The Rio San Vicente falls in five stages through a lush canyon near Tzimol, and the highest of them, the 120 m Velo de Novia, throws spray across the viewing platform reached after a 45-minute uphill walk on a paved path. The lower pools are turquoise and shallow enough for swimming, and three zip-lines cross the valley above the river. Both banks are managed by separate ejido cooperatives, and a single ticket now covers the walkways on either side along with the small interpretive museum at the entrance.
The Rio San Vicente falls in five stages through a narrow, lushly forested canyon near Tzimol, and the highest of them, the 120 m Velo de Novia (Bride's Veil), throws a fine spray far enough to reach the viewing platform at the top of a paved, uphill path that takes about 45 minutes to climb. Lower down, the pools sit turquoise and shallow enough for swimming in the dry season, and three zip-lines cross the canyon above the river for visitors wanting an aerial view of the falls. Both banks of the canyon are managed by separate ejido cooperatives, though a single combined ticket now covers walkways on either side along with a small interpretive museum near the entrance. A full visit, including the climb to Velo de Novia and time at the swimming pools, takes about three hours; the climb itself is the main physical demand, on a paved but steadily rising path with no shade for long stretches. March to May gives the clearest turquoise water for swimming and photography, while the fall itself carries the most volume and drama from July to October, when the spray at the top platform is heaviest.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 8:00AM-6:00PM; last entry 5:00PM
- Best time
- March to May for the clearest turquoise water; the fall is at its most powerful from July to October
Location
Carretera Comitan-Tzimol km 32, Ejido San Cristobalito, 30180 Tzimol, Chiapas, Mexico
16.0086, -92.2653 View on map
Highlights
- Velo de Novia, a 120 m waterfall at the top of the canyon
- Turquoise swimming pools along the lower stages of the falls
- Three zip-lines crossing the canyon above the river
- Paved uphill trail with viewpoints over each of the five stages
Tips for visiting
- Wear grippy footwear for the paved but steep 45-minute climb to Velo de Novia
- Bring cash for the zip-line add-on, which is priced separately from the entrance ticket
- Visit March to May for the clearest turquoise pools, or July to October for the fall at its most powerful
- Pack a swimsuit for the lower pools, which are shallow and safe for swimming in the dry season
- Combine with the Montebello lakes on a day trip from San Cristobal or Comitan
When to visit
March to May gives the clearest turquoise water for swimming; July to October brings the fall to its most powerful flow.
Accessibility
The lower pools and museum area are on a relatively level path, but the climb to Velo de Novia, while paved, is steep and sustained, making the upper viewpoint difficult for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to El Chiflon take?
About three hours covers the climb to the top Velo de Novia viewpoint and time at the lower swimming pools.
Is El Chiflon worth it for kids?
The shallow lower pools are good for children, though the uphill climb to the main fall is fairly demanding for very young kids.
Is photography allowed at El Chiflon?
Yes, photography is unrestricted throughout the site, including at the Velo de Novia viewing platform.
Are the zip-lines included in the entrance ticket?
No, the zip-lines cost extra beyond the base entrance ticket, which covers only the walkways and museum.