Montebello Lakes: Mexico's Turquoise Highland Chain

The Montebello Lakes sit at 1,500–1,800 meters in the pine-oak highlands of Chiapas, about 60 km from Comitán and roughly 143 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas. Entry costs 125 MXN per person per day, and the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 50 lakes — some sources count 59 — spread across 6,022 hectares near the Guatemala border, and their colors shift from jade to deep violet depending on mineral content, depth, and the angle of the sun. That palette is the reason travelers put up with the winding road.

Getting There and Getting Oriented

By car or shuttle from San Cristóbal

Driving from San Cristóbal de las Casas takes about 2 hours on Highway 190 to Comitán, then southeast on the border highway toward La Trinitaria. The park entrance sits past the turnoff for Lagos de Montebello, and the road inside links the main lakes in a rough loop. A shuttle or guided minivan from San Cristóbal typically leaves at 8 a.m. and returns after sunset — a 12- to 13-hour day if you add El Chiflón waterfall. I'd skip the waterfall combo if you want more than 90 minutes at the lakes; the two stops are 2.5 hours apart, and the day gets tight.

By public bus

Buses from San Cristóbal to Comitán run frequently and take about 2 hours. From Comitán's main terminal, colectivos or local buses head to the park entrance, but departures thin out after midday. The last return to Comitán can leave you stranded if you miss it. If you're relying on public transport, plan to arrive by 11 a.m. and confirm the return time with the driver before you walk into the park.

Entrance and fees

Admission is 125 MXN per person, per day, collected as a federal rights fee. Seniors, retirees, people with disabilities, and children under 12 enter free with valid ID; students and teachers get a 75% discount. Fees are subject to change — check the official CONANP site for current rates. Access is controlled by official wristbands, so keep yours visible; rangers do spot checks along the lake road.

What to See and Do

The classic lake circuit

The first cluster most visitors reach is Cinco Lagos, a group of five connected lagoons where the water shows several colors in a single view. From there, the road continues to Laguna Pojoj, a small, intensely turquoise pool where locals rent wooden rafts for about 150–250 MXN per person depending on duration; you row yourself with a guide. Laguna de Montebello is the largest and deepest, with a blue so saturated it looks dyed. Farther east, Laguna Tziscao straddles the Guatemala border — one side Mexican, one side Guatemalan — and the village of Tziscao has simple comedores serving trout.

Chinkultic ruins

At the western edge of the lake district, the Chinkultic archaeological site sits on a hill above the water. The ruins are small — a ball court, a pyramid, and some stelae — but the setting is what matters. You get a view over the lakes and the forest that most day tours skip entirely. Entry is separate and modest, and the site is usually quiet before noon.

Swimming and rafting

Swimming is allowed in designated areas, but rules vary by lake and are enforced with fines. At the wooden-boat docks near Laguna Montebello, swimming is prohibited and fines can run as high as 1,000 MXN, so ask before you jump in. The safer swimming spots are at Pojoj and Tziscao, where locals swim and rent rafts. Rafting is the better way to get on the water anyway — the colors look different from the surface, and the guides know which inlets are shallow enough to stand in.

How much time to allow

A full day covers the main lakes at a relaxed pace. Tours typically allot 2–3 hours inside the park, which is enough for Cinco Lagos, Pojoj, and Montebello but not Chinkultic. If you're driving yourself, give it 4–5 hours. The light is best before 11 a.m., when the sun is still low and the water shows its most saturated colors; by early afternoon, haze flattens the blues.

Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips

Dry season vs. wet season

November through May is the dry season, with clearer skies and more intense lake colors. December to March is the sweet spot: cool mornings, less rain, and fewer clouds. The wet season, June to October, brings heavy rain, frequent fog, and a greener forest, but the lakes turn grayer and the roads can be slick. I've seen photos from October that look moody and dramatic, but if you're coming for the turquoise, book between December and April.

What to bring

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and shoes you don't mind getting muddy. The highland air is cool in the morning — 10–15°C is common before sunrise — so layer up. Cash is essential: entrance fees, raft rentals, and comedores are cash-only, and the nearest ATM is in Comitán. Drones are prohibited inside the park, and fishing and alcohol are not allowed.

Crowds and timing

Weekends and Mexican holidays bring domestic tour groups, and the main parking areas fill by 10 a.m. Arrive at opening time — 8 a.m. — and you'll have the first lakes nearly to yourself. The far lakes, Tziscao and the ones near the Guatemalan border, stay quieter throughout the day. Local guides are available at the larger lakes for about 200 MXN; they're worth it if you want to understand the geology and the Maya history of the area, but they're not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Montebello Lakes?

Admission is 125 MXN per person per day. Children under 12, seniors, retirees, and people with disabilities enter free with ID; students and teachers pay 25% of the fee. Raft rentals and guide services cost extra. Fees are subject to change, so verify current rates on the CONANP website before you go.

Can you swim in the lakes?

Swimming is allowed in some lakes but banned in others, and fines for swimming in prohibited areas can reach 1,000 MXN. Pojoj and Tziscao are the most reliable swimming spots, and both have raft rentals. Ask locally before entering the water — rules are posted inconsistently.

How do I get to Montebello Lakes from San Cristóbal de las Casas?

The drive is about 143 km and takes 2–2.5 hours via Comitán. Buses run from San Cristóbal to Comitán in about 2 hours, then local transport continues to the park, though afternoon departures are scarce. Organized day tours leave San Cristóbal around 8 a.m. and return after dark.

What is the best time of year to visit?

December through April offers clear skies and the most vivid lake colors. The wet season, June to October, brings fog and rain that dull the water but green the forest. Mornings before 11 a.m. are best for photography in any season.