Cascada El Aguacero was one of the most beautiful places we visited in Mexico. I know I have probably said that about all of them but this spot was truly special, it is so far away from any other major landmark that it stays very uncrowded unless it is a weekend. It is buried deep in the Rio La Venta Canyon and you’re dwarfed on all sides by the massive walls of the canyon. When you arrive you start walking down 700 stairs, yes 700, which means on the way back you have to walk up 700 stairs but it’s not actually that bad. You continue through this beautiful rainforest and after about 20 to 30 minutes you will get your first glimpse of the falls.
They are big and beautiful some are straight down while others fall gently over several steps, there are caves you can walk into and explore and the whole scene is so tropical and beautiful it feels like you’re in a movie or another world.
While you’re in Chiapas you will 100% want to check out our posts about the incredible Cascada El Chiflon and Cascada Roberto Barrios
Getting to Cascada El Aguacero
Getting to Cascada El Aguacero is a little more tricky than a few of the other waterfalls closer to Palenque that have tour buses running to them but if you’re willing to put in the effort you will never regret it!
El Aguacero is about a 30-minute drive from Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas, it’s located within the Reserva de la Biosfera Selva el Ocote. A little bit of a mouthful if you’re not well versed in Spanish.
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This is how to get there if you have your own car.
From Tuxtla Gutierrez to El Agua Cero.
From Tuxtla Gutierrez, you are going to want to head west out of the city on the Mex190, NOT the 190D. You will drive west for 49kms before you get to a smaller right-hand turn that will have a sign saying El Aguacero. You take this right, the road here is steep and narrow and you will want to hope you don’t meet someone coming the other way but it’s only a short 3 kilometers to the parking lot and the start of the hike.
If you are coming from Palenque the drive will be about 330kms and will take considerably longer.
The drive through the mountains is beautiful but it is slow. If heading from Palenque make your way south towards San Cristobal, from there west to Tuxtla Gutierrez and then follow instructions above.
Now if you don’t have your own transport it’s a little more difficult but still not hard and completely worth the trip.
Taking a bus to El Aguacero
Depending on where you are you should have no problems getting a bus to either Tuxtla Gutierrez or San Cristobal. Tuxtla Gutierrez is your closest big town to El Aguacero. From here is where it could get a little more tricky or expensive.
You are going to have to ask at the hostel or hotel you’re staying at if they can organize transportation for you or if there are daily tours that are running to El Aguacero. It is a relatively short trip though, only 50kms s a taxi might even be an option if that is how you wanted to go.
Entrance fee to Cascada El Aguacero
Once you arrive at the car park the cute little ladies will come out and ask for 35 pesos per person to enter the falls. This is less than $2 USD per person and completely worth it.
Other things to know about El Aguacero.
Once you arrive there is not much there, there is one restaurant which was closed the day we were there and a few small shops selling drinks and snacks.
I would personally bring my own food just in case the restaurant is closed.
Getting there can be tricky but like I have said a few times it is completely worth the trip.
You will want to get there as early as possible, due to the fact that the falls are buried deep in a canyon it means that by the afternoon normally around 3pm the falls are back in the shadows.
Where to stay in Tuxtla Gutierrez. .
Hostal Tres Central is as the name would suggest extremely central to town, there is a beautiful rooftop terrace and it is close to nice restaurants. The staff is super friendly and there is a slightly environmentally friendly aspect especially for the average Mexican hostel.
Dorms start at $9 USD per night for 4 person mixed dorms or female-only dorms.
Private rooms $24 per night.
La Casa del Jardin is another really nice hostel, considered eco-friendly and for nature lovers, this second reason is probably why you are in this region of the world so this might be an option. Close to the main bus stop where you may be able to take a collectivo to El Aguacero, ask first though.
La Casa del Jardin is super budget-friendly also, 6 bed mixed dorms start at $5.25 USD.
Private rooms start at $13.80 USD
Where to stay in San Cristobal.
San Cristobal de las Casas has no shortage of amazing hostels and hotels here are a few of the top picks.
Posada del Abuelito is one of the most famous and loved hostels in all of Mexico. It has a charming interior, is centrally located(5 min walk) and you get free breakfast.
4-bed dorms start at $8.50 USD
Private rooms start at $17 USD
Hostal La Isla is set in a charming old 3 story colonial building located right in the heart of San Cristobal de las Casas and is surrounded by other colonial houses.
6 bed mixed dorms start at $9.50
Private rooms start at $29
Snail Hostel is located 400 meters from the center of San Cristobal and has an incredibly beautiful outdoor yard, breakfast is included and they also offer tours to most of the major tourist spots, so this might also be an option for getting to Aguacero.
7 bed mixed dorm starts at $9.40 USD
Private rooms start at $17 USD
Gear we use
- Rain Jacket: Arcteryx Alpha
- Hiking Boots: Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 3 GTX
- Reusable bottle: Sawyer filtered water bottle
- Dry Bag: Earth Pack 20L
- Headlamp: Black Diamond Revolt Rechargeable
- Headphones: Jaybird Vista waterproof and sweatproof Bluetooth.
What Camera Gear We Use.
- Digital Camera: Sony A7riii
- Drone: Mavic Pro 2
- Landscape Lens: Sony 16-35mm F2.8
- GoPro: GoPro Hero 7 Black Would upgrade to Hero 8 Black though
- Favorite Lens: Sony 24-70mm F4
- Circular Polarizer: Hoya Digital PRO1
- Power Bank: Anker PowerCore 20100 (A little heavy but amazing especially for multiday adventures)
- Tripod: Vanguard VEO 2 265AB
For more waterfalls in Mexico check out Puente de Dios
