Nature reserve 18 km northwest of Ahuacatlán
Clear spring-fed pools in the forest near Santa Isabel, reached by dirt road and a short walk; going with a local guide helps.
Las Tinajas de Santa Isabel are a set of natural pools in the countryside west of Ahuacatlán, near the village of Santa Isabel. Water rises straight out of the ground here and collects in rocky basins, the tinajas, which glow jade green under the shade of fig trees and dense vegetation. It is a simple, natural place rather than a developed balneario.
The pools are fed by springs, and the water is clear enough to see the bottom. Sources disagree about the temperature, with some describing it as warm and others as refreshingly cool, so expect pleasant rather than hot water. Locals treat the place as a free swimming hole, and there are no ticket booths or facilities.
Because it is unmanaged, it pays to go prepared. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, and the last part of the way follows rough dirt tracks and a short footpath down to the water. Bring water shoes for the rocks, insect repellent, and everything you need, and take your trash back with you.
What to see and do
Swim in the clear, spring-fed pools.
Relax in the shade of the fig trees around the water.
Go on a weekday for the quietest visit.
Ask in Ahuacatlán for a local guide who knows the tracks.
Getting there
From Ahuacatlán it is roughly 25 minutes: head toward Santa Isabel, northwest of town, then follow dirt roads toward the springs and walk the last stretch, about 10 to 15 minutes on an easy path. The tracks are not well signposted, so going with a local guide from Ahuacatlán is the easiest option. Entry is free.
18 km northwest of Ahuacatlán
Directions from Ahuacatlán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Tinajas de Santa Isabel
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Tinajas de Santa Isabel.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Tinajas de Santa Isabel.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Weather mild
Tinajas de Santa Isabel shares the climate of Ahuacatlán, 18 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Make Ahuacatlán your base
Tinajas de Santa Isabel is an easy trip from Ahuacatlán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Ahuacatlán
-
Volcán Ceboruco
· Mountain · 8 km away
The volcano behind Ahuacatlán: a cobblestone road from nearby Jala climbs to its caldera and steaming fumaroles. -
Salto de Jomulco
· Waterfall · 10 km away
A tall waterfall near Jomulco, in neighboring Jala, at the end of an easy one-kilometer trail; best in the rainy season. -
Los Toriles
· Archaeological site · 15 km away
The region's main archaeological site, on the edge of Ixtlán, famous for its round temple with cross-shaped openings. -
Balneario El Manto
· Waterfall · 18 km away
A canyon swimming spot with a 7-meter waterfall and spring-fed pools, on the road south to Amatlán de Cañas.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.