Waterfall 10 km northwest of Amatlán de Cañas
A green canyon with a 7-meter waterfall that falls like a curtain into spring-fed pools; 144 steps lead down.
El Manto is a natural swimming spot hidden in a canyon near the village of El Rosario, north of Amatlán de Cañas. Its name means "the cloak": the main waterfall, about seven meters high, spreads out as it falls and drops like a curtain into a wide pool ringed by rock and plants. Below it, spring water runs down the canyon through a string of smaller pools.
The water is fresh and clear, a welcome change from the heat of the valley, and the canyon walls keep it shaded for much of the day. To get down to the bottom you take a staircase of 144 steps, which keeps the place feeling tucked away even though it is well set up.
At the top there are changing rooms, showers, tables and grills, a restaurant, a camping area and a few villas for staying the night. It is a family favorite on weekends and holidays. In the rainy season, roughly July to early November, the water can turn murky and some pools may be closed, so the dry months are the best time to go.
What to see and do
Swim in the large pool under the main waterfall.
Follow the canyon down past the smaller spring-fed pools.
Bring food for the grills or eat at the restaurant above the canyon.
Stay the night in one of the villas or at the campsite to have the canyon to yourself in the morning.
Getting there
From Amatlán de Cañas it is about 20 minutes by car north on the road toward Ahuacatlán; the entrance is near El Rosario, at about kilometer 14 of the Ahuacatlán–Amatlán road. There is no regular public transport to the gate, so go by car or taxi. It charges an entry fee; check prices and hours before you go.
10 km northwest of Amatlán de Cañas
Directions from Amatlán de Cañas on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Balneario El Manto shares the climate of Amatlán de Cañas, 10 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Amatlán de Cañas your base
Balneario El Manto is an easy trip from Amatlán de Cañas, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Ixtlán del Río · 17 km away
- Ahuacatlán · 18 km away
More around Amatlán de Cañas
-
Los Toriles
· Archaeological site · 27 km away
The region's main archaeological site, outside Ixtlán del Río, known for its round temple with cross-shaped openings.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.