The simply stunning Cascada Velo de Novia, Chiapas is an absolute must-see in southern Mexico. Located in Cascadas El Chiflón along with 4 other waterfalls, a trip to Velo de Novia makes for a full day out in nature.
Plus, as El Chiflón is so easily reachable by public transport, you don’t even need a group tour! In fact, the cost of entry plus a return trip from nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas will cost you less than 250 pesos!
Keep reading to find out how – as well as all about this stunning waterfall!
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a qualifying purchase.
Cascada Velo de Novia Chiapas Mexico: Facts & Figures
Velo de Novia translates from Spanish as bridal veil. And, it’s easy to see where the name came from with the long, flowing white water that is the waterfall.
The Velo de Novia waterfall is located in the Cascadas El Chiflón waterfall park in Chiapas, Mexico.
In the park, there are 5 main waterfalls. These are all along a 1.2-kilometre stretch of the San Vicente River (Rio San Vicente). And Velo de Novia is the third of the 5 waterfalls in the park.
Cascada Velo de Novia, Mexico truly is the jewel in the crown of El Chiflón. The waterfall is over 120 metres tall! And, there’s also a secondary smaller waterfall after the main drop.
Outside of the rainy season, the water is aqua-blue and truly impressive. In fact, not too dissimilar to the Agua Azul waterfalls in Palenque, Chiapas.
In the rainy season, however, the colour isn’t so vivid. During this time, the water is more of a green-blue colour in the river and plunge pools.
But, all year round the waterfalls are truly spectacular to experience and some of the top falls in Mexico.
Picking the Right Entrance at El Chiflón
There’s two separate entrances to Cascadas El Chiflón. One on either side of the river on which the waterfalls are located.
And each entrance is run by a different company.
Of the two sides, you want to enter the park on the right-hand side of the river as you look towards them from the road (Centro Ecoturistico Cascadas El Chiflón).
Unfortunately, the entrance on the left doesn’t have access to all the waterfalls at El Chiflón. Plus, the view of Cascadas Velo de Novia is from further away.
Best Viewpoints of Cascada Velo de Novia, Chiapas
These viewpoints are all on the right-hand side entrance of the river. The left side only really has one – and it doesn’t have the best view.
Your first glimpse of the magnificent Velo de Novia will be from the pathway leading towards the waterfall. There’s a straight stretch of path with steps at the far end.
It’s here, where you’ll first get an idea of the true scale of this incredible waterfall. Additionally, it’s a great spot for a photo with the leading lines of the pathway.
The 3 best spots are:
- Next to the zip line tower and refreshment stalls – you’ll get stunning photos of Velo de Novia and of people on the viewing platform. Like in the photo above…
- Down the steps from the zip line tower – in the rainy season you’ll feel the mist and spray.
- On the viewing platform itself, just metres from the falling water. When the waterfall is in full force, you’ll get soaked but it’s epic!
A waterproof case for your phone is a good idea if you’re wanting to take photos from the viewing platform. But your photos will probably be a bit of a misty, blurry mess either way as there’s so much spray!
How to visit Velo de Novia Waterfall at CASCADAS EL CHIFLÓN
So, now you know all about Velo de Novia, I’m guessing you want to know how to visit it! Luckily, the Cascadas El Chiflón waterfalls are very easy to visit – you don’t even need a tour!
By Public Transport
From wherever you are in Chiapas, you’ll first need to get to the city of Comitan de Dominguez.
From San Cristóbal de las Casas, you can get to Comitan by taking an ADO or OCC bus from the main bus station for about 5 USD each way. The journey takes 2 hours and brings you to the central bus station in Comitan.
Make sure to check the bus schedule as the frequency changes across the day, and different days have different bus times!
From the bus station, exit onto the main road and turn left. Walk about 2.5 blocks and you’ll find the spot where all the collectivos leave from. You can’t miss them!
Here, you’ll need to find one going to El Chiflón by either seeing the name in the window or by simply asking.
The cost of the collectivo is 40 pesos per person and the drive takes about 45 minutes. You’ll be dropped off right outside the entrance to El Chiflón. Don’t forget to take the entrance on the right-hand side of the river!
By Car
You don’t need to hire a car just to visit El Chiflón as public transport is cheap and easy.
But, if you are already renting one – or just have your own car – then driving is an easy way to reach the falls. Plus, there’s plenty of parking available on-site at El Chiflón.
The roads from the nearby town of Comitan de Dominguez to the waterfalls are quite windy and in poor condition in places. So, drive with care as vehicles are often on the wrong side of the road to avoid potholes or untarmacked sections.
Additionally, there’s many immigration checkpoints throughout the state of Chiapas. And there’s a few on the route between El Chiflón and San Cristóbal. Because of this, you should carry your passport on you for inspection.
Visiting Cascadas El Chiflón
The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day of the year. While entry is a bargain at just 80 pesos per person.
The entrance fee includes access to all the waterfalls, on-site bathrooms, a museum and an iguana observation point.
Swimming in a designated area away from the current of the larger waterfalls is also included in the price. So, make sure to pack some swimming items and a towel! However, in the rainy season, no swimming is allowed.
Additionally, there’s many refreshment stands selling snacks and drinks, as well as a series of 3 zip lines that pass over the waterfalls for an extra charge.
RELATED ARTICLE: For all the information you could ever need on Cascadas El Chiflon, read this complete guide to the waterfall park!
Do you have any questions or want any more information on Cascada Velo de Novia, Chiapas? If so, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of August 2023 but is subject to change in future.
More Mexico Travel Inspiration…
CHIAPAS: Chiapas Waterfalls: 12 INCREDIBLE Cascadas You Have to Visit
CHIAPAS: Visit El Arcotete Eco Park in San Cristobal, Chiapas [Complete Guide]
GUERRERO: Pozas Azules de Atzala, Taxco (Visitor’s Guide)
CENTRAL OAXACA: San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca (Complete Travel Guide)
OAXACA COAST: Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca Beach Guide)
CHIAPAS: Misol-Ha Waterfall, Chiapas: Guide to Palenque’s Best Waterfall
CHIAPAS: Palenque Waterfalls: 6 Beautiful Cascadas You’ll Want to Visit
And much more, check out all Mexico Travel Guides here!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
