Cave 15 km south of Córdoba
A river that plunges about 80 meters into a sinkhole in the Sierra de Zongolica foothills; rappel down with guides or look from the rim.
The Sótano de Popocatl is a natural shaft in the limestone hills south of Córdoba, in the municipality of Coetzala near the community of Totomochapa, at the edge of the Sierra de Zongolica. A river, the Coatl, runs straight into it and falls about 80 meters into darkness. The name is usually translated from Nahuatl as "the cave that smokes", after the spray that rises from the hole.
At the bottom is a huge chamber, roughly 150 meters long, where the falling water forms a lake and then continues as an underground river. Getting there is a serious adventure: two rappels, the first about 30 meters down a steep wall and the second around 50 meters hanging free beside the waterfall, followed by a climb back out.
You do not have to go down to enjoy it. A short walk through the forest leads to the mouth of the shaft, where you hear the roar before you see the water disappearing into the ground.
What to see and do
Walk through the forest to the mouth of the shaft and watch the river pour into it.
Rappel to the bottom with a certified guide, best in the dry season.
See the underground lake and the cavern at the foot of the waterfall.
Combine the trip with other caves in the area offered by local guides.
Getting there
From Córdoba, drive south through Amatlán de los Reyes toward Coetzala and on to Totomochapa, roughly 45 minutes to an hour; from the parking area it is a 15 to 20 minute walk. The descent is only possible with certified guides, whom you can hire in Córdoba or Orizaba, and is often not possible in the rainy season when the river runs high.
15 km south 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
Sótano de Popocatl shares the climate of Córdoba, 15 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Córdoba your base
Sótano de Popocatl is an easy trip from Córdoba, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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- Orizaba · 19 km away
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