Waterfall 5 km east of Orizaba
A waterfall deep in the Río Blanco canyon, reached by a stairway of 500 steps, with a turquoise swimming pool next door.
Just east of Orizaba, the Río Blanco drops into a narrow canyon on its way toward Córdoba, and one of its best-known falls is the Cascada El Elefante. The water falls about 20 meters, and the rocks around it are shaped so that, with a little imagination, you can make out an elephant's trunk, ears, and tusks. The canyon is part of the Cañón del Río Blanco National Park.
The way down is the attraction in itself: a stairway of roughly 500 steps, built by the local ejido, zigzags down the canyon wall through thick vegetation, with views of the river and the waterfall along the way. Going down is easy; coming back up takes good legs and a few breaks.
Next to the stairway is Los Sifones, a natural pool of clear turquoise water fed by springs from the mountain, where people swim and picnic on weekends. A long zip line crosses high over the canyon for those who want a faster view.
What to see and do
Walk down the 500 steps to the viewpoints over the waterfall and the canyon.
Swim in the turquoise water of Los Sifones (a small separate fee is usually charged).
Ride the zip line across the canyon if it is operating.
Pack a picnic; snack stands usually open only on weekends.
Getting there
The entrance is in Barrio Nuevo, Ixtaczoquitlán, on the old Orizaba–Córdoba road, about 10 to 15 minutes by car or taxi from downtown Orizaba. Local buses toward Ixtaczoquitlán and Córdoba pass nearby. The stairway is usually open from early morning until evening; the steps get slippery in the rainy season, so wear shoes with good grip.
5 km east of Orizaba
Directions from Orizaba on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Cascada El Elefante shares the climate of Orizaba, 5 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Orizaba your base
Cascada El Elefante is an easy trip from Orizaba, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Córdoba · 15 km away
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.