Lagunas de Montebello National Park: planning guide
Dozens of colored lakes on the Chiapas–Guatemala border. Cloud forest, short trails, and lake overlooks in the southern highlands.
Lagunas de Montebello National Park is in Chiapas, Mexico. The nearest town is San Antonio Buenavista — roughly 6.6 km (4.1 mi) out, about 11 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Buenavista | 6.6 km (4.1 mi) | 11 min |
| Miguel Hidalgo | 8.5 km (5.3 mi) | 14 min |
| Lázaro Cárdenas | 14.3 km (8.9 mi) | 24 min |
| José María Morelos | 16.4 km (10.2 mi) | 27 min |
| El Edén | 20.6 km (12.8 mi) | 34 min |
| Las Delicias | 24 km (14.9 mi) | 38 min |
| Nuevo San Juan Chamula | 27.5 km (17.1 mi) | 41 min |
| Rodulfo Figueroa | 30.9 km (19.2 mi) | 45 min |
Where Lagunas de Montebello National Park sits
Official Lagunas de Montebello National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Lagunas de Montebello National Park sits close enough to Palenque National Park and Cañón del Sumidero National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Palenque National Park | 156 km (97.2 mi) | 2 hr 45 min |
| Cañón del Sumidero National Park | 169 km (105 mi) | 2 hr 56 min |
Parks close by
- Palenque National Park
Classic Maya ruins in the lowland rainforest of Chiapas. Temples, jungle trails, and waterfalls near the Usumacinta basin.
- Cañón del Sumidero National Park
A sheer-walled canyon cut by the Grijalva River above Chiapa de Corzo. Boat trips and rim overlooks are the usual way to see the cliffs.
- Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park
Southern Quintana Roo reef and lagoon country near the Belize border. Quiet compared to Cancún; fishing villages and shallow flats.
- Huatulco National Park
Nine bays and dry tropical forest on the Oaxaca coast. Snorkel coves, low hills, and resort development along the shore.
Common questions
Where is Lagunas de Montebello National Park?
Lagunas de Montebello National Park sits in Chiapas, Mexico. San Antonio Buenavista, about 6.6 km (4.1 mi) away — roughly 11 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.