Waterfall 9 km west of Aculco
A 25-meter waterfall pouring over columns of basalt in a rocky gorge, a favorite spot for rappelling near Aculco.
The Cascada de la Concepción is the reason many people drive out of Aculco with hiking shoes in the trunk. A short way off the road to Amealco, a river drops about 25 meters into a rocky ravine, and the cliff it falls over is made of basalt columns: long, many-sided stone prisms that look almost carved, standing side by side like organ pipes.
How much water you see depends on the season. In the summer rains the falls become a wide, loud curtain; in the dry months the flow shrinks to a few threads and the rock itself becomes the attraction, with colors that shift through the year. The basalt walls are also one of the area's best known spots for rappelling and climbing, and local outfitters set up ropes here for beginners.
A second waterfall, Tixhiñú, falls over the same kind of basalt in the gorge country west of Aculco. It is lower, around 15 meters, has no services, and is quieter, so it suits people who want a walk and a picnic more than a crowd.
What to see and do
Walk down to the base of the falls to see the basalt columns up close.
Try rappelling down the rock wall with a local guide who brings the equipment.
Come in the rainy season, roughly June to September, when the falls are at their fullest.
Pack a picnic or ask about camping near the gorge.
Add a stop at the smaller Tixhiñú waterfall if you want somewhere quieter.
Getting there
The falls are about 10 km from Aculco, roughly 15–20 minutes by car on the road toward Amealco; watch for the signed turnoff to La Concepción. There is no regular public transport to the gorge, so drive, take a taxi from Aculco, or book a tour with one of the local adventure outfitters. Wear shoes with good grip, since the rock near the water is slippery.
9 km west of Aculco
Directions from Aculco on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather cool
Cascada de la Concepción shares the climate of Aculco, 9 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Aculco your base
Cascada de la Concepción is an easy trip from Aculco, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Aculco
-
Polotitlán
· Town · 10 km away
A small Camino Real town just north of Aculco with a Porfirian kiosk, the San Antonio de Padua parish and good local cheeses. -
Presa Ñadó
· Lake · 12 km away
A reservoir below the rocky Peña de Ñadó, a peak above 3,000 meters known for climbing, with fishing and camping by the water. -
Zona Arqueológica de Huamango
· Archaeological site · 18 km away
Hilltop Otomí ceremonial center from around 900–1300 AD, with temple platforms and wide views over the Acambay valley.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.