How to get from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Agua Azul Waterfall, Mexico

You can get from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Agua Azul Waterfall by bus + colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or a guided tour!

The cheapest option is by OCC bus + colectivo, which costs about USD 37. The journey takes about 11 hours.

The most popular option is the Guided Tour, offering transportation to Agua Azul Waterfall, activities, and a day filled with fun and exploration at a very affordable price.

The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 4 hours.

Exploring Mexico has become second nature to me after countless trips. I’ve experienced all the modes of transport this vibrant country offers.

Getting to Agua Azul Waterfall from San Cristóbal de las Casas

The following table outlines all transportation options:

1. OCC Bus + Colectivo

Journey Duration: 11 hours

A popular and budget-friendly choice for making your way is combining a coach bus journey with a colectivo ride. 

Start by boarding a comfortable coach bus to the ancient city of Palenque. The company OCC offers daily services from the San Cristóbal de las Casas bus terminal, with travel times of around 9 hours.

You can check out the bus schedule here and book your tickets for only USD 31!

OCC Coach Bus Schedule

The table below displays the OCC bus timetable for trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
12:00pm	09:15pm	9h 15m	$31
10:00pm	07:20am	9h 20m	$31

Once you arrive in Palenque, head to the local colectivo stand near the bus terminal at the crossroad of Benito Juarez and 5a. Pte Sur. These shared vans or small buses, known as colectivos, provide a more authentic and economical travel option. 

Here, board the colectivo headed for Ocosingo. Tickets cost only USD 3, and they depart every 30  minutes.

Climb aboard a colectivo, which typically takes about 1.5 hours to reach the waterfalls. However, the colectivo won’t take you directly to the entrance, so you’ll have to take a taxi for another USD 3 since walking is not recommended.

Remember that colectivos run on a more flexible schedule, so it’s best to arrive early and be prepared for potential wait times.

As you traverse the verdant landscapes of Chiapas, you’ll be rewarded with captivating views and the anticipation of witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of Agua Azul Waterfalls!

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom Time

For those seeking a more convenient mode of transportation, a private transfer offers the ultimate comfort and flexibility!

This option allows you to travel directly to the waterfalls without any stops or transfers, making the most of your time while exploring the region.

Numerous local tour operators and travel agencies in San Cristóbal de las Casas provide private transfer services, which can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. 

You can choose from various vehicles, depending on the size of your group and budget. 

The journey to Agua Azul Waterfalls by private transfer takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. 

One of the key advantages of this option is the ability to customize your itinerary, including stops at points of interest or for meal breaks, making your trip to Agua Azul a truly memorable experience!

Prices for a private transfer:

• 1-3 passengers: USD 150
• 4-6 passengers: USD 254
• 7-9 passengers: USD 294

3. Rental Car

Journey Duration: 4 hours

Embrace the freedom of the open road by choosing a rental car! 

This option allows you to explore the region at your own pace, stopping at fascinating sites and picturesque vistas.

In San Cristóbal de las Casas, you’ll find a variety of reputable car rental agencies offering an assortment of vehicles to suit your needs. Book your rental car in advance to secure the best rates and availability!

From San Cristóbal de las Casas, the drive to Agua Azul Waterfalls takes approximately 4 hours. The most common route is via Highway 199, which offers a scenic journey through the lush Chiapas countryside. 

4. Transport + Tour from

Immerse yourself in Chiapas’s diverse natural and cultural wonders by opting for a comprehensive day tour that not only takes care of your transportation needs but also provides an enriching guided experience! 

The San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha Day Trip is a highly recommended tour that will elevate your journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas to the Agua Azul Waterfalls.

This all-inclusive tour whisks you away on a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will regale you with fascinating stories and insights into the region’s history, culture, and ecology. 

After departing from San Cristóbal de las Casas, you’ll first explore the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be led to the captivating Agua Azul Waterfalls, where you can marvel at the cascading turquoise waters and even take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. 

But the adventure doesn’t end there; the tour continues to the spectacular Misol-Ha Waterfall, where you can witness the thundering waters plunge into a serene jungle pool.

While this tour option is typically more expensive than the previous options, it offers the convenience of transportation, the expertise of a local guide, and the opportunity to visit multiple attractions in a single day! 

Book this tour here, embark on this unforgettable journey, and let Chiapas’s mesmerizing sights and sounds leave a lasting impression on your heart!

Best day tours to Agua Azul

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