Waterfall 18 km east of Córdoba
A small waterfall on the Atoyac River, seen from old railway tunnels that now serve as lookouts, with a pool for a swim.
The Cascada de Atoyac is a small waterfall on the Atoyac River in the warm, green lowlands east of Córdoba. It drops about eight meters into a clear pool around four meters deep, and the setting is what makes it special: the falls sit beside the old Mexico City–Veracruz railway, whose tunnels and bridges cut through the riverside cliffs here.
The best-known piece of that railway is the Pénsil viaduct, an iron and masonry bridge from 1876 that is still used by freight trains. From the lookout near the falls you see the bridge, the tracks, and the dense tropical vegetation of the river valley, and part of the walk in passes through short, dark railway tunnels.
The area around Atoyac also has caves you can explore with local guides, including a cave system of several hundred meters that runs under the railway, plus places along the river where people swim and camp. The river was considered sacred in pre-Hispanic times, and its name comes from Nahuatl for running water.
What to see and do
Swim in the pool at the foot of the waterfall when the water is calm.
Look out over the Pénsil viaduct and the river valley from the lookout.
Walk through the short railway tunnels on the way in; bring a flashlight.
Explore the nearby caves or try rappelling with a local guide.
Getting there
Atoyac is roughly 30 to 45 minutes east of Córdoba by car, via the roads toward Peñuela and Potrero. The walk in crosses a suspension footbridge and old railway tunnels. Freight trains still use the line, so stay off the tracks and the viaduct, wear sturdy shoes, and consider going with a local guide.
18 km east of Córdoba
Directions from Córdoba on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Cascada de Atoyac shares the climate of Córdoba, 18 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Córdoba your base
Cascada de Atoyac is an easy trip from Córdoba, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.