The road from Palenque up into the Chiapas highlands passes two of Mexico’s best-known waterfalls. Misol-Ha, about 20 km from Palenque, drops in a single curtain into a round pool, and a path leads behind the fall. Agua Azul, further on, is a long series of limestone cascades whose water turns a milky turquoise in the dry season.
Both are run by local communities, which charge their own entrance fees. They are easily combined with Palenque’s ruins on a day tour, or as stops on the way to San Cristóbal.
Agua Azul & Misol-Ha: what to see and do
Walk behind Misol-Ha
A slippery path leads behind the curtain of water into a cave. Wear sandals with grip and protect your phone from the spray.
Follow the cascades at Agua Azul
A path climbs beside the falls past food stalls and pools. Swim only in marked areas — currents can be strong.
Agua Azul & Misol-Ha: how to get there
- On a day tour from Palenque: the simplest option — see the waterfall tours.
- On the way to San Cristóbal: private transfers stop at both.
Insider tips
- After heavy rain, Agua Azul turns brown; the colour is best from about February to May.
- Access roads have occasionally been affected by local disputes or blockades — check the situation before you go.
- Bring cash for the community entrance fees.
Agua Azul & Misol-Ha: the best tours
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to get there:
Day trip from US$90 Palenque: Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul Waterfalls and Misol-Ha
The other classic day out of Palenque — ruins in the morning, waterfalls in the afternoon — with close to a hundred reviews. Pair it with a Yaxchilán day and you have seen the best of northern Chiapas.
- Guided visit of Palenque’s ruins
- Walk behind the Misol-Ha waterfall
- Swim at Agua Azul (conditions permitting)
Day trip from US$50 From Palenque: Misol-Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls
Just the waterfalls, for a lower price and a shorter day — ideal if you visit Palenque’s ruins on your own the day before or after.
- Misol-Ha’s single high cascade
- The turquoise terraces of Agua Azul
- Time to swim
Private transfer from US$367 per group Palenque to San Cristóbal Transfer: Falls & Daylight Arrival
Turns the long, winding road from Palenque up to San Cristóbal into a sightseeing day, with swims at the waterfalls and a daylight arrival in the highlands. Priced per vehicle.
- Private car for up to three people
- Stops at Misol-Ha and Agua Azul
- Arrive in San Cristóbal before dark
