Waterfall 7 km northeast of Chignahuapan
Chignahuapan's big waterfall, a drop of around 200 meters reached by a long stone staircase, with zip lines and rappelling.
Northeast of Chignahuapan the high plateau gives way to deep, wooded ravines, and in one of them the water drops roughly 200 meters in a single long fall. The Salto de Quetzalapan is usually counted among the tallest waterfalls in Puebla, and it is the most popular natural side trip from Chignahuapan.
The setting is classic Sierra Norte: pine and oak forest, rock walls streaked with moss, and fog that can roll in at any hour. The fall is fullest in the rainy season, roughly June to October, and thinner in the dry months, when the rock face shows through.
The cliffs beside the falls have made the place a favorite with rappelling groups, and adventure groups often come to descend the walls. Paths and viewpoints can be steep and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and keep to marked areas.
What to see and do
Take in the full drop from the viewpoint at the top of the ravine.
Walk down the long stone staircase toward the base; locals say it has 365 steps, one for each day of the year, so save energy for the climb back.
Try the zip lines, hanging bridge or rappelling offered at the park.
Come in the rainy season (about June to October) to see the fall at full strength.
Getting there
The falls are about 7 km northeast of central Chignahuapan, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car toward Zacatlán; follow the signs for Salto de Quetzalapan. Taxis from the center can take you, and some tour operators in town include it in day trips. The park charges an entrance fee, with extra fees for each activity; ask in town about current prices and hours.
7 km northeast of Chignahuapan
Directions from Chignahuapan on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Salto de Quetzalapan
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Weather cool
Salto de Quetzalapan shares the climate of Chignahuapan, 7 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Chignahuapan your base
Salto de Quetzalapan is an easy trip from Chignahuapan, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Zacatlán · 7 km away
More around Chignahuapan
-
Aguas Termales de Chignahuapan
· Hot springs · 4 km away
Long-running hot-spring resort in a ravine east of town, with warm thermal pools, a spa and rooms for an overnight soak. -
Cascadas de Tulimán
· Waterfall · 7 km away
Ejido-run park on the same river as Quetzalapan: a roughly 300-meter fall in three drops, a warm mineral pool and hanging bridges. -
Valle de Piedras Encimadas
· Nature reserve · 23 km away
A pine-forest valley of huge stacked volcanic rocks shaped like towers and faces; cabins, horses and camping on site.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.