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.
Adventure brief
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.
Situated in Chiapas, Mexico, EcoExperiencias Tour Operators offer a full-day adventure from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to two of the region’s most striking natural landmarks: the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park. This journey combines invigorating hikes with stunning vistas and cultural encounters, making it a premier excursion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking variety and depth in a single itinerary.
The day begins with a scenic two-hour drive through diverse landscapes to reach Chiflón Waterfalls. The highlight here is a 1.5km trail leading to the Velo de Novia waterfall, which plummets over 120 meters, its mist cooling the air and creating a refreshing atmosphere. Along this path, cascading waters thread through rocky cliffs rich in volcanic origins, surrounded by lush subtropical forest vegetation and the calls of native bird species.
After soaking in the falls, the tour continues to Montebello Lakes National Park, a protected area famous for its cluster of 59 lakes distinguished by their striking colors—ranging from deep turquoise and emerald to violet. Visitors spend time exploring between four to six of these crystalline bodies, often pausing at the International Lake, which straddles the Mexico-Guatemala border, a rare geopolitical and natural intersection.
Adding a cultural dimension, the tour visits a local crafts market where travelers meet community artisans and discover handcrafted textiles and wooden goods, supporting indigenous families and preserving traditional skills.
EcoExperiencias stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism, blending natural wonder with thoughtful engagement. Their professional guides, inclusive transport, and small group sizes ensure a personal experience that respects the environment and local way of life. This trip offers a balanced gateway to Chiapas’s geological marvels and cultural richness, ideal for travelers eager to engage actively and responsibly with one of Mexico’s most dynamic outdoor playgrounds.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Key stops and what to expect at each point along the day’s route.
Pickup in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Hotel or hostel pickup in Tuxtla between 06:00 and 06:20 A.M. to begin the day’s travel.
Cascadas El Chiflón
A roughly three‑hour drive from Tuxtla brings the group to Chiflón for breakfast and a two‑hour visit that includes a 1.5 km walk to view several waterfalls and reach the Velo de Novia.
Lagos de Montebello National Park
Travel on to Montebello to visit four to six lakes, time for lunch, and optional paid ecotourism activities amid the park’s colorful, crystalline waters.
Return to Tuxtla
After the lakes and market stop the group returns to Tuxtla Gutiérrez and is dropped back at the original pickup points.
The route includes a 1.5 km walk and uneven terrain; the operator notes the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with reduced mobility.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:35.037Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.