Waterfall 12 km northwest of Nombre de Dios
Waterfalls of roughly 15 to 20 meters you can view from the top at ground level, framed by old sabino trees on the river.
El Saltito is the most popular natural outing between Durango city and Nombre de Dios. Here the river drops over a rock ledge in a series of falls roughly 15 to 20 meters high, then runs on through a small canyon. What makes it unusual is the approach: you arrive on the flat ground above the falls, so you can stand right at the lip and look down on the water.
The riverbanks are lined with sabinos, Mexico's national tree, with huge gnarled roots that wrap around the rocks. Stairs lead down from the viewpoint to the bottom of the canyon in a few minutes, where you can see the falls from below.
The flow depends heavily on the season. In the summer rains, usually from July to September, El Saltito is loud and full; in the dry months it can shrink to a trickle. Weekends bring families from Durango with picnics, and there are food stands on site.
What to see and do
Look straight down on the falls from the viewpoint at the top.
Take the stairs down into the canyon to see El Saltito from below.
Walk among the old sabino trees along the riverbank.
Come after the summer rains, when the falls are at their fullest.
Getting there
El Saltito is just off Highway 45 between Durango and Nombre de Dios; the turnoff is around kilometer 43, and from Nombre de Dios the drive takes roughly 20 minutes. Tours from Durango often stop here on the way to Nombre de Dios and Los Berros. A small entry fee is charged at the access road. Take care near the edge, as the rock can be slippery.
12 km northwest of Nombre de Dios
Directions from Nombre de Dios on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Photos
Weather mild
El Saltito shares the climate of Nombre de Dios, 12 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Nombre de Dios your base
El Saltito is an easy trip from Nombre de Dios, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Nombre de Dios
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Ojo de Agua de Los Berros
· Nature reserve · 11 km away
Spring-fed pools under giant sabino trees where, tradition says, the first Mass in the region was said in 1555; several family balnearios.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.