Cascadas de Agua Azul, Chiapas: How To Visit The Blue Waterfalls

If you’re looking to venture outside of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, then certainly heading to Chiapas will be a feast for the senses. The powder-white sands and turquoise seas are replaced with lush jungles and extraordinary waterfalls. And, one of the best waterfalls you can see in Chiapas, Mexico is the Cascadas de Agua Azul.

This beautiful series of cascading waterfalls is commonly reached via the towns of Palenque or San Cristobal de las Casas. Certainly, a visit to Agua Azul Waterfalls is very easy, and below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit.

For more in Chiapas, check out our Palenque Ruins guide

Table of Contents

What Are Cascadas de Agua Azul?

The Cascadas de Agua Azul are a set of extraordinary waterfalls in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The name comes from the beautiful colour of the water, directly translating in English to blue water waterfalls.

One of the interesting features of Agua Azul, Chiapas is the water’s effect on the surrounding plant life. Because Agua Azul, Chiapas has such a high concentration of calcium carbonate in its water, a thick layer of limestone creates a shell-like coating around the debris of trees and plants at the river’s edge. But don’t worry, the same won’t happen to you when you take a swim!

In 2000, the Mexican government declared Agua Azul, Chiapas a protected area spanning some 25.8 km². In Mexico, there are only 29 Mexican Flora and Fauna Protection Areas in total. Given the size of Mexico, that’s not a huge amount. So, you can see just how special the Cascadas de Agua Azul area is.

A major earthquake in 2017 actually altered the colour of Agua Azul, Chiapas, causing the pristine blue pools to lose their vivid hues. But, with some conservation work and redirecting of the river, the beautiful blues Agua Azul, Chiapas is so loved for, returned.

FYI – Cascadas de Agua Azul is also known as Agua Azul Waterfalls and Agua Azul Cascades.

Where Is Agua Azul, Chiapas?

Agua Azul Waterfalls are located in the state of Chiapas in Mexico. The closest town is Palenque, 62km away. Although, San Cristobal de las Casas is also a popular destination to visit from, 158km away. Certainly, the easiest way to visit Agua Azul, Chiapas is by basing yourself in Palenque. Nearby are a handful of other splendid Chiapas waterfalls, including Misol-Ha Waterfall and Cascadas Roberto Barrios. Certainly, one of the best ways to see all of the Palenque waterfalls is by taking a day tour.

Feel free to click on the interactive map below to see exactly where Cascadas de Agua Azul is located.

What to Expect at Agua Azul, Chiapas

Below, we’ll take a quick look at what to expect at the Agua Azul Waterfalls, Mexico, including some great viewpoints, a waterfall walk, swimming and general facilities. Afterwards, we’ll describe how to get to Agua Azul, Mexico, including by taking a tour, which is exactly what we did.

Agua Azul, Chiapas Viewpoints

There are plenty of viewing platforms from which to marvel at the Agua Azul Waterfalls. But, the main viewing platform for Agua Azul, Chiapas is a large paved area with a wooden fence close to the bottom of the waterfalls. From here, there’s a fantastic view across to one of the best sets of cascades at the site. From here, the cascades of Agua Azul, Chiapas look huge and incredibly impressive.

Midway up the waterside path is another notable viewing area. Again, there is a paved floor and a wooden fence. But, this viewing platform is much closer to the powerful cascades. So, expect more than a light spray from Cascadas de Agua Azul if you stand here.

Agua Azul, Chiapas Walk

Running up the left side embankment of Agua Azul Waterfalls in Mexico is a pretty trail that takes you to different tiers and viewpoints of the cascades. There are some steep sections but it’s well worth the walk. Agua Azul just keeps on giving, and the more extensive you begin to realise the waterfalls are, the more impressive they become.

Along the trail are various smaller offshoots that lead closer to the water at different intervals. Take care around any scrambling but enjoy the multitude of vantage points over Agua Azul, Chiapas.

Swimming at Agua Azul, Chiapas

After a humid walk to the top of Cascadas de Agua Azul, it’s time to cool off! There’s no better way to cool down than by taking a dip in the dreamy turquoise waters. Look for the designated swimming spots and hop on in.

On a serious note, do take care when swimming in the pools at Agua Azul, Chiapas and always stick to the designated areas, usually indicated by a sign. The water is always moving and sometimes the currents are strong. Never swim close to where the waterfalls are dropping into the pools below. Swimming isn’t a good idea at all during the wet season when currents and water levels are much more dangerous. So too is the chance of hidden debris in murkier-coloured water.

Souvenir and Food Stalls

One of the things you’ll notice immediately upon arrival at Agua Azul, Chiapas is the sheer volume of souvenir and food and drink stalls. It’s a tad overwhelming. Simply pass straight through towards the waterfalls if you aren’t interested in buying anything. But, if you get hungry and need a little pick me up during your visit to Agua Azul Waterfalls (swimming is a hungry business, right?), then you’ll find plenty of options to keep you going.

If you want more of a sit-down meal, you’ll also find plenty of Agua Azul restaurants too.

Toilets and Changing Facilities

At the main entrance of Agua Azul, Chiapas, next to the main car park, is a changing block and toilet. But, they’re not for free, so bring some small change with you and expect to hand over a peso or two to use the facilities.

Useful Things to Know Before You Go

So, now you know a little about what to expect at Agua Azul, Chiapas, let’s take a look at some useful things to know about visiting.

Agua Azul, Chiapas Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to visit Agua Azul, Chiapas is $40MXN ($2.50USD) per person. Pay at the official entrance, and not with anyone who might approach you. If you choose to visit with a tour from Palenque or San Cristobal, the entrance fee is generally included in the tour price.

Agua Azul, Chiapas Opening Hours

Agua Azul Waterfalls are open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Best Time to Visit Cascadas de Agua Azul

The best time to visit Cascadas de Agua Azul, Chiapas is during the dry season from November to February. The weather is most pleasant during these months, although you’ll find the jungles of Chiapas to be hot and humid year-round.

June to October is the rainy season. Although tempting to think visiting Agua Azul Waterfalls in the rainy season is a good idea, to witness much more powerful cascades, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, swimming isn’t really permitted, or at least isn’t a good idea, during the rainy season. Secondly, heavy rain can cause the beautiful blue hues of the pools to turn a brown colour. Debris can also be hidden.

It’s also worth noting that a sunny day does wonders for helping the turquoise waters to really pop. Dan and I really noticed the difference in colours as we experienced quite a cloudy day with pockets of sunshine.

Of course, because November to February are the better months in which to visit the falls, they’re also the busiest. So, don’t expect to have Agua Azul, Mexico completely to yourself.

How to Get to Agua Azul, Chiapas From Palenque

So, now you know some practical information about visiting Agua Azul Waterfalls in Chiapas, let’s look at how to get there from Palenque.

Public Transport

Given how close Agua Azul Waterfalls are to Palenque, Chiapas, public transport is very quick and cheap as well as a fairly reliable option. From outside of the ADO bus terminal (located here) in Palenque, you can take a colectivo for around $50MXN ($2.50USD). The journey takes around 1.5 hours and will drop you off close to the waterfalls, but not actually at them. But, by all accounts, it’s a fairly lengthy walk to Cascadas de Agua Azul from here. Luckily, there are generally taxis at this drop-off point. We recommend opting for the taxi ride, rather than walking, for safety reasons if anything.

To return via colectivo, head back to the main road and simply flag down a passing colectivo as it heads back to Palenque.

By Rental Car

Of course, renting a car and driving yourself to Agua Azul Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico is one of the easiest ways to visit. But, there are a few things to be mindful of.

The road from Palenque to Agua Azul, Chiapas is windy and unpaved in parts.
There is little to no signal, so be sure to download your GPS directions beforehand.
The road between Palenque-Ocosingo-San Cristobal is notorious for blockades and robberies. You should definitely think wisely about driving yourself and certainly avoid driving after dark. Often, the locals who ‘patrol’ the roads are looking for payment. We’ve read to simply travel with pesos in case you’re pulled over for payment. This doesn’t sound wonderful to us but we’ll let you weigh up the risks. The simplest, and safest route, is to take a group tour.

If you do want to hire a car in Chiapas, Mexico, then we recommend using DiscoverCars.com. You’ll find a variety of cars on Discover Cars, which are very easy to book online, with a great cancellation fee if needed.

Car Hire

If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

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Agua Azul Waterfall Tour From Palenque

By far, the easiest way to visit Cascadas de Agua Azul in Mexico is with a tour. You’ll find plenty of tour operators in downtown Palenque offering trips. Often they’re combined with a visit to Misol-Ha Waterfall, which is another stunning waterfall in Chiapas! Below, we’ll look at some popular tour options from Palenque, including our experience.

Dan and I booked a combined tour to visit Cascada Misol-Ha and Cascadas de Agua Azul, Mexico. This is one of the most popular tour options in Palenque and is a great way to visit some of the best waterfalls in Chiapas in a day. Simply for convenience, we chose Tulum Transportadora Turistica to take us, as their tour office is located immediately outside of the ADO bus terminal in Palenque.

The tour runs from 12–7pm. During the early afternoon, you’ll visit Misol-Ha Waterfall first, before arriving at Cascadas de Agua Azul to enjoy the rest of the day. In truth, you’ll have more time to spend at Cascadas de Agua Azul, so you’ll likely do your swimming at this second waterfall of the day. The price is around $350MXN ($20USD) per person and includes entrance to the waterfalls.

Additionally, if you’re heading to San Cristobal de las Casas after Palenque, you can book this tour as a transfer. This means, for $500MXN ($29USD) per person, you’ll visit both waterfalls before continuing on to San Cristobal. So, it’s super convenient, just remember to take all your luggage with you.

Online Tour Options

You can also book tours to Cascadas de Agua Azul and Misol-Ha online. GetYourGuide offers some excellent tour options from Palenque, that commonly combine a visit to the outstanding Palenque Ruins, Misol-Ha Waterfall and Cascadas de Agua Azul.

Viator also offers similar tours to see all three attractions from Palenque. They also offer ‘From Palenque Misol Ha, Agua Azul and Transfer to San Cristóbal de las Casas’ tour, as mentioned above, to transfer you between Palenque and San Cristobal, whilst seeing all of the attractions in between.

How to Get to Agua Azul, Chiapas From San Cristobal

Of course, some of you may want to visit Agua Azul from San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, before heading to Palenque. Below, we’ll take a look at your options.