3 Unexplored Waterfalls in Chiapas
In Chiapas, there are still unexplored waterfalls. We share three we found along the San Vicente river, close to Tzimol.
Chiapas’ Unexplored Waterfalls
We head towards the San Vicente river, which forms three unexplored waterfalls close to the small town of Tzimol, in Chiapas. You’ll need to walk upstream along the turquoise blue water, over the roots of massive cypress trees, along a narrow path edged by moss and ferns. Be careful because everything is slippery. The closer you get, the louder the roar of the waterfalls and the deeper the pools—seen by the intensity of the turquoise color of their water.
You come to the foot of the first of these three unexplored waterfalls (called “tzimoleras”), where it plunges downward. Time to jump in! This is how the adventure of falling and floating on the cool, clear river begins. If you continue walking along the edge of the river, you will again hear the roar of another wild waterfall, and you’ll know you are close to the second tzimolera, although it is still out of sight. If you are going in as a group, you should hold hands, standing shoulder to shoulder in a line, and walk a couple steps in the knee-deep water with your eyes closed.
When they tell you to open your eyes, you will be on the edge of the falls—the powerful current will be rushing through your feet to plummet 148 feet. From this vantage point, you can watch swallows fly in circles before disappearing into the cave tucked behind the falls. Later, you’ll come back, this time with dry clothes, to the campgrounds. There, among colorful hammocks, you can watch how the Las 3 Tzimoleras Waterfall Experience team (Ángel and his cousin Adrián, Eric, and Juanito “the tough one”—originally a trucker but now an adventurer) deftly roast slices of beet and squash over the coals in a clay oven. They also whip up guacamole and tostadas. Try sipping pozol, made of ground corn and cocoa beans, or the hot chocolate made with water.
Later at night, if you decide to camp out, you will hear the loud singing of cicadas mixed with the incessant roar of the water, lulling you to sleep under the stars. If there are a few clouds, you’ll be safe and sound inside a tent. The next day, get up early and walk along the steep path, grabbing onto the small wood stakes that Ángel and his team have stuck among the palms and ferns. Along with the changing room made of branches and the outhouse, they are the only changes they have made to the harmonious natural setting.
After climbing a small stone cave, you’ll come out on the other side and reach the day’s first jump. It has a trick to it, as you have to first get a running start, taking three steps across a round rock and jumping off into the water. Ángel jumps in first to show how it’s done. He’s clearly been playing in and around these falls since he was nine. Don’t worry, you’re sure to jump well. Then you’ll come upon the third tzimolera, just beyond a huge turquoise blue pool.
You swim across the deep pool, through the waves caused by the impact of the tumbling water. You get to a cave behind the falls, where, perched on the rocks, you can drink the fresh, cool water that flows from one of them, until you get to the rocks that are completely covered in moss because they are always wet—24/7, year-round, even in dry season…
A rock sticks out almost directly beneath the falls. You can sit on it and rest, feeling the breeze and feeling completely alive, knowing your body is your only refuge and personal harbor. If you look up, far above you’ll see the precise spot where the water hurtles downward with its relentless strength. The endurance of the rocks and the water, the moss and the humidity, nature and humankind is striking.
The way back is steep, but you’ll feel elated as you climb the muddy hill. Tzimol’s unexplored waterfalls are a bit like a water park without the garish colors and artificial materials, the loud noise, the lookout points, and parking… This is a venture that deeply respects the water, native species, and the power of the wild waterfalls themselves. The forest demonstrates that it truly needs very little.
Traveling Green
Look for Doña Mary in the town of Tzimol. At 86, she still weaves petate mats. She learned the technique from her grandmother when she was 11 years old. It is well worth it to take home something that she has so patiently created.
How to Get There
Las 3 Tzimoleras Waterfall Experience is 7 miles along a dirt road from Tzimol, Chiapas (which itself is 7 miles from Comitán). All tours will take you on 4×4s from Tzimol, so don’t try to get to the falls by yourself. It is important to note that during rainy season the pools are not turquoise blue, so the best time to go is really between December and May.
Where to Sleep
Hotel Canto del Agua, outside Tzimol
What to Pack
It is most key to travel light, because everything you take to the campground you’ll have to carry all the way to and from the 4×4. Make sure to take slip-resistant water shoes and a swim suit or clothes you can get wet (such as a rash guard shirt), a change of clothes for each day of the excursion, and an extra pair of shoes. Also pack bug repellant, a flashlight, enough water, and biodegradable sunscreen. A tent and sleeping bag will be provided.
What to Visit
Ask Las 3 Tzimoleras Waterfall Experience staff to take you to Tzimol’s waterhole, where springs arise from under the huge hill to create the San Vicente river, which goes on to flow into Las 3 Tzimoleras waterfalls and then farther down forms the El Chiflón waterfall.
Who Can Take You
WhatsApp: 963 565 1353.