Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls – How to visit in Chiapas (2024)

Your guide to Visit Agua Azul and Misol-Ha – two of the best waterfalls in the beautiful Mexican state of Chiapas.

Agua Azul and Misol Ha are two majestic waterfalls near Palenque.

You can drive between the two in 45 minutes or join a guided tour that’ll take you to both.

The great news is that visiting these magical vistas requires very little effort. They’re just a quick, flat walk from a parking area. 

Here is my complete guide for visiting Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls in Chiapas including opening hours, entrance fee, and things to do.

Read next: 12 absolute best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico

What is Agua Azul and Misol-Ha?

Agua Azul

Rio Xumul-Ha, or Agua Azul, is full of fast waterfalls and streams running over limestone, which usually makes the water turquoise-blue.

But in the rainy season, it goes brown. To see the blue, don’t go from June to October.

When you get there, you’ll see lots of market stalls. Walk half a mile up, and it gets more natural.

On your way back, these stalls are great for shopping. Locals earn their living here, maintaining access to this spot. The valley around the river is stunning.

Weekends are busy, so try to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Misol-Ha

Unlike Agua Azul’s multiple falls, Misol-Ha has a single, powerful stream dropping 35 meters into a lagoon.

Its Mayan name means “streaming water,” hinting at its sacred past. This place is a wildlife haven — you might see everything from anteaters to toucans and even boa constrictors.

There’s also a hidden cave behind the waterfall with an inner waterfall, bats, and ancient fossils.

What do Agua Azul and Misol Ha mean in English?

Agua Azul translates to “Blue Water” in English, and the name comes from the really bright blue color of the water. Over time, Agua Azul has become pretty well-known for this unique blue, thanks to the minerals in the water.

Misol-Ha translates to “Streaming Water” in the Chol Maya language and it stems from the river that flows in their area of Chiapas.

Where are Agua Azul and Misol Ha in Chiapas?

Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls are located in the Chiapas state of Mexico. They’re near Palenque, a town known for its ancient Mayan ruins.

The popular Misol-Ha waterfall is 30 km south of Palenque, while Agua Azul is 68 km away.

This area is rich in natural beauty, surrounded by dense jungle.

How to visit Agua Azul and Misol Ha

If you’re planning to visit Agua Azul and don’t have a car, I’d really recommend taking a guided day trip from Palenque or even San Cristobal. It’s a popular day trip.

These tours also include a stop at Misol Ha Waterfall and the Palenque archaeological site as well so you’ll get to see the 3 top sights in this area!

We hired a private tour guide from Palenque town, which gave us flexibility and enough time to explore the places for a full day. Plus, we got local insights and avoided large groups. This is the best way to experience Palenque if you ask me.

Book a private tour here – Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque (⭐ 5/5)

Can you swim in Agua Azul?

Yes, you can swim in Agua Azul Chiapas.

However – the water can be tricky, so you’ve got to be careful. There are safe spots where you’ll see others swimming, and some risky areas with warning signs, like “the liquidizer” with its strong undercurrents.

Not all dangerous places are obvious, so always stay alert, especially with kids. Keep them close in the safe areas!

Can you swim in Misol-Ha?

Yes, you can go for a swim here.

However – the water at the bottom of the waterfall is deep; we’re talking 45 feet deep! It’s a spot for good swimmers only.

Agua Azul and Misol-Ha admission fee

The entry fee for Agua Azul is 40 MXN (about USD 2.38) per person and it’s 30 MXN for Misol-Ha.

Watch out for unofficial stands or people approaching your car for payment – these are scams. Always pay at the official entrance.

Agua Azul and Misol-Ha opening hours

Agua Azul is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while Misol-Ha is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Things to do at Agua Azul and Misol Ha

Swimming at Agua Azul and Misol-Ha

At the base of the falls, where the water gathers, you can swim and take in the cascade views from below. Further up at Agua Azul waterfalls, there are spots where you can swim in the clear waters.

Walking behind the Misol-Ha Waterfall

This quick tour, lasting under 20 minutes, leads you 164 feet into the cave behind the waterfall, where you can see fossils and bats.

It gets slippery and wet so you should wear trainers – not flip-flops.

Tour to the top of the waterfall

This 45-minute tour takes you through the jungle to a viewpoint overlooking the high waterfall from above. At the top, you’ll also be able to swim in the pools under the instruction of a guide.

Sturdy shoes such as trainers or walking sandals are required and you’ll definitely want to pack your camera and bug spray.

This tour only runs in the dry season.

Hiking trails at Agua Azul

Follow the paths at Agua Azul Chiapas to view the series of waterfalls from different angles.

The trail beside Agua Azul Waterfalls takes you to different levels for viewing the cascades. It’s a bit steep but worth the effort.

As you walk, you’ll find side paths leading to the water.

Spot wildlife

Keep an eye out for the variety of wildlife around Misol-Ha, such as toucans and parrots. I saw monkeys in the trees, but you could see even more animals if you go in the morning.

Best time to visit Cascadas de Agua Azul

The best time to visit Cascadas de Agua Azul in Chiapas is from November to February when the weather is pleasant. It’s still humid, but at least you’ll avoid the rain.

During the rainy season from June to October, swimming can be unsafe, and the rain might turn the blue pools brown and hide debris.

Is visiting Agua Azul waterfall worth visiting? 

YES, Agua Azul and Misol Ha are worth a visit.

They’re a beautiful spot in Mexico and I highly recommend visiting. You can swim in the waterfalls, which is awesome on a hot day.

There are also plenty of spots for taking great photos, exploring around, and even picking up some souvenirs and snacks.

Other things to do in Chiapas

Chiapas is a beautiful state and there’s a lot to do and see here aside from these two beautiful waterfalls. Just check out my post about here – the 12 absolute best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico.

These are some of the highlights of Chiapas:

• Palenque is an ancient Mayan ruin, hidden by lush vegetation and jungle. You can visit by bus or car from Yucatan or San Cristobal.
• San Cristóbal de las Casas is a charming town in the highlands. You can explore its colonial architecture and vibrant markets. It’s a must-visit for its unique cultural blend and history.
• Sumidero Canyon is a stunning natural wonder close to San Cristobal. You can take a boat tour to experience its towering cliffs and diverse wildlife.
• El Chiflón Waterfalls – A series of five amazing waterfalls where you can hike up trails to see the cascades and swim in the natural pools.
• Las Golondrinas is a beautiful series of waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico. You can hike through lush greenery to reach them.

FAQ – Misol-Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls

Where is Cascada de Agua Azul?

Cascada de Agua Azul is in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. It’s about 60 kilometers from the town of Palenque, known for its ancient Mayan ruins.

To get there, you can drive or take a bus from Palenque. The journey takes around 2 hours. The waterfalls are also accessible from San Cristobal de las Casas, though it’s a longer trip, usually around 5 hours by road.

Which North American country is Agua Azul Falls in?

Agua Azul Falls is in Mexico, a North American country.

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