
Velo de Novia El Chiflón
Discover the majestic Velo de Novia waterfall and its series of turquoise cascades in the lush heart of Chiapas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Velo de Novia El Chiflón
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the majestic Velo de Novia waterfall and its series of turquoise cascades in the lush heart of Chiapas.
"A breathtaking natural paradise with stunning waterfalls and refreshing turquoise pools."

Choose Your Entrance
Opt for Centro Ecoturistico (#1) for potentially better Velo de Novia views & fewer crowds .
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking to see all the falls. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 538 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Velo de Novia Waterfall
Main attraction
The star of El Chiflón, this majestic waterfall plunges over 120 meters, resembling a bride's veil.

Cascadas del Chiflón Trail
Park trail
Hike along the San Vicente River, discovering a series of stunning waterfalls and natural pools.

Turquoise Natural Pools
Along the river
Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear, vibrant turquoise waters of the natural pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Entrance Wisely
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Entrance
Opt for Centro Ecoturistico (#1) for potentially better Velo de Novia views & fewer crowds.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking to see all the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Swimwear
The natural pools are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day! :swimmer:
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially if hiking to the top. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Entrance
Opt for Centro Ecoturistico (#1) for potentially better Velo de Novia views & fewer crowds.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking to see all the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Swimwear
The natural pools are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day! :swimmer:
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially if hiking to the top. :droplet:
Pack Insect Repellent
Essential for enjoying the lush, natural surroundings. :bug:
Cash is King
While some vendors might take cards, it's best to have cash for entrance fees and smaller purchases. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of El Chiflón, particularly the stunning Velo de Novia waterfall and its vibrant turquoise waters. The well-maintained trails and refreshing natural pools are frequently praised, making it a perfect spot for a swim and a scenic hike. Some note the existence of two separate park entrances with differing views and prices.
"Spent about 3 hours there would have spent more but it closes at 17.00. Visited up to the top water fall . Crystal clear water. It's great to have a swim in the heat (32°) . On the entrance you have a place to see iguanas don't miss. You have a few huts for saty a night there also."
Yuval Tutka
"Amazing selection of waterfalls for only 80 pesos entrance. There is a nice route you can walk to see all of the waterfalls, and you can even swim in some of the natural pools there.
You can take a direct colectivo bus from Comitan for only 40 pesos, and then either walk the 1km to the park entrance or take a tuktuk for 10-15 pesos."
estelle vonk
"This is the newer park "Velo de la
Novia" that occupies the north/west side of the river. The other park, on the south/east side of the river is the "Chiflón" park and probably more well known. There are no bridges connecting the two parks and they have different entrance fees. I only went to this park so I can definitively say which has better views but they are definitely both amazing. If I had to guess I would venture that this park has a better view of the biggest waterfall because it has a better perspective. This park seems to be less crowded than the other and the trail was newer and in generally very good shape. I believe the entrance cost 40 pesos. It's 20 pesos more if you want to hike to the top of vela de la novia (for now this trial ends at the pool below "arcoiris" but it seems they have plans to expand it to the last waterfall, quincenara)"
Kevin Kent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a colectivo bus from Comitán. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 40 pesos. From the drop-off point, you can walk about 1 km to the park entrance or take a short tuk-tuk ride for 10-15 pesos.
Yes, you can drive to El Chiflón. There are parking facilities available at both entrances. The drive from Comitán is scenic and takes approximately 1 hour.
Many tour operators in San Cristóbal de las Casas and Comitán offer day trips to El Chiflón. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to arrange transportation yourself.
There are two main entrances: Centro Ecoturistico (Velo de Novia) and Cascadas del Chiflón. They are owned by different proprietors and have separate entrance fees. Centro Ecoturistico (#1) is often recommended for better views of the main waterfall and may be less crowded.
Visiting El Chiflón from Palenque is a long day trip, often requiring an early start and a private transfer or organized tour. It's more commonly visited from Comitán or San Cristóbal de las Casas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary slightly between the two parks. Centro Ecoturistico (#1) typically costs around 50 MXN, while Cascadas del Chiflón (#2) is around 80 MXN. Hiking to the top of Velo de Novia may incur an additional fee.
The park generally opens in the morning and closes around 5:00 PM (17:00). It's advisable to check the exact hours closer to your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Yes, you can swim in some of the natural pools along the river. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, especially during warmer months.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.
Yes, there is usually an additional fee to access the trail that leads to the upper viewpoints and pools, including the area below 'Arcoiris' waterfall.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides admiring the Velo de Novia and other falls, you can swim in natural pools, walk the scenic trails, observe iguanas near the entrance, and enjoy the lush natural surroundings. Some visitors also opt to stay overnight in available huts.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours to see the main attractions and hike to the top viewpoints. If you plan to swim and relax, you could easily spend half a day or more.
Yes, there are numerous small huts and stores selling food and drinks along the path to the waterfalls. You'll find options for snacks and meals.
While the main paths are generally well-maintained, some sections can be uneven or involve stairs. Visitors with mobility challenges may find it easier to explore the lower areas. One traveler mentioned exploring with a prosthetic leg, indicating it's manageable for some.
Follow the well-marked trail that winds along the river upstream. This path leads you to a series of beautiful cascades, culminating in the impressive Velo de Novia.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The viewpoints overlooking Velo de Novia are spectacular. Try different angles, especially from the bridge and the trails leading up. The turquoise pools also make for stunning shots.
Experiment with different perspectives. Getting close to the base can capture the mist, while higher viewpoints show the full scale. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the water's color.
Some visitors have captured incredible FPV footage, showcasing the waterfalls from unique aerial perspectives. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
For capturing the 'veil' effect of the water, use a slower shutter speed. A tripod is highly recommended to avoid camera shake. For the vibrant turquoise water, a polarizing filter can help reduce glare.
Some visitors suggest positioning yourself to capture the waterfall as a 'veil'. Also, don't miss the chance to photograph the vibrant turquoise pools and the surrounding lush greenery.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit