Cascada de Totolapa

Of all the waterfalls around Huauchinango, Totolapa is the easiest to reach and maybe the most photogenic. North of town, in the area of Totolapa, a stream drops over moss-covered rock into a pool of startling turquoise water, ringed by pine and other conifers. It feels hidden, yet it is only a short walk from the road.

Unlike some falls in the region, swimming here is allowed, and on warm days locals and visitors dive into the pool beneath the fall. Nearby is the Salto Chico, another fall with a pool where you can swim, and the area is also used for rappelling. The local tourism council in Huauchinango runs guided outings to the waterfalls around the municipality on foot, on horseback or by ATV.

The Totolapa area is also known for trout. A trout farm by the Totolapa bridge, a few kilometers from town, offers day camping, hiking and mountain biking, and it is a good place to eat fresh trout after a swim. There is no official entrance fee at the falls; locals usually ask for a voluntary contribution to keep the place clean.