Cinco Lagos: Montebello's Five-Lake Viewpoint

Cinco Lagos is a cluster of five small lakes viewed from a single natural balcony in Chiapas's Lagunas de Montebello National Park. The park entrance sits about 45 minutes by car from Comitán de Domínguez, and the Cinco Lagos viewpoint is roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of the main gate along the park's internal road. From the wooden platform, the five ponds appear stacked between pine and oak forest, their water shifting from emerald to teal as clouds pass. The site is a viewpoint first and a swimming hole second — access to the water itself is limited, and the main draw is the panorama.

Getting to Cinco Lagos

By car from Comitán or San Cristóbal

Driving is the most flexible option. From Comitán, take Federal Highway 190 east toward La Trinitaria, then follow signs for the national park — the turnoff is well marked and the road is paved until the final approach. The drive takes about 45 minutes to the park gate, then another 10–15 minutes on the internal road to the Cinco Lagos turnoff. From San Cristóbal de las Casas, allow 2.5 hours each way; the route climbs through cool highland forest and passes the El Chiflón waterfall turnoff. Rental cars are available in San Cristóbal, but check insurance coverage for the border region — some policies exclude the road toward Guatemala.

By colectivo or tour

Public colectivos from Comitán's main terminal run to the park entrance several times a morning, costing around 50–70 pesos per person. From the gate, you will need to walk or hitch a ride along the internal road — roughly 5 kilometers to the Cinco Lagos junction, which is manageable on foot but adds an hour each way. Organized tours from San Cristóbal (12 hours, including El Chiflón) cost about 900–1,200 pesos and handle all transport, though they typically allow only 30–40 minutes at the Cinco Lagos viewpoint. Independent travelers who want to linger should drive or stay overnight in Comitán.

What You Will See at the Viewpoint

The five lakes themselves

The five water bodies — often called Lagunas de Colores on local maps — sit in a shallow depression ringed by pine, oak, and liquidambar trees. The water color depends on depth and mineral content: shallower ponds read as pale jade, while the deepest takes on a near-black indigo under cloud cover. Morning light, roughly 8–10 a.m., produces the strongest turquoise; by early afternoon the color flattens. The viewpoint platform holds maybe 20 people comfortably, and on weekends it fills with domestic tour groups between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Arrive before 10 a.m. for the clearest water tones and fewer elbows at the railing.

Trails and access to the water

A short dirt path (about 400 meters) descends from the viewpoint to the shore of the largest lake. The descent takes 10 minutes; the return climb is steeper and slick after rain. Swimming is technically possible at the shoreline but strongly discouraged — signs warn of a 1,000-peso fine at some Montebello lakes, and the Cinco Lagos shore is rocky and muddy rather than sandy. There are no lifeguards. The park's main swimming and rafting area is at Lago Bosque Azul, near the entrance, where wooden rafts (about 250 pesos per person) carry visitors onto the water. Treat Cinco Lagos as a photography stop, not a beach day.

Facilities and practical notes

Expect a small parking area, a handful of vendors selling snacks and coffee, and basic toilets (5 pesos). No ATMs inside the park — bring small peso notes for parking (20–30 pesos), toilets, and community fees. The viewpoint itself is free once you have paid the national park entrance fee. On foggy mornings — common from June to September — the lakes may be invisible from the platform until 10 a.m.; the mist usually burns off by mid-morning, but on some days it does not clear at all.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

The dry season, November through April, delivers the most reliable visibility and the deepest water color. March and April are warm (highs around 30°C) but hazy; December and January bring crisp, clear mornings with temperatures near 12°C at dawn — bring a fleece. The rainy months (June, August, September) average 300–460 millimeters of rain each and often shroud the lakes in fog. I have stood at the railing in July and seen nothing but white soup; the same viewpoint in February was postcard-perfect. If you visit in the wet season, aim for a mid-morning arrival after the mist has had a chance to lift.

Plan on 30–45 minutes at Cinco Lagos if you are on a tour, or 1–1.5 hours if you are driving and want to walk down to the shore. The park entrance fee is 125 pesos per person (seniors, pensioners, people with disabilities, and children under 12 are exempt; students and teachers receive a 75% discount). Fees are subject to change — check the CONANP site for current rates. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the last entry is at 4 p.m. Camping is not permitted at the viewpoint, but basic cabins exist at Tziscao, about 20 minutes further east.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Cinco Lagos?

Swimming is not recommended at the Cinco Lagos shoreline — the bottom is rocky and muddy, and some Montebello lakes carry fines of up to 1,000 pesos for swimming. The nearest safe swimming and rafting is at Lago Bosque Azul near the park entrance, where wooden rafts cost about 250 pesos per person.

How much time do you need at Cinco Lagos?

Most visitors spend 30–45 minutes at the viewpoint, including photos and a short walk down to the shore. If you are driving independently, allow 1–1.5 hours to include the lakeshore path and a snack stop. Tour groups typically allot only 30 minutes before moving on to Tziscao or Pojoj.

Is the Cinco Lagos viewpoint accessible without a tour?

Yes. Drive yourself from Comitán (45 minutes to the park gate, then 10–15 minutes on the internal road) or take a colectivo to the entrance and walk 5 kilometers to the viewpoint. The walk is flat but exposed; carry water. Entry costs 125 pesos per person, paid at the gate.

What is the best month for clear views at Cinco Lagos?

December through April offers the driest weather and the most consistent visibility. February and March are particularly good — morning fog is rare and water colors are vivid. Avoid June, August, and September, when heavy rain and fog frequently obscure the lakes until late morning or all day.