Waterfall 10 km north of Mascota
A 6-meter waterfall on the Arroyo de la Plata north of Mascota, with a rock-rimmed pool for swimming at the end of a short hike.
El Rincón de Ixcatán is a small waterfall in the hills north of Mascota, where the Arroyo de la Plata drops about six meters into a pool surrounded by flat rocks. It is not a big or famous fall, but it is one of the easiest places near Mascota to swim in fresh mountain water, and the walk to it is half the pleasure.
The last stretch is on foot, along a trail through farmland and riverside forest. Shortly before the fall there is a natural pool edged with smooth stone slabs, a good place to stop for a picnic and a swim. The stream's name, the Silver Creek, is a reminder that this whole region was mining country in colonial times.
You can visit year-round, but the fall is at its best in the rainy season, roughly June to October, when the flow is strongest; in the dry months it can shrink to a trickle. Never swim after heavy rain upstream, when the water can rise quickly.
What to see and do
Hike the trail to the waterfall through fields and riverside forest.
Swim in the rock-rimmed pool just below the falls.
Bring a picnic and spend a few hours by the stream.
Come in the rainy season to see the fall at full flow.
Getting there
From Mascota, head west on the road toward Puerto Vallarta and turn north on local roads toward the river; the trip is about 13 km, roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car, and the last part is a dirt road you drive as far as your vehicle allows before walking. The way is not well signposted, so ask in Mascota or hire a local guide.
10 km north of Mascota
Directions from Mascota on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Cascada El Rincón de Ixcatán shares the climate of Mascota, 10 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Make Mascota your base
Cascada El Rincón de Ixcatán is an easy trip from Mascota, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.