Complete Guide: Cascadas de Agua Azul

The Cascadas de Agua Azul are in Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state. The falls are the main feature of the Parque Natural (or Natural Park). I will cover in this complete guide the easiest way to access these magical blue waters. The park is the halfway point between Palenque and the small mountain town of Ocosingo.

Chiapas is one of the most abundant and biodiverse areas in Mexico. It has a climate that ranges from rich and cool in the highlands to hot and humid in the jungle lowlands. It’s covered in archeological sites and the countries largest indigenous population.

Chiapas tends to be the last stop when traveling from Guatemala to Mexico . The Usumacinta River helps divide the countries and is in the depths of the Lacandon Jungle.

Waterfalls are all over the region and some are more picturesque than others. Read everything you need to know about the powerful Cascadas El Chiflón of Chiapas. Yet, the Cascadas de Agua Azul (or Waterfalls of Blue Water) might be one of my favorite stops I’ve visited so far!

These spectacular falls can be easily accessed from both San Cristóbal de Las Casas or Palenque. In fact, they’re easier to visit and closer to Palenque than San Cristóbal. Visit the Cascadas de Agua Azul with or without a tour.

I am not a fan of the way that tours push people through sites. They tend to provide the shortest amount of time to take in the surroundings. With this in mind, I chose to use the falls as a break on my way to Palenque from San Cristóbal. This waterfall is the perfect stopping point after a long day on collectivo busses.

Beginning from San Cristóbal de las Casas, I recommend to take the Collectivo. Their station is next door to ADO’s main bus terminal with the destination of Ocosingo. Ocosingo is where you’ll cross the street to transfer to Palenque. Don’t forget to tell the driver that you’re getting off at Cascadas de Agua Azul.

The driver will be more than happy to let you know when you’ve arrived. At the time of publishing, the cost from San Cristóbal to Ocosingo was 70 MXN. Ocosingo to Agua Azul was 50 MXN (or 100 MXN when traveling straight to Palenque).

After arriving at the Natural Park entrance, there’s another collectivo. This will drive the last 20 minutes into the park. The short ride takes visitors to the entrance of the falls for 25 MXN. I’ll take this moment to note that both park entrances have fees.

The Natural Park entrance fee is 40 MXN, while the Cascadas entrance fee is 25 MXN. Visitors need to buy an overnight camping pass if they want to camp. Let the people know that you want to do this while paying for the entrance to the waterfalls, it’s 35 MXN extra!

The Cascadas Natural Park has a designated camping area. The camping area is excellent for families, especially those with kids. But, if you enjoy more adventure then camp anywhere along the river. Unfortunately, I did not know this was possible before arriving so, I did not get to do this.

Deep Exploration Along Jungle Paths

Shortly after entering the falls, follow the paved path through the shops. The path services several viewpoints along the river. It climbs in elevation, providing different views of the magical blue waters.

After building a sweat, visitors can cool off with a dip in the enchanting waters. The water composition is heavy in calcium carbonate among other minerals. The composition allows for the breathtaking shades of blue. Blues that range from aqua marine to emerald. The color contrasts are fierce and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. They’re highlighted on all sides with a sharp contrast of green from the surrounding jungle.

The Natural Park has designated swimming areas for visitors to safely swim. Be sure to heed these marked areas, as there are strong rip currents along the river. Rip currents make extremely unsafe conditions, especially with the rocks below the surface.

There are several places where visitors can fuel up. Throughout the vigorous hike to the top of the falls there are locals all along the river walk. They leave plenty of opportunity to quench a thirst or fill a food void, while doing some shopping. Visitor’s can eat at a traditional restaurant or hit up one of the vendors for some street style empanadas.

Near the top of the trail, I was able to find a thirst-quenching Coco Frio (Cold Coconut) for 25 MXN. During my walk up, I spent much of my hike checking each of the food vendor to find the best deal. Turns out, the best option was near the beginning. Next to the first viewpoint, there is a small restaurant with a sign that says 25 MXN for 5 empanadas. Every other place charged 40 MXN for the exact same thing.

I’ll take this moment to note, when visiting during rainy season the stunning color contrasts can be difficult to see. This is due to the added soil mixing with the blue waters during rain. Although still impressive, it’s best to visit from November through May. Allowing for the sharpest contrast of colors between both the river and the jungle.

Cascadas de Agua Azul is the perfect escape to reset with a little nature. It’s a fantastic spot to get away from the noise and stress of a busy city. Sometimes it can be nice to change things up and visit a natural place instead of ancient ruins.

If visiting the Yucatan or Oaxaca, I recommend going out of the way to discover these natural wonders. A waterfall hidden in the jungle and the surrounded by the lush mountains of Chiapas. My next stop is the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Quick Notes:

• Collectivo San Cristóbal to Ocosingo – 70 MXN
• Take the Collectivo Ocosingo to Parque Natural – 50 MXN
• Collectivo Palenque to Parque Natural – 50 MXN
• Take the Collectivo Parque Natural to Cascadas Entrance – 25 MXN
• Parque Natural Entrance Fee – 40 MXN
• Cascadas de Agua Azul Entrance Fee – 25 MXN
• Camping Fee – 35 MXN