Top 21 waterfalls in Mexico you need to see

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Mexico is a beautiful country full of natural wonders, and our favorite ones by far were the waterfalls. We spent five days in the state of San Luis Potosí, chasing the best waterfalls in the area. They are like nothing we’ve seen before. Crystal blue waters, powerful falls, and the ability to enjoy them all in peace, surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty. And these were only a fraction of what the country had to offer. We knew we had to share all the best waterfalls in Mexico with you!

With only four months in the country, it wasn’t possible for us to visit all the other Mexican waterfalls. That’s why we asked our favorite bloggers to help us list the best falls in Mexico. So here you have it, the 21 top waterfalls in Mexico you have to see!

El Meco waterfall

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The 21 best waterfalls in Mexico you have to visit

To help you out, we’ve broken down the most beautiful waterfalls in Mexico by state. This will help you plan your visit more easily. You’ll find out how to get to the falls on this list. You’ll also know where to stay and what other things to do around these landmark waterfalls. Hopefully, this will allow you to plan your trip with a ton of ideas of how to spend your time. So enjoy!

Here are the top waterfalls to add to your Mexico bucketlist!

If you’re looking for more unique places to discover in Mexico, make sure you check out our full article here.

Must-see waterfalls in Chihuahua

The state of Chihuahua is located in the northwest of Mexico. It’s bordered by the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango and Coahuila. It also shares a border with the US states of New Mexico and Texas.

The state of Chihuahua is primarily identified by its namesake, the Chihuahua Desert. But don’t worry because it’s still home to some very cool waterfalls. In fact, Chihuahua has more forests than any other state in Mexico, other than Durango. It also has rugged mountains and wide river valleys. And you know what happens when mountains and rivers meet – they create amazing waterfalls. So here they are!

Cusarare, a must-see waterfall in the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua

Contributed by Daniel from LayerCulture.com

When on the lookout for the best waterfalls in Mexico then Cusarare Falls should be somewhere on your list. It’s a must-see waterfall located in the Copper Canyon. You can find this natural wonder which is surrounded by the luscious pine forests of Chihuahua.

The hiking trail is one of the region’s most scenic. The best way to get to the falls is via the Copper Canyon tour. It can be started from the nearby town of Chihuahua.

Good footwear is needed. And once you get there you can use the stairs (around 240 steps) to reach the base of the falls and climb around the rocks. The falls are very deep but the concrete steps are well constructed and spaced enough apart to make the climb back up easier. It’s worth carrying an extra pair of clothes in case you want to do some swimming in the river below too.

Cusarare one of the best waterfalls in Mexico

This waterfall in Mexico is such a popular attraction for travelers. You have the opportunity to take home some of the most unique local handicrafts and souvenirs sold by the indigenous Tarahumara tribe.

It can get very hot in this region during the peak of summer and the waterfall can dry up. For this reason, it’s recommended you visit between the summer and winter seasons. You’ll be able to see the immense flow of water and get the best views of the surrounding area.

Cusarare Falls make a memorable day out for when you want to learn more about this special region of Mexico and its indigenous communities.

Check out Basaseachi, the tallest waterfall in Mexico

Contributed by yours truly wediditourway.com

Basaseachi waterfall is known as the tallest waterfall in Mexico. It’s a bit of a contested title because there’s also Cascada de Piedra Volada (Flying Stone Falls) which is technically taller. But because water doesn’t flow all year-round, it loses its title.

Basaseachi Falls has a drop of 246 meters (807 feet). The best time to visit is in the winter or the summer months, specifically, from July to September. It usually doesn’t flow much in the spring and autumn months.

Basaseachi waterfall is located in the Parque Nacional Basaseachi, in the Candamena Canyon region. It’s also located near Creel, which will make a good base for exploring this waterfall in the state of Chihuahua.

The best way to visit the tallest waterfall in Mexico is by joining a tour. They will guide you to the top of the fall and to its foot. It’s possible to hike the whole way with comfortable hiking shoes and a lot of water. If not, you can also take a car to certain parts of the falls to reduce the hike time and effort. During the hike, there are also a few viewpoints or miradores where you can take in the stunning views of the national park.

Best waterfalls in Mexico’s state of Chiapas

Chiapas is the southernmost state of Mexico. It shares borders with the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Veracruz and Tabasco, and with the country of Guatemala.

Chiapas has a humid and tropical climate, as well as several mountain ranges that run along its center. There, the climate can be moderate and foggy. The state is also home to ancient Mayan ruins like Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Chinkultic and Toniná. It’s also home to some pretty amazing waterfalls. So here they are!

Cascadas El Chiflon, the most impressive waterfall in Mexico’s state of Chiapas

Contributed by Zoe from ZoeGoesPlaces.com

With 5 incredible waterfalls along a 1.2 km stretch of river, Cascadas El Chiflon is an absolute must-visit in Chiapas. The jewel in the crown of Cascadas El Chiflon is the stunning 120-meter-high waterfall, Cascada Velo de Novia. You can stand almost underneath it on a perfectly placed viewing platform. It certainly makes for incredible photos with the vast waterfall behind. Though, you will definitely get absolutely soaked from the spray! 

These impressive waterfalls can be easily reached by public transport from San Cristobal de las Casas. First, take a bus to Comitan and then a colectivo to the waterfalls. Or, take a tour from San Cristobal that normally also includes a visit to the Montebello Lakes. However, if you’re looking to arrive early in the day, you can also stay overnight in the nearby town of Comitan or rent a cabana at Cascadas El Chiflon.

El Chiflon waterfall

The waterfalls are at their most powerful in the summer months, which coincide with Mexico’s rainy season. However, during this time, it is not possible to swim in the river and the water is a browner color. During the drier months of November through to April, the water in the river is a more impressive and vivid blue. Plus, you’ll less likely to encounter an afternoon downpour!

The Cascadas El Chiflon are some of the best waterfalls in Mexico – well worth a visit when you’re in Chiapas. Add this to your Mexico trip itinerary today!

Agua Azul, some of the most impressive waterfalls in Mexico

Contributed by Shelley of TravelToMerida.com

The Agua Azul Waterfalls are located in Chiapas State. They’re about two hours from the popular destination of San Cristobal de las Casas. Meaning “blue waters” in Spanish, you rarely see water as blue as this outside of the best Yucatan beaches in Mexico. Make sure don’t skip the Agua Azul if you’re chasing waterfalls in Mexico.

Depending on when you visit, the water can sometimes appear bluer than at other times. The best time to visit the Agua Azul Waterfalls is during the dry season, from November to May.

Agua Azul waterfall

Don’t let the words “dry season” fool you; these huge Mexican waterfalls flow year-round. However, in the rainy season, it does rain a lot. This kicks up the dirt on the bottom of the falls, so the water doesn’t look as bright blue.

The easiest way to visit Agua Azul is on a tour from San Cristobal. If you have a rental car, you can also go on your own. Admission is $50 MXN pesos per person ($2.50 USD).

It is open daily, from 8 am-8 pm. You’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds so you can get back on the road long before it gets dark. The roads in Chiapas state are just ok, but many avoid them at night for safety reasons.

Misol Ha, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas

Contributed by Claudia from MyAdventuresAcrossTheWorld

Located close to the more famous Agua Azul and on the way to Palenque Archeological Site, Misol-Ha waterfalls are among the prettiest places to visit in Chiapas. The waterfall is an impressive single drop of 35 meters (115 feet). It has a large swimming hole at its bottom where visitors can refresh themselves.

There is a trail that leads to the waterfall. It goes right behind it and to a small cave, you can visit for a fee. It’s a way of getting various perspectives of the area, and better photos. 

Misol Ha waterfall in Mexico

The best time to visit this waterfall in Mexico is actually during Chiapas’ dry season. When it rains a lot, the river also carries a lot of mud and the water is not clear – the views are not nearly as impressive.

You will want to bring your bathing suit to swim in the natural pool. But make sure to wear good walking/hiking shoes to explore the area. It can be very muddy and slippery!

In order to visit this Mexican waterfall, set up base in Palenque to explore this part of Chiapas. You will have easy access to the ruins as well as Misol Ha and Agua Azul. There are even tours that allow you to visit all three sites easily.

Misol Ha waterfall in Mexico

Misol Ha is best reached independently by car. It’s just 22.5 km (14 miles) from Palenque. If you are coming from San Cristobal de las Casas, it’s an easy stop on your way, right after Agua Azul. If you don’t have a car, you will want to catch a colectivo towards Ocosingo or else join a guided tour with stops at both Agua Azul and Misol Ha. 

Misol Ha is open every day from 6:45 am to 7:45 pm. Admission is $50 pesos and there is an additional $10 pesos fee to enter the waterfall. 

Best waterfalls in Oaxaca

In the southwest of Mexico, you’ll find the state of Oaxaca. It’s bordered by the states of Puebla, Veracruz and Chiapas. It also shares a border with the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re a history buff, you probably already know that Oaxaca is famous for its indigenous people and cultures, mainly the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs, as well as 16 other officially recognized groups. It’s home to the renowned archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla. It’s also known for its deliciously unique cuisine. These reasons alone bring in tons of tourists to the area.

Oaxaca’s terrain is also unique. There are several mountain chains that come together here. In fact, this state has one of the most rugged terrains in Mexico – it’s home to mountains, narrow valleys, canyons and ravines. It’s not surprising to see mountain ranges that fall abruptly to the sea. And with that, it’s not surprising to find epic waterfalls. So here are the best waterfalls in Oaxaca

Hierve el agua, the petrified waterfalls of Mexico

Contributed by Shelley of TravelMexicoSolo.com

Located high up in the mountains about 45 miles from Oaxaca City is Hierve el Agua, which means boiling water. It is named for the warm (though certainly not boiling) natural mineral pools here, but there’s also an amazing “waterfall.”

The word waterfall is in quotes for good reason! Over time, mineral-rich water droplets that trickled down the cliff face built up and created what is now known as the Hierve el Agua waterfall — though it is just an illusion.

Hieve el agua waterfall in Oaxaca

You can see the waterfall from afar at the mineral pools, or you can hike down for a closer look. There is a short hike, which is about 30-45 minutes round trip, or a hike all the way to the bottom of the waterfall that takes about three hours.

If you do the full hike, you can rest your tired muscles in the mineral pools after you finish. Locals who live near Hierve el Agua say the waters here have healing properties, so it makes for the perfect all-natural spa day!

If you’re renting a car in Mexico, you can drive from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua; it’s about one hour each way. There are also tours from Oaxaca City, or you can take the inexpensive camioneta (pick-up truck). Admission to Hierve el Agua is $25 MXN pesos per person ($1.50 USD).

Santiago Apoala, a picturesque waterfall to add to your Mexico bucketlist

Contributed by Megan from PackingUpThePieces.com

Santiago Apoala is a small village located in the underrated Mixteca region of Oaxaca State. This community boasts some of the best hiking trails in Oaxaca and is home to a picturesque waterfall.

The village is accessible via public transportation from Oaxaca. Hop on a colectivo to Nochixtlán, the gateway to the Mixteca region and beyond. From there, hire a taxi or hop in the back of a truck that will drop you close to Apoala.

Upon arrival, pay the entrance fee of 50 pesos ($2.50 USD), which helps support the community. The fee allows access to all the nearby hiking trails including the twin rocks trail, the Devil’s Cave with a mirador trail, and the Santiago Apoala waterfall. The waterfall path is extremely well marked. Although short, it twists past viewpoints along a scenic trail that leads to the bottom of the falls.

Oaxaca has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. During the dry season, roughly October to May, it’s possible to swim at your own risk in the falls and river. Simply follow a wooden staircase that leads to a swimming area. On the other hand, the rainy season turns the waterfall into a dense and muddy cascade, so it’s not possible to swim. However, the rainfall rewards the entire valley with a lush, fertile green landscape and endless rainbows.

The best way to experience Santiago Apoala is to spend a night or two at the Cabañas De Santiago Apoala, which are connected to the tourist information center. There is no wi-fi, but makes for the perfect weekend getaway in Oaxaca to relax, hike, and disconnect.

Waterfalls in Jalisco you have to visit

Jalisco is another state in Mexico, located in the west, and bordered by Nayrit, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Colima. Although Jalisco has somewhat of a bad reputation, mainly because of violence in its capital of Guadalajara, it’s still well worth the visit.

Jalisco is one of Mexico’s most important states, with a ton of natural resources, a long history and culture. After all, this state is home to mariachi, tequila, birria and ranchers music! And although most people know the beaches of Jalisco, like Puerta Vallerta, Jalisco is also home to some amazing mountain ranges and impressive waterfalls. Here are two waterfalls in Jalisco worth visiting.

Quimixto, Mexico’s hidden waterfall in Jalisco

Contributed by Isabella from BoundlessRoads.com

Quimixto is one of the best-kept secret towns south of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, in the Jalisco State. Quimixto is actually popular among locals for its spectacular and uncrowded beach. However, to make your trip even more worth it, you should add a short hike to the waterfalls in Quimixto, hidden in the lush tropical backyard. 

To get to this hidden waterfall in Mexico’s Jalisco state, you can take a watertaxi either directly from Puerto Vallarta or from Boca de Tomatlan. Once you get to the pier in Quimixto, follow the road into town and it will lead you to the path to this waterfall. The hike is really mild and short, about a 20 to 30-minute walk from the beach. 

Quimixto a hidden waterfall in mexico

You can swim in the natural pool and cool down after a hot hike. You can also get some cold drinks in the nearby overpriced restaurant. Or just chill in the freshwater river. 

Avoid eating in that restaurant as you will probably want to head to the beautiful beach afterward. There, you’ll find much better options right on the beach with spectacular views of the bay. And as a bonus, if you eat there, you can use their beach facilities. 

Quimixto waterfall and beach make a great day trip from Puerto Vallarta

Yelapa, a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a fishing village

Contributed by Jessica from Uprootedtraveler.com

The tiny fishing village of Yelapa, only accessible via boat, is home to two of Mexico’s most stunning waterfalls. These are great waterfalls in Jalisco that you should visit if you’re near Puerta Vallarta.

The sleepy town, located about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta, is the perfect place to unplug. In fact, there are no cars or roads leading to the village and, until fairly recently, there weren’t electricity or telephone wires!

Nowadays, visiting Yelapa’s waterfalls is an excellent way to decompress from the bustling resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

To reach the town, most visitors take a water taxi from the Playa Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta or, for budget travelers, you can take a bus from the city to Boca de Tomatlan and then catch a cheaper water taxi from there.

While both waterfalls in Yelapa are gorgeous, the one located in its town center is more dramatic, spilling over a 150-foot cliff, totally surrounded by lush greenery. It’s also much more easily accessible than the other waterfall in Yelapa, which requires a 4.9-mile round trip hike.

To reach the town’s waterfall, simply follow the signs throughout town towards the “Catarata” or “Waterfall”, which should eventually take you to a cobblestone path leading uphill.

If you climb that path for 0.3 miles, you’ll find the base of the stunning waterfall, which you’re free to jump and swim in, and even a little bar to the right for a cold cerveza on a hot day.

Once you’re done cooling off in the waterfall, you can also relax on Yelapa’s beautiful beach, with sweeping views of the Bay of Banderas and the surrounding jungle.

If you’re looking for a place to disconnect, Yelapa is the perfect retreat. Consider booking a stay at Casas Garcia, which offers clean and cozy suites, each with its own beachfront terrace and its own private beach.

Mexican waterfalls in Baja California Sur

Located on the pacific side of the country, Baja California Sur is the second smallest populated state in Mexico. The state is mainly known as a tourist resort destination especially Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The state is mainly known for its vast deserts, but it’s also home to an impressive waterfall.

Cascada Sol de Mayo, a unique waterfall in Mexico’s desert

Contributed by Sally from Sallysees.com

Cascada Sol de Mayo is tucked away in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, near the tiny town of Santiago in Baja California Sur. A thundering waterfall in Mexico that flows into a huge pool below. This is a rare sight in the desert landscape of Baja. Mexican waterfalls are usually associated with tropical, rainforest settings but seeing and swimming under these falls in the middle of the desert is a unique experience.

Cascada Sol de Mayo can be visited year-round, however, it is best to avoid the summer months where the temperatures in Baja California Sur can soar to over 40°C or 100°F.

Sol de Mayo waterfall

These beautiful falls are located on the property of a local ranch of the same name, around 30 minutes drive from Santiago. It’s best to have your own car to visit, as there is no public transport around the area. The road from Santiago to Cascada Sol de Mayo is a dusty, sandy track (as with most roads around the area), but it is doable in a regular car, and a 4×4 isn’t mandatory.

If you’d prefer not to drive, it is possible to organise a Hotel Don Julio in nearby Santiago which is a very small agricultural town.

There are no food or drink amenities at the waterfall, so be sure to pack some snacks and drinks for your visit. There are plenty of other outdoor activities to do around Santiago, with hot springs, hiking and other swimming holes to explore.

The most beautiful waterfall in Mexico’s Hidalgo state

On the eastern part of Mexico, you will find the state of Hidalgo. It shares its borders with San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Tlaxcala, the State of Mexico, and Querétaro. Hidalgo is home to some of Mexico’s most mountainous terrain and its coastal plains.

Even if Hidalgo is one of Mexico’s smaller states, it packs a big punch when it comes to dramatic landscapes. It contains a ton of ecotourism, cultural and archeological attractions. But what drew us to Hidalgo is the natural hot water springs, and mountain ranges. And again, when you merge water and mountains, you get amazing waterfalls. Here is the one that struck us the most!

Grutas Tolantongo, the waterfalls in the hot springs of Hidalgo

Contributed by yours truly, wediditourway.com

The Grutas Tolantongo are one of Hidlago’s (and Mexico’s) most famous sites. A short day trip from Mexico City, these hot water springs have been a fan-favorite as soon as pictures started showing up on Instagram. And we can’t blame people. Tucked into the mountains, with epic views all around, these hot springs are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and to relax in nature.

What we weren’t expecting was to find these amazing waterfalls so close to Mexico City. In fact, when most people think of the Grutas Tolantongo, all they think of are the hot water pools. But we’re here to tell you that there’s so much more to them! In fact, there is a beautiful waterfall and a river to enjoy as well.

Although these Mexican waterfalls in the Grutas Tolantongo are not very big, their surroundings make them quite epic. Tucked deep into the mountains, flowing over a lush bed of plants, there is this gorgeous multi-level waterfall. It sits atop a cave that you can actually enter and chill in. There’s also a waterfall that flows into the cave. What makes this waterfall in Mexico so unique, is that the water flowing here is quite warm, even hot. Sitting in the cave, you can feel its force and warmth and enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience it creates.

There are plenty of tours that go from Mexico City to Grutas Tolantango. If not, you can rent a car and drive there yourself. This is what we did as a part of our 2-week road trip around Mexico City.

Entrance to the site will cost you $150 pesos per person, and parking is another $30. On the site, you have access to restaurants, bathrooms, changing rooms. You can visit the waterfalls, the hot spring baths, the river, and the cave. You can even choose to sleep there for the night.

This is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful hot springs and waterfall.

Waterfalls in Mexico’s state of San Luis Potosí

The state of San Luis de Potosí is probably the state where you can see the most waterfalls in Mexico. This is the state where we spent five full days chasing waterfalls. We stayed in Ciudad Valles, the largest city that is close to all these falls. Here, you have a ton of hotels and restaurants to choose from. You also have easy access to banks, pharmacies, stores and gas stations.

If you want to discover all the best waterfalls in San Luis Potosí, check out our full article here.

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San Luis Potosí is located in central Mexico, and bordered by Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Guanajuato and Zacatecas. Its terrain is very mountainous and crossed by many rivers. It may be the main reason why there are so many waterfalls here. So here is the last state of our list with the best waterfalls in Mexio. Hold on tight because there are quite a few waterfalls to check out.

Puente de Dios, one of the beautiful waterfalls near Ciudad Valles

Contributed by Isabella from BoudlessRoads.com

Puente de Dios is one of the beautiful waterfalls in the Huasteca Potosina, an interesting region in the northern state of San Luis Potosí popular for being home to an intricate network of waterfalls and rivers. 

Puente de Dios is a spectacular natural pool where a river and many small waterfalls from the rocky side walls converge and eventually fall into other small lakes before continuing with its flow.

Puente de Dios a waterfall in San Luis potosi

Swimming in the natural pool is so much fun. You can start upstream and let the current take you down to the following pool or you can swim against the current with the help of ropes that are tied across the pool. Here you can hold on to the ropes and rest while admiring the surrounding natural landscape.

At these Mexican waterfalls, you can leave your things in the lockers and rent a life jacket if it makes you feel safer. 

A visit to Puente de Dios can be combined with Tamasopo waterfalls as they are only 5 km away. You can take a bus from Ciudad Valles to Tamasopo first and then get a taxi to Puente de Dios. To return to Ciudad Valles from Puente de Dios, you can hop on another bus. Or if you get there by car, which is the best option, as you’ll have the freedom to explore the waterfalls in San Luis Potosi freely.

El Meco waterfall, a thunderous waterfall in San Luis Potosi

Contributed by Dan from LatinAmericaBackpacking.com

The stunning El Meco waterfalls in Mexico are located around 6 miles from the small town called Naranjo in San Luis Potosí, central Mexico. Many travelers who are looking for off-the-beaten-track places to visit in La Huasteca Potosina region come here for a more tranquil experience.

This breathtaking waterfall is in a secluded location and one of the eye-catching features of the falls is the translucent blue that seems to get brighter the closer you get to them.

El meco an impressive mexican waterfall

The best way to get to the falls is by renting a car or hiring a private taxi from Ciudad Valles, which is the nearest big city. If you stay in Ciudad Valles it is best to set off as early as possible, then as soon as you arrive in the town of Naranjo you’ll encounter locals offering to take you to the waterfalls.

I recommend you go with a local if you want to paddle around in a boat for the full El Meco experience. However, if you want to admire the fall from the Mirador, you can walk down the stairs and admire the water from one of the viewing platforms.

This attraction has not yet been promoted by the big tourism companies so be prepared for a flurry of locals offering to show you around. In fact, it is one of the best ways these knowledgeable guides can earn an honest living in such a secluded location.

All in all, El Meco waterfall is a magical place that makes any trip to the La Huasteca Potosina region even more worthwhile.

Cascadas de Micos, the best waterfalls in Mexico for adventure lovers

Contributed by Nina from whereintheworldisnina.com

If you’re obsessed with waterfalls, and if you’re reading this post, we assume you are—then you will LOVE this waterfall in Mexico! There are three ways to experience Micos waterfall, so that means there’s a cool way to experience it for every type of traveler.

Micos waterfall actually has eight falls that cascade down at varying heights. If you’re in a rush, don’t like swimming, and are afraid of heights, then you can simply see a few of the cascades from the side of the road or by walking down a steep ramp. You won’t get a view of all of the cascades but this is a quick way to sneak a peek.

The next two ways are for the adrenaline seekers! One option is to waterfall jump! You can jump off of seven out of the eight falls which are amazing when the hot sun is beating down on you all day. It’s so much fun and when else can you safely jump off waterfalls!?

Micos waterfall

And the third way to experience Micos waterfalls is to zipline and bike over the waterfalls. Yes, you read that correctly! Adventureland Huasteca has epic zip lines and a bike line that hovers right over these gorgeous waterfalls so you can fly on top of the gorgeous blue falls and get a birds-eye view!

The best way to really explore Micos is to do a Huasteca Potosina tour which is essential for doing the last two options. Plus some of the tours include extras like a visit to the cool town of Xilitla and the Las Pozas gardens and other waterfalls in the area (there is more!) 

Do note this area of Mexico is pretty local so doing a tour would be a good idea as it’s not as well connected as some other tourist spots in Mexico. Selva Teenek Ecopark is a gorgeous place to stay nearby and to base yourself in Huasteca. They have cool eco-cabins and wild animals on site. This spot cares for injured wildlife and you staying here supports their efforts.

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Tamul waterfall, the tallest waterfall in San Luis Potosí

Contributed by yours truly, wediditourway.com

Tamul Waterfalls are the tallest waterfalls in San Luis Potosí, and although they may be tricky to get to, they are totally worth the effort.

You can choose to visit the Tamul waterfalls by foot, as we did, or you can visit them by boat. We recommend hiking to them as you’ll get a much closer look, you’ll get to swim right under them, and you’ll probably have the place to yourself.

Tamul Waterfall near Ciudad Valles

We have a detailed article that will tell you how to get to the waterfalls to hike them. The cost of the entrance, guide and lifejackets is $1000 pesos for groups of one to five people. If you want to try and save costs, find people to go with you, or join up with groups or people that are already waiting there.

If you hike to the waterfalls, you can spend a whole day there. There are multiple pools you can swim in while hiking to the top of the falls. You can also chill at the foot of the falls and admire the view. There are multiple platforms to jump into the river from, and you can also swim in a lagoon-like pool at the river.

Swiming lagoon whe you hike to Tamul waterfall

Make sure you bring snacks, water and sunblock (this can mean sunscreen, a hat, or clothes) while you are here. The sun gets brutal, and if you want to spend a good amount of time here, you’ll be happy to have it all!

You can also take a boat ride to the Tamul waterfalls. It will be about three hours of paddling both ways. It also includes transporation from Ciudad Valles and a stop in a cenote called the Cueva del agua. Tours vary in length, and if lunch is provided. You can check a few out to see what suites your needs and time restraints.

Other waterfalls in San Luis Potosí

Here is a list of other waterfalls you can find in San Luis Potosí. We’ve only included a few short details about them here, but if you want to go to these falls, you can read our full article about them. Each one is beautiful and unique in its own way.

Tamasopo falls, a great way to spend a day near Ciudad Valles

Tamasopo falls are these impressive falls located in the town of Tamasopo. They’re about an hour away from Ciudad Valles and near El Trampolin and Puente de Dios.

Tamasopo waterfall near Ciudad Valles

If you have the time, you can spend a full day here, as they have many amenities and activities on site. From jumping platforms and ropes, hanging games, restaurants, and so much more. You don’t have the natural setting of the next waterfall, but if you’re looking for an all-inclusive type place, this one is great!

El Tranpolin, a local gem of a waterfall in Mexico

This was one of our favorite places to visit in San Luis Potosí. El Trampolin is a local hidden gem. Located about 5 minutes driving from Tamasopo falls.

El Trampolin Waterfall in huasteca potosina

Although the falls aren’t very big, the place is absolutely magical. Here, you’ll find a river that flows through the falls, with a bunch of natural pools to swim in. Trees all around with hanging leaves that flutter in the wind. Grassy patches to hang out on. Ropes to swing into the pools from. It’s a perfect way to spend a lazy day enjoying one of the off-the-beaten-path waterfalls in Mexico.

There’s not much around here, so make sure you come with food and water.

El Salto del Agua, a waterfall to visit in the summer

El Salto del Agua is a great place to visit in the winter months, if you’re looking to chill in the natural pools. It’s important to note that the waterfall doesn’t flow here in the winter. However, it’s very abundant in the summer months.

El Salto del agua waterfall

These falls aren’t in a very developed setting, so you get to enjoy nature in a simpler way. There are a few food stalls at the foot of these falls, but there is nothing else in terms of amenities or services. It’s a great place to spend a morning or afternoon, so come prepared with food, water and drinks. And make sure you combine your visit with a stop at El Meco, and Minas Viejas.

Minas Viejas, the beautiful waterfalls and pools of Huasteca Potosina

These Mexican waterfalls are about an hour and a half from Ciudad Valles and can be visited on a combined trip while going to El Salto, El Meco and here. These falls are in a very developed setting with shops, restaurants, bathrooms and changing rooms. Wearing a lifevest is required in all the pools.

It’s a great place to spend half a day swimming in the pools, admiring the waterfalls and enjoying the space. You can also camp out at the foot of these falls.

El Aguacate, an off-the-beaten-path waterfall in Mexico

El Aguacate waterfalls are these hidden gems in San Luis de Potosí. Although you need to climb down a few hundred steps to get to them, they are quite beautiful and worth the detour.

There are a few amenities here, including restaurants and bathrooms, so you can spend a good amount of time here enjoying the beautiful waterfalls.

Los Comales, a small waterfall in Xilitla

These waterfalls are located near Xilitla. They are not as impressive as the other falls in San Luis Potosí, but they’re so close to the Surrealist Gardens of Edward James, that you can easily visit them after your tour. Coming here, you’ll be able to cool off after a hot visit to the gardens.

As we mentioned, you can read all about these falls in our article about the best falls in San Luis Potosí. You’ll have a better idea about how to get to each one, what the costs are, what you can do there, and what to expect.

The best waterfalls in Mexico

There you have it, the full list of all the amazing waterfalls to visit in Mexico. Each one has something unique to offer and worth the detour in its own right. As a recap, here are all the best waterfalls in Mexico:

  1. Cusarare
  2. Basaseachi waterfall
  3. Cascadas El Chiflon
  4. Agua Azul
  5. Misol Ha
  6. Hierve el agua
  7. Santiago apoala
  8. Quimixto
  9. Yelapa
  10. Cascada Sol de Mayo
  11. Grutas Tolantongo
  12. El Meco
  13. Puente de Dios
  14. Micos
  15. Tamul
  16. Tamasopo
  17. El Trampolín
  18. El Salto del Agua
  19. Minas Viejas
  20. El aguacate
  21. Los Comales

Hopefully, this article will inspire you to go on some amazing waterfall adventures in Mexico. Every state, every waterfall has something special to offer, so we hope you can visit them all.

Let us know what you thought of this list of Mexican waterfalls. Did we miss any? Have you visited any? Or which one are you most excited to visit? We’re curious to read your thoughts in the comments.


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We’re Carine and Derek, two Canadians in love with each other, the environment and this world. We left our old routines behind to discover all the wonders our planet has to offer. We want to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and leave a positive impact on Earth.

Carine and Derek aka We did it our way
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