Waterfall 3 km north of Huautla
A waterfall in thick green forest about 10 minutes from Huautla on the road to Chilchotla, with clear water and spots for rappelling.
The Cascada de Puente de Fierro is the waterfall closest to Huautla, a few minutes outside town in the area known as Puente de Fierro, on the road toward Santa María Chilchotla. The Sierra Mazateca is one of the rainiest parts of Oaxaca, with mist and showers for much of the year, and its steep limestone mountains are cut by streams and springs. This one drops through thick, green vegetation into pools of clear water.
Travel guides also mention a Velo de Novia, or bridal veil, waterfall in the Puente de Fierro area. The spot is a simple, local place rather than a developed park, popular with people from Huautla for a day outdoors, with campers and with rappelling groups who descend beside the falls.
The same limestone that shapes these streams hides one of the deepest cave systems in the Americas, the Sistema Huautla, explored by international caving expeditions since the 1960s; it is only for experienced cavers, but the waterfalls give a taste of the water-carved landscape above it. The falls are fullest in the rainy season, from about June to October, when the trail can be muddy.
What to see and do
Walk down to the pools at the foot of the falls.
Watch or join a rappelling descent beside the waterfall with a local group.
Come in the rainy season, when the falls carry the most water.
Pack a picnic; services at the site are basic.
Getting there
The waterfall is about 10 minutes by car or taxi from Huautla, on the road toward Santa María Chilchotla; follow the signs for Puente de Fierro and walk the last stretch down to the water. The path can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
3 km north of Huautla
Directions from Huautla on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Cascada de Puente de Fierro
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Weather mild
Cascada de Puente de Fierro shares the climate of Huautla, 3 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Huautla your base
Cascada de Puente de Fierro is an easy trip from Huautla, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Huautla
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Cerro de la Adoración
· Viewpoint · 4 km away
The sacred Mazatec hill above Huautla, where healers go to pray; a walk up gives wide views over the misty sierra.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.