El Chiflon Waterfalls

A String Of Waterfalls On The San Vicente River, The Highest Velo De Novia (Bridal Veil) Falling About 120 M, Reached By A Path Of Steps With Viewpoints And A Pool To Swim In. Turquoise Water In The Dry Season, And Chocolate Brown After Heavy Rain. A Half Day From San Cristobal De Las Casas Or Comitan · Tzimol, Chiapas

El Chiflon is a string of turquoise waterfalls on the San Vicente river in the Chiapas highlands, about 40 km from Comitan and roughly three hours from San Cristobal de las Casas. A stepped trail of about 1.5 km climbs beside the river and passes several falls, among them Quinceanera, Arcoiris (the Rainbow, where mist can throw a bow of colour on sunny mornings) and, at the top, Velo de Novia, the Bridal Veil, which drops about 120 m. The path has viewpoints, and a swimming section near the start where the water is calm enough to enter. In the dry season the water is a vivid blue-green. After heavy rain it turns brown and loud, and the view is much less pretty. The site is run by the local ejido (a community land group), with parking, snack stalls, a few cabins and river rafting offered below the falls. It suits families, photographers and anyone with a free day around Comitan, the Lagunas de Montebello or San Cristobal. It is worth the detour in the dry months, and much less so in the wet season. Expect a lot of wet steps, so wear shoes with grip.

Cascadas El Chiflon, near Tzimol about 40 km from Comitan in the Chiapas highlands, reached by a short road and a stepped trail; coordinates approximate, Tzimol, Chiapas, Mexico

The falls are normally open daily in daylight, roughly from morning to late afternoon, with the gate often closing in the afternoon so that nobody is on the steps at dusk. Exact times change, so confirm locally. There is an entrance fee at the ejido gate, so nothing here is FREE, though the road and the view from the car park before the gate cost nothing. Parts of the trail and the swimming section can be CLOSED after heavy rain or when the river is high, and rafting does not run in those conditions. Cabins and the small restaurants keep their own hours, which may be shorter on weekdays in low season. The whole site is quietest on weekday mornings and busiest at weekends and on Mexican holidays.

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