Waterfall 30 km east of Ciudad del Maíz
A double waterfall falling into stepped turquoise pools near El Naranjo, one of the classic swims of the Huasteca Potosina.
Minas Viejas is a waterfall in the municipality of El Naranjo, on the northern edge of the Huasteca Potosina. Two streams of water drop roughly 40 to 50 meters down a mossy rock face draped in ferns and vines, then spill into a chain of turquoise pools of different depths before running on downstream.
The color comes from the limestone: minerals dissolved in the water turn it an intense blue-green, which is brightest in the dry months. The pools at the foot of the falls are the main attraction, and on weekends and holidays they fill with families from the region. Wooden bridges and paths cross the river and lead to viewpoints.
Operators in the area offer rappelling beside the falls, tubing, kayaking and climbing, and there is space for camping. Some of the pools are deep, and life jackets are required in parts of the site.
What to see and do
Swim in the turquoise pools at the foot of the falls, with a life jacket in the deeper ones.
Cross the wooden bridges to the viewpoints for the best look at the double cascade.
Try rappelling, tubing or kayaking with a local operator.
Come on a weekday or in the dry season for calmer, bluer water.
Getting there
Minas Viejas is a long side trip from Ciudad del Maíz, about an hour and a half by car. Drive east to El Naranjo, then take the highway toward La Hincada for about 16 kilometers and turn off at the signs for Maitínez and Minas Viejas. It pairs well with El Meco in a full day.
30 km east of Ciudad del Maíz
Directions from Ciudad del Maíz on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Cascada de Minas Viejas shares the climate of Ciudad del Maíz, 30 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Ciudad del Maíz your base
Cascada de Minas Viejas is an easy trip from Ciudad del Maíz, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Ciudad del Maíz
-
Cascada El Meco
· Waterfall · 31 km away
A broad 35–38 meter waterfall on the El Salto River near El Naranjo, with boat rides, paddleboarding and a jumping platform. -
Cascada El Salto
· Waterfall · 31 km away
A 70-meter waterfall above El Meco that flows mainly after heavy rains, since its water feeds a hydroelectric plant; its pools are turquoise.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.