natural color palette.
- Laguna Tziscao — One of the larger lakes, with calm water, reed fringes and small boat rentals. Great for relaxed paddling, photography, and watching waterbirds close to shore.
- Laguna Montebello — The namesake and easily accessible from the park entrance; good viewpoints, picnic areas, and shallow spots for wading. It’s a nice “first stop” to get the lay of the land and plan the rest of your visit.
- Laguna Esmeralda — A jewel-toned, emerald-green lake with mirror reflections on still mornings. Personal favorite: the color is unreal at dawn and the light makes for quiet, unforgettable photos and a peaceful swim if allowed that day.
- Pine-oak forest trails — Short, shady hikes link several lakes and offer a different mood from the water: cool forest scent, wildflowers in season, and easy terrain for a half-day walk. Trails are generally well-marked but bring insect repellent and good shoes.
- Birdwatching and wildlife pockets — The mix of open water and forest attracts herons, kingfishers, migratory ducks and plenty of smaller passerines. You’ll also see amphibians, freshwater fish and occasionally otter activity if you’re quiet at dawn or dusk.
- Scenic viewpoints & picnic spots — Small lookouts above several lakes give sweeping views of the chain; they’re perfect for sunset, a packed lunch, or just watching the water change color as clouds pass. Bring layers—highland evenings can get chilly.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Montebello Lakes & El Chiflón Falls, San Cristóbal de las Casas
✓ Free cancellation
Cascadas El Chiflón y Lagos de Montebello
✓ Free cancellation
Cascadas el Chiflon (Bridal Veil) and Montebello Lakes from Tuxtla Gutierrez
✓ Free cancellation
El Chiflón Lakes and Waterfalls Tour from Tuxtla Gutiérrez
✓ Free cancellation
El Chiflón Waterfalls - Lagos de Montebello
✓ Free cancellation
Z.Chinkultik and Montebello Echoes of the Past and Reflections of the Present
✓ Free cancellation
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.