TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
From Tuxtla to Velo de Novia: Waterfalls, Border Lakes and a Guatemalan Market
A full-day outing from Tuxtla Gutiérrez that combines a steep waterfall walk at Cascadas El Chiflón with a multi‑lake sweep through Lagos de Montebello and a stop at a Guatemalan crafts market.
From Tuxtla to Velo de Novia: Waterfalls, Border Lakes and a Guatemalan Market.
This outing begins with a mountain drive from Tuxtla to the thunder of Chiflón, where a 1.5 km trail leads to the wind and spray of Velo de Novia’s more than 120‑meter drop; later the route opens onto the jewel‑toned lakes of Montebello National Park and a border market selling Guatemalan handicrafts, all across a long but richly varied day in Chiapas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Velo de Novia: a 120m Bridal Veil
After a trail of roughly 1.5 km visitors arrive at Velo de Novia, where the waterfall’s dramatic drop produces a cool breeze and drifting spray — the defining sensory moment of the Chiflón portion of the trip.
Lakes that shift from blue to violet
Montebello National Park offers a chain of crystalline lakes — between four and six parks visited on the tour — whose colors run from pale blue to violet, emerald and turquoise, including the International Lake on the Mexico–Guatemala line.
A stop at a Guatemalan crafts market
The itinerary includes a visit to a crafts market where vendors from across the border display Guatemalan handiwork, a practical cultural counterpoint to the day’s wilderness scenes.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’re collected in Tuxtla early and settle in for a long drive toward the cascades; on arrival the group takes a 1.5 km walk along well‑marked paths to a series of falls culminating at Velo de Novia, where the air is cool and misted. After a morning at Chiflón the route shifts to the highland lakes of Montebello, visiting several lakes and pausing for lunch and optional ecotourism activities before returning to Tuxtla later the same day.
THE LANDSCAPE
Velo de Novia: a 120m Bridal Veil
After a trail of roughly 1.5 km visitors arrive at Velo de Novia, where the waterfall’s dramatic drop produces a cool breeze and drifting spray — the defining sensory moment of the Chiflón portion of the trip.
THE ROUTE
Lakes that shift from blue to violet
Montebello National Park offers a chain of crystalline lakes — between four and six parks visited on the tour — whose colors run from pale blue to violet, emerald and turquoise, including the International Lake on the Mexico–Guatemala line.
THE CULTURE
A stop at a Guatemalan crafts market
The itinerary includes a visit to a crafts market where vendors from across the border display Guatemalan handiwork, a practical cultural counterpoint to the day’s wilderness scenes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should sit it out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Comfortable clothing and shoes (gloves recommended), quick‑dry clothes and towel, mosquito repellent, warm clothing for cooler lake conditions, sunscreen, and extra money for optional activities and purchases.
Expect a mix of warm and hot microclimates: breathable, quick‑dry layers for the hike and warmer layers for the forested lakes; closed, grippy shoes are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the weather like on this route?
Conditions vary: Cascadas El Chiflón sits in a drier, warmer area where heat is possible, while Montebello is forested and can be colder with some fog.
Where and when does the tour start?
Pickup is in Tuxtla Gutiérrez at hotels or hostels between 06:00 and 06:20 A.M.
How long is the waterfall walk?
The walk to view the series of falls, including Velo de Novia, is approximately 1.5 km.
How much time do we spend at Chiflón and the lakes?
The schedule includes about two hours at Chiflón for the waterfalls and time at Montebello to visit four to six lakes with a lunch break; some ecotourism activities at the lakes may carry additional cost.
Are there any health or mobility restrictions?
Yes — the operator advises that the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with reduced mobility.