Nature reserve 10 km southeast of Cuatrociénegas
A private nature park of clear channels and lagoons east of Cuatrociénegas, with kayaks, bike trails, and guided visits.
Las Playitas is a privately run nature park covering more than 3,000 hectares of the Cuatrociénegas valley, southeast of town. It is an oasis in the middle of the desert: a system of clear, shallow channels and pools that spread out into a lagoon edged with small pale beaches.
Visits are guided. A guide unlocks the gate and takes you to the water, where you can paddle a kayak, walk around the lagoon, ride bike trails, and watch birds and fish in the channels. The park also has a small museum and other facilities on the property.
Swimming here was off limits for years. In 2025 the operators received permission to allow it again under strict conditions: only in a shallow reception lagoon that does not connect with the deep aquifers where endemic species live, with trained staff watching, and with a cap of around 60 swimmers a day. Packages that include swimming sell out on busy weekends, so reserve ahead.
What to see and do
Paddle a kayak through the clear channels and lagoon.
Ride the bike trails or walk around the shore.
Watch birds and small fish in the shallow water.
Swim in the designated lagoon, if you booked a package that includes it.
Getting there
Las Playitas is about 10 kilometers southeast of Cuatrociénegas, reached by a separate road from the one to Poza Azul; ask in town or at the park for directions. Entry is only with a guide and a paid package, and daily capacity for swimming is limited, so book in advance.
10 km southeast of Cuatrociénegas
Directions from Cuatrociénegas on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Las Playitas
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Tours & activities
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Weather warm
Las Playitas shares the climate of Cuatrociénegas, 10 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov.
Make Cuatrociénegas your base
Las Playitas is an easy trip from Cuatrociénegas, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Cuatrociénegas
-
Poza Azul
· Nature reserve · 9 km away
The turquoise spring pool at the heart of the Cuatrociénegas reserve, with a visitor center and trails. No swimming. -
Río Mezquites
· Nature reserve · 9 km away
A clear, spring-fed river near Cuatrociénegas where swimming is allowed, with endemic fish and turtles under the surface. -
Dunas de Yeso
· Nature reserve · 18 km away
Brilliant white gypsum dunes south of Cuatrociénegas, left by an ancient sea; visits only with a licensed guide. -
Minas de Mármol
· Landmark · 21 km away
An abandoned travertine quarry south of Cuatrociénegas whose straight-cut walls look like ancient ruins; evening light shows some nights.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.