Waterfall 8 km northwest of Coscomatepec
A tall waterfall pouring off a forested hill near Alpatláhuac, with views of the volcano, trails and space to camp.
The Cascada de Cocalzingo pours down the side of Cerro de los Gentiles, a forested hill in the municipality of Alpatláhuac, just north of Coscomatepec. It is a tall, narrow fall that you can see from a distance, and it sits in the high, misty country on the slopes of the Pico de Orizaba, among coffee plantations, pine forest and small farming villages. People in the region like to compare the landscape to Switzerland.
The waterfall is about three kilometers from the town of Alpatláhuac, on the road toward Ayahualulco. Pre-Hispanic objects have been found on the hill it falls from, a reminder that people have lived on these slopes for a very long time.
Around the falls, a local ecotourism center offers a zip line, rappelling, suspension bridges, horseback rides and cabins, and you can also camp. The flow is strongest in the rainy season, roughly June to October. In Alpatláhuac itself, the church of Santa María Magdalena celebrates its patron saint on July 22.
What to see and do
Walk the trail to the foot of the waterfall; a small entry fee is usually charged.
Try the zip line, rappelling or suspension bridges at the ecotourism center.
Camp or stay in a cabin to see the mountains at dawn.
Stop in Alpatláhuac to see the church of Santa María Magdalena and try local coffee.
Getting there
From Coscomatepec, take the paved mountain road north to Alpatláhuac, about 20 to 30 minutes, then continue roughly three kilometers toward Ayahualulco. Rural colectivos serve Alpatláhuac from Coscomatepec. Fog and rain are common, so drive carefully and bring a rain jacket.
8 km northwest of Coscomatepec
Directions from Coscomatepec on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Cascada de Cocalzingo
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Cascada de Cocalzingo.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Cascada de Cocalzingo.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Weather mild
Cascada de Cocalzingo shares the climate of Coscomatepec, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Coscomatepec your base
Cascada de Cocalzingo is an easy trip from Coscomatepec, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Coscomatepec
-
Huatusco
· Town · 12 km away
A misty coffee town east of Coscomatepec, with farms that offer tours and tastings and waterfalls in the surrounding hills. -
Fortín de las Flores
· Town · 20 km away
A flower-growing town south toward Córdoba, with gardenia and orchid nurseries, a bonsai museum, and the Metlac ravine. -
Pico de Orizaba
· Mountain · 24 km away
Mexico's highest peak rises right behind Coscomatepec; the road via Calcahualco climbs to high villages on its eastern slopes.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.