Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
National park · Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas
Parque Nacional Lagos de Montebello
National park on the border with Guatemala, with dozens of lakes in shades of blue, green, and turquoise amid pine and oak forests.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Nacional Lagos de Montebello
Parque Nacional Lagos de Montebello is about 55 km from Comitán, on the border with Guatemala, at around 1,500 meters altitude. Created in 1959, it protects more than 50 karstic lakes, formed by the dissolution of limestone, amid pine, oak, and liquidambar forests.
Each lake has its own color, ranging from deep blue to emerald green and turquoise, depending on depth, minerals, and light. A paved road crosses the park, with turnoffs to viewpoints. The Cinco Lagos viewpoint shows several lakes at once; Pojoj has an island in the middle; and Tziscao, the largest, reaches the border, with a waterside community.
At the lakes, local communities offer wooden raft and horseback rides, and some trails lead to viewpoints in the forest.
On the way to the park lies the archaeological zone of Chinkultic, a Maya city with a pyramid over a cenote.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One day.
Best time
From November to April, with clearer skies, and at midday, when the sun makes the water colors more vivid.
How to get there
It is about 55 km from Comitán, via the road to La Trinitaria. You can reach it by car, shared van, or organized tour from Comitán or San Cristóbal.
Tip
Book raft tours with the local communities. Bring a jacket; the altitude keeps the air cool.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Lagos de Montebello
How many lakes are there in Montebello?
More than 50, of karstic origin.
Why do the Montebello lakes have different colors?
Because of depth, minerals, and the light in each lake.
Is Montebello far from Comitán?
About 55 km.