A pine-and-liquidambar forest trail, officially named the Sendero El Perol at its trailhead, links a chain of five lakes of markedly different colour within the Montebello national park, climbing gently between viewpoints rather than following a single lake shore. The path is dirt and needle-covered underfoot, well shaded, and gains only modest elevation, making it accessible to reasonably fit walkers of most ages. CONANP charges the standard park entrance fee, about 65-125 MXN depending on residency status (approx USD 4-7), and a further small ejido fee applies at some of the individual lake access points along the way. Horses can be hired near the main entrance for visitors who prefer to ride rather than walk the full circuit. The trail is at its most atmospheric in the first two hours after the park gate opens, when mist often still sits over the lower lakes.
The Sendero El Perol trailhead sits inside Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, reached by paved road from La Trinitaria or Comitán with parking near the main park entrance; CONANP's standard park entrance fee applies, and no separate hiking permit is needed. The circuit covers roughly 4-5 km with only gentle rolling elevation change across pine-and-liquidambar forest, walking on a dirt, needle-covered surface that is mostly shaded and rarely exposed. The trail links a chain of five lakes of markedly different colour, with viewpoints at each lake serving as natural stopping and turn-around points for those who do not want to complete the full circuit. Horses can be hired near the main entrance for visitors who prefer to ride rather than walk. There is no potable water source or refuge hut along the trail itself, so visitors should carry what they need from the entrance, where small vendors and the ranger station are the last reliable stop.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, Municipio de La Trinitaria
- Best season
- November to April, for stable weather and the clearest lake colour
What to bring
- Hiking shoes or boots, as the forest floor is uneven and can be muddy after rain
- Warm layer, since Montebello sits at altitude and mornings are cold
- Rain shell, given the reserve's high afternoon humidity
- Cash in pesos for the park and individual lake fees
- Polarised sunglasses, useful for appreciating the lake colours
Location
Sendero El Perol, Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, 30170 La Trinitaria, Chiapas, Mexico
16.0775, -91.6806 View on map
Highlights
- Chain of five lakes, each a distinct shade of blue or green
- Shaded pine and liquidambar forest walking
- Misty early-morning views over the lower lakes
- Optional horse rides from the main park entrance
- Gentle, family-friendly terrain across the full circuit
Tips for visiting
- Start within the first two hours after the gate opens, when mist often lingers over the lower lakes
- Carry cash in pesos for both the CONANP park fee and the small ejido fees at individual lake access points
- Wear hiking shoes or boots, since the forest floor can be muddy after rain
- Bring a warm layer, as Montebello sits at altitude and mornings are cold
- Visit November to April for the clearest lake colour and most stable weather
When to visit
The first two hours after the park gate opens give the most atmospheric misty views; November to April offers the clearest lake colour.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair-accessible; the surface is dirt and needle-covered with rolling grades and occasional mud, though it is manageable for most walkers including children.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the five-lake circuit take?
Walking the full loop with stops at each viewpoint typically takes 2-3 hours.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, CONANP charges a standard park entrance fee of about 65-125 MXN depending on residency status, plus small ejido fees at some individual lake access points.
Can the trail be ridden on horseback instead of walked?
Yes, horses can be hired near the main park entrance for visitors who prefer to ride the circuit.