Agua Azul is situated within the Agua Azul Waterfalls National Park. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and vibrant wildlife, this natural wonder offers opportunities for swimming, and exploring nearby trails.

Agua Azul Waterfalls National Park is a UNESCO-recognized site renowned for striking turquoise waters caused by high mineral content, the waterfalls cascade down on several levels, with drops ranging from 6 to 30 m.

How to get to Agua Azul Waterfalls?

• The nearest town is Palenque, approximately 60 km away.
• From Palenque by car, local bus, or tour agency transfer.

When is the best time to visit Agua Azul Waterfalls?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the water levels are more manageable, and the weather is sunny and pleasant. Avoid peak holiday seasons for a more relaxed experience.

Basaseachic Falls are located in the Basaseachic Falls National Park, in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Chihuahua.

The waterfall has a drop of approximately 246 meters.

How to get to Basaseachic Falls?

• The closest town is Creel, about 50 km away.
• From Creel, you can reach the falls by car or take a guided tour.

When is the best time to visit Basaseachic Falls?

The best time to visit Basaseachic Falls is from March to May when the weather is mild and the falls are very spectacular. Snowmelt during this time ensures a stronger flow, but avoid the rainy season, which starts in June.

El Chiflon Waterfalls are located in the El Chiflón Waterfalls National Park in Chiapas.

The tallest waterfall, Velo de Novia (Bridal Veil), has a height of 120 meters.

How to get to El Chiflón Waterfalls?

• The nearest town is Comitán de Domínguez, about 40 km away.
• From Comitán, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the park.

When is the best time to visit El Chiflón Waterfalls?

The best time to visit the El Chiflón Waterfalls is during the dry season, from November to April – an ideal time to visit El Chiflón Waterfalls National Park, when the trails are more accessible, and the weather is cooler and pleasant.

Tamasopo Falls are situated in San Luis Potosí, near the Tamasopo River.

The falls feature three levels, with a height of around 20 m for each drop.

How to get to Tamasopo Falls?

• The town of Tamasopo is located about 2 km from the falls.
  From Ciudad Valles, the road trip will take a 2-hour drive by car.

When is the best time to visit Tamasopo Falls?

The best time to visit is March to June, as the weather is warm and the water is flowing at its best. The rainy season from July to October can cause road closures and higher water levels, making access difficult.

Hierve el Agua Waterfall is located in the Oaxaca Valley, east of Oaxaca City, within the Hierve el Agua Natural Monument. The “frozen” waterfall formations rise to around 50 m, creating an impressive visual effect.

How to get to Hierve el Agua Waterfall?

• The nearest town is Mitla, about 20 km away.
• From Oaxaca City, drive towards Mitla and follow signs for Hierve el Agua.
• The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and the site is accessible by car or tour.

When is the best time to visit Hierve el Agua Waterfall?

The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season, when the weather is cooler, and the landscape is vibrant. The falls are at their most scenic, but it is the peak of season and the site can be busier.

Tamul Waterfall is located in the Sierra Huasteca region, within the Tamul River area in San Luis Potosí.

The waterfall has a drop of 105 meters.

How to get to Tamul Waterfall?

• The closest town is Ciudad Valles, about 60 km away.
• From Ciudad Valles, take a road to the village of La Morena.
• Take a boat tour down the river to reach the base of the waterfall.

The journey is scenic, and you can also hike to the waterfall.

When is the best time to visit Tamul Waterfall?

The ideal time to visit Tamul Waterfall is during the dry season, from November to April, when the Tamul River is calmer, making boat trips safer, and the weather more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Cola de Caballo Waterfall is located in the state of Nuevo León, within the Sierra de la Silla area.

The waterfall has a drop of approximately 25 meters.

How to get to Cola de Caballo Waterfall?

• The nearest town is Villa de Santiago, 40 km from Monterrey.
• From Monterrey, drive towards Villa de Santiago.

When is the best time to visit Cola de Caballo Waterfall?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to May when the weather is warm but not excessively hot. Summer months can be crowded, so it’s best to avoid this period if you prefer quieter surroundings.

San Cristóbal de las Casas

This colonial town is the cultural heart of Chiapas, renowned for its colorful streets, indigenous markets, and vibrant cultural scene. Stroll through its historic center, visit the Templo de Santo Domingo, and explore local craft markets.

Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon)

Located near the capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, this stunning canyon offers breathtaking views, boat tours along the Grijalva River, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, and various bird species.

The archaeological site of Palenque

One of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, Palenque is surrounded by dense jungle and is home to some of the most intricate and well-preserved ruins. The Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace are must-visit highlights.

Agua Azul and Misol-Ha Waterfalls

These natural wonders are located near Palenque and are popular spots for swimming, photography, and relaxation. The turquoise waters of Agua Azul are especially famous, while the towering Misol-Ha waterfall offers a serene jungle setting.

Lacandon Jungle

For adventure lovers, the Lacandon Jungle offers treks through dense rainforests, visits to remote Indigenous villages, and boat trips along the Usumacinta River. This region is perfect for eco-tourism and wildlife spotting.

Montebello Lakes National Park

This beautiful park is famous for its dozens of multicolored lakes, surrounded by pine forests and karst landscapes. Visitors can hike, kayak, or simply enjoy the serene views of these pristine lakes.

When it comes to getting around Chiapas, travelers have several options. Each mode of transport has its pros and cons, depending on where you’re heading and the level of convenience you’re seeking.

Public Transportation

The main cities in Chiapas, such as Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Palenque, are well-connected by long-distance buses. ADO is one of the major bus companies offering reliable service across the region.

Colectivos (Shared Vans) are widely used in Chiapas for shorter distances, especially between smaller towns and tourist attractions. They are affordable but can be crowded and have unpredictable schedules.

• Cost-effective and relatively easy to find
• Limited comfort
• Some remote areas are not accessible via public transport

Car Rentals

Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want more flexibility and independence. Chiapas has decent roads, especially between major cities and attractions, but rural areas may have rougher terrain.

Car rentals are available in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Palenque, and San Cristóbal de las Casas.

• Flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially for remote destinations
• Driving in rural areas requires caution due to winding roads
• Parking in busy towns can be a challenge.

Hiring Local Agencies

Local tour agencies offer convenient transportation services, especially for tourists visiting remote or less accessible places like the Lacandon Jungle or Agua Azul. Many agencies provide guided tours with transportation included.

• Hassle-free includes guided experiences and easier access to remote sites
• Higher costs than public transport or car rentals
• Less flexibility in the itinerary

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in cities and towns like Tuxtla Gutiérrez and San Cristóbal de las Casas. They are convenient for short trips but can become expensive if used for longer distances.

• Convenient for local trips.
• Not suitable for long-distance travel due to high costs.

Tuxtla Gutierrez

The capital of Chiapas state, Tuxtla Gutierrez has a population of approximately half a million inhabitants. It is a busy modern city with a reputable zoo and an excellent archaeological museum.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

One of Chiapas’ most charming cities, San Cristobal, was founded in 1528. A colonial city with narrow streets and colorful one-story houses with tiled roofs that enclose lovely courtyards.

San Cristobal offers the visitor not only a journey back in time with its many churches and museums but also a contemporary bohemian ambiance of art galleries, bars, and sophisticated restaurants catering to an international crowd of travelers and expats.

Colorfully dressed indigenous people from the surrounding villages sell handicrafts in the market and streets, rounding out the city’s very lively atmosphere.

Town of Palenque

The small town of Palenque is the bustling hub for excursions to one of the most important and beautiful pre-Hispanic sites in Mesoamerica, surrounded by rainforest, and originally called La Kam Ha (the place of much water) before the Spanish renamed it Palenque.

Archaeological sites of Chiapas

Pyramids of Palenque sprout from the lush jungle in the ruins of the once-mighty Maya kingdom, which had its heyday from around AD 630 to 740.

The town of Palenque, especially the funky rainforest-set travelers’ compound of El Panchán, also serves as a good base for other noteworthy archaeological sites and natural attractions.

And to extend your knowledge of Classic Maya cities, travel southeast along the border with Guatemala.

Cruise the Río Usumacinta by motorized launch to the prime riverside real estate ruins at Yaxchilán, where leafcutter ants file across walking paths and the complex reverberates with the throaty roars of howler monkeys, then detour by a Lacandón village to see the renowned frescoes and carvings at Bonampak.

For those who would like to immerse themselves more in the history of Mesoamerica, there are more amazing archaeological sites in Chiapas that can be visited from Palenque: Toniná and Bonampak with its unique wall paintings as well as Yaxchilán, right on the banks of the Rio Usumacinta, Mexico’s largest river.

The latter two are situated in the middle of the Selva Lacandona which forms part of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.

If you love nature and wildlife here are more reasons to visit Chiapas:

• Rainbow Falls at El Chiflon is enormous and cascades into a beautiful turquoise pool
• Sima de las Cotorras – thousands of green parakeets make their home in this huge sinkhole
• The Lagos de Montebello
• Horseback riding is the perfect way to explore the countryside
• Misol-Ha and Agua Azul
• Riding a boat through Sumidero Canyon

Cañon del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon) is a must-see. This is a 25-mile-long river canyon with cliffs over 3000 feet in height and abundant wildlife, that can best be explored on a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip from Chiapa de Corzo or Embarcadero Cahuare.

Heading to the southwest of the state, you can follow the Ruta del Café (coffee route), hike Tacaná Volcano, or simply head off for some leisure to the Pacific coast with its mostly grey-black beaches at Puerto Arista, Boca del Cielo, Riberas de la Costa Azul or Barra de Zacapulco.

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Agua Azul waterfalls are a magnificent natural spectacle, as several waterfalls, coming from the river Tujila, splash downwards over different natural terraces, giving you the impression of being only one huge waterfall.

The river carries a lot of earth washed away from the river banks during the rainy season from May to September so the water could be rather brown in these seasons. From October to April the water is really blue.

Agua Azul waterfalls turn into a slower-flowing river, once the currents reach the lowest part of the downfall. Swimming is allowed, but you should take precautions not to get too far, as there might be some undercurrents.

On both sides of the waterfall, you will discover the deep green dense tropical vegetation growing on these somewhat higher grounds called tropical vegetation of altitude, which completes a view of outstanding natural beauty.

You also can walk up a path leading upwards along the waterfall, where you get the most amazing view of the surroundings.

The grounds of the area belong to Mayan community-land owners, who built the roads and walking lanes to and around the waterfall. And they are zealous to preserve all fauna and flora of the surroundings.

If you get hungry you will find a few simple, but clean restaurants with delicious Mayan cuisine, stands with bottled water and sodas, and some stands with Mayan handicrafts on the grounds.

On weekends you will probably find some more visitors on the site as under the week. Yet, as the area is very large, you will find enough space to relax and enjoy your stay.

Agua Azul waterfalls are located between the town of Palenque and the town of Ocosingo, a little further ahead of the Misol Ha waterfall on Federal Highway 199. You could take a shuttle tour to the Misol Ha and the Blue Waterfalls.

Check local tour agencies in San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque town, and Ocosingo.