Lakes of Montebello, Chiapas, Mexico

About The Lakes of Montebello

Less than an hour's drive from Comitan, on the border with Guatemala, are the Lagos de Montebello (Lakes of Montebello).

There are over 50 lakes here, one of which is half in Mexican Territory and half in Guatemalan; around 8 of the lakes are easily accessible via some roads and lots of vehicle tracks that run through the forest surrounding the lakes.

At the western edge of this lake district you'll find the impressive and worth-while Mayan Ruins of Chinkultic: see the Mexperience Guide and Photo Gallery for details.

You can arrange a tour of the lakes from Comitan or (further away from here) San Cristobal de las Casas, although if you have a rental car, you can explore this area most effectively, take your time in the areas you want to see more of and travel at your preferred pace.

The lakes themselves are well worth experiencing; they all reflect turquoise blues and greens, and coupled with the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains and forests, the area is great for a whole day's exploration.

You can bring your own food and drink, or eat locally at one of the many food stalls, cafes and restaurants dotted around the main lakes.

Small boats and makeshift rafts, made from tree trunks tied together are available for hire at most of the larger lakes, in case you want to go out on the water and get a view from the lakes themselves. Ask locally for details and barter your price as fees are not fixed.

It's an easy day-trip from Comitan, although if you're not staying in Comitan, you may want to consider staying there or at nearby Museo Parador Santa Maria to really have enough time to enjoy the lakes fully during daylight hours and make your journey less tiring.

You are allowed to bathe in the lakes, so if you like swimming in natural waters, pack your swimming gear, although changing facilities are limited, so you'll have to 'rough it' in that respect.

If you're traveling in this area, the Lakes of Montebello are well worth a day trip. The lakes have a calm, serene and relaxing atmosphere; the air is sweet and pure, and even during busy times, because of the expanse of the area, you'll always be able to find a quiet corner to just contemplate, surrounded by some of nature's most wonderful creations.

Look through our picture gallery to get a taste of what is waiting for you... and then come here and experience this natural paradise for yourself!

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Key Attractions

The Principal Lakes

The first group of lakes as you enter the national park are known as the Lagunas de Colores (Lakes of Colors) owing to the different hues of green and blue they reflect.

The first lake is Laguna Agua Tinta (Tinted Water Lake); followed by Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald lake) and Laguna Encantada (Enchanted Lake) - they are separated by the road than runs past them. There is parking besides these so it's easy to stop and look around if you're traveling by car. The largest lake in this group is Lago Bosque Azul (Blue Forest Lake) where you can also find a couple of food stalls and souvenir stands.

Another group of lakes, Cinco Lagunas (Five Lakes) includes Lago de Montebello (one of the largest) La Cañada, Laguna Pojoj and Laguna Tziscao - the largest lake, the southern end of which is in Guatemala. Take the time to See our Photo Gallery of the Lakes of Montebello.

Guidebooks

All of the Mainstream Guidebooks give detailed information about these lakes, with further descriptions and maps of the local area. Find a guidebook on the Mexperience Bookshelf!

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Getting There & Around

Tours: Local tours operators include Lakes of Montebello as part of a locally arranged itinerary. Check with local agents for current details in Comitan and San Cristobal.

Car Rental: To experience the lake district at your own pace with the freedom and independence to see precisely what you want, the best advice is to rent a car locally. Public transport is available but very scarce around here. See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Tuxtla Gutierrez / San Cristobal

To get to Montebello from Comitan, follow highway 190 for about 15 Km, turning east at the signpost; this is before you get to the town of La Trinitaria. This road passes the Maya Ruins of Chinkultic and later enters the forest of the National Park of the Lakes of Montebello (Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello).

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: The national park is best experienced during daylight hours. Some places in the park rent rustic cabins for overnight stays there - although they are very basic and rudimentary. There are also some campsites here, if you want to camp in the park; ask locally for current details.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole; if you have a good pair of walking boots - all the better. Insect repellent is also very useful as these areas are located in the jungle. See Climate, below.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Swimming and Bathing: You are allowed to swim at all of these lakes, so bring your swim gear if you want to. There are no lifeguards on duty - so take care swimming and keep a watchful eye on your children when they are in the water also; some of these lakes are very deep - up to 150 meters (500 feet) in places.

Fishing: Fishing is NOT permitted at any of the lakes as they are all situated within the habitat of the protected National Park.

Boats: You can rent skiffs and row-boats locally; some row boats are accompanied by a hired oarsman (pay by the hour) for trips across the larger lakes. Motorized boats, jet skis, etc are NOT permitted on any of the lakes in the National Park.

Vantage Points: The roads through the national park weave around the lakes and forest and at times offer excellent vantage points - some are signposted and have car lay-bys; others are not and you just need to park somewhere sensible to get out and enjoy the views.

Driving Safety: If you are going to be driving independently in this area, read the practical information about Driving in Chiapas - on the guide to nearby Comitan.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)

Colonial Cities: Comitan, Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristobal de las Casas, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Nearest Archaeological Sites: Palenque, Tenam Puente, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Chinkultic

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Local Climate

The Local Climate is similar to nearby Comitan. The lake district enjoys a temperate climate and clean, fresh mountain air. Evenings can be cool, as can winter months - so pack some warmer clothes in case the weather becomes unsettled; which can happen around here. Rain can also be a feature, so pack a waterproof overcoat and hat.

Live Weather Report:(Villahermosa)

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