Nature reserve 19 km northeast of Mineral de Pozos
A canyon in the semi-desert near San Luis de la Paz for guided canyoning, with pools, rock slides and rappels.
Paso de Vaqueros is a canyon in the semi-desert foothills of the Sierra Gorda east of San Luis de la Paz, and one of the best-known canyoning spots in central Mexico. Water running over volcanic rock has carved a narrow course of cascades, polished rock slides and deep pools, which guided groups descend by walking, jumping, sliding and rappelling.
A typical route includes jumps into natural pools, slides down smooth rock chutes and at least one long rappel of around thirty meters beside falling water, so it suits people who are comfortable in water and with heights. The surroundings are classic dry Sierra Gorda country, with cacti and scrub on the rims and surprising green in the bottom of the canyon.
The Cárdenas Hernández family hosts visitors on their land, with food, simple lodging and tent rental, and kayaking is also offered. There are no independent service providers in the canyon itself, and the descent should only be done with a specialized, authorized operator who provides ropes, helmets and wetsuits.
What to see and do
Descend the canyon with a certified guide: jumps, rock slides and a rappel of around 30 m.
Swim in the natural pools at the bottom of the canyon.
Try kayaking or camp overnight with the host family.
Eat a home-cooked meal at the family's place before heading back.
Getting there
From Mineral de Pozos, drive north to San Luis de la Paz and follow the signs toward the Sierra Gorda; allow about an hour, the last stretch on rural roads. Book with an authorized adventure operator, who usually arranges transport and all the gear. Avoid going after heavy rain, when water levels rise.
19 km northeast of Mineral de Pozos
Directions from Mineral de Pozos on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Paso de Vaqueros
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Tours & activities
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Weather cool
Paso de Vaqueros shares the climate of Mineral de Pozos, 19 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Mineral de Pozos your base
Paso de Vaqueros is an easy trip from Mineral de Pozos, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Mineral de Pozos
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Misión de Chichimecas
· Town · 7 km away
Home of the Chichimeca Jonaz, the last Chichimeca people, who still speak their own language on the edge of San Luis. -
San Luis de la Paz
· Town · 9 km away
The municipal seat, founded in 1552 on the silver road and named for a peace pact with the Chichimecas. -
San José Iturbide
· Town · 27 km away
A knitwear town with a towering neoclassical parish church that took more than a century to build. -
Zona Arqueológica Arroyo Seco
· Archaeological site · 31 km away
An INAH rock-art site near Victoria with hundreds of painted figures of hunters, dancers and animals. -
Cuna de Tierra
· Landmark · 37 km away
Dolores Hidalgo's flagship winery, on the highway from San Luis de la Paz, with tours and tastings.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.