Nature reserve 16 km south of Santiago
Mexico's most famous canyoneering route: a full day of jumps, rappels, water slides, and caves in the sierra above Santiago.
Matacanes is a canyon in the Sierra de Santiago, inside Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, and one of the best-known canyoneering routes in Mexico. Its river runs through deep limestone gorges, over waterfalls, and into turquoise pools so clear you can see the bottom several meters down.
A trip is a long, physical day. Most groups meet at the mountain community of Potrero Redondo before dawn, hike for more than an hour to the start, and then work their way down the canyon: jumps into pools from about 1 to 12 meters (some optional), natural water slides, swims through caves, and at least one rappel of about 30 meters down a rock wall. The descent ends at Las Adjuntas, where local cooks serve hearty plates like cortadillo, discada, and roast pork.
The full route takes roughly 8 to 10 hours, and it calls for moderate fitness and comfort in the water. It must be done with a certified guide, who provides the harness, helmet, life jacket, wetsuit, and ropes.
What to see and do
Jump into turquoise pools from heights of about 1 to 12 meters.
Rappel about 30 meters down a canyon wall.
Slide down natural water chutes and swim through caves.
Finish with a home-style meal at Las Adjuntas.
Spend the night before in a cabin at Potrero Redondo.
Getting there
Tour operators from Monterrey and Santiago include transport, gear, and a certified guide. If you drive, head up from El Cercado past Cola de Caballo to Puerto Genovevo and take the mountain road to Potrero Redondo; the last stretch is rough, and a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is advised. Expect an early start, around 5 am, and a return in mid-afternoon. Cabins at Potrero Redondo let you sleep near the start.
16 km south of Santiago
Directions from Santiago on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Cañón de Matacanes
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Weather mild
Cañón de Matacanes shares the climate of Santiago, 16 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Santiago your base
Cañón de Matacanes is an easy trip from Santiago, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Santiago
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Presa La Boca
· Lake · 1 km away
The mountain-ringed reservoir right next to Santiago, with a lakeside promenade, kayak rentals, boat rides, and lakeside restaurants. -
Cola de Caballo
· Waterfall · 8 km away
Nuevo León's best-known waterfall, a 25-meter cascade in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, a short walk from the parking lot. -
Hidrofobia
· Nature reserve · 18 km away
Matacanes' tougher sister canyon near Potrero Redondo: some 30 jumps, the highest about 18 meters, in cold water. Guides only. -
Laguna de Sánchez
· Town · 18 km away
A cool mountain village at 1,650 meters with orchards, cabins, a summer sunflower field, and a lagoon that only fills after big storms. -
Cascada El Chipitín
· Waterfall · 19 km away
A waterfall of nearly 90 meters above a turquoise pool near Potrero Redondo, reached by a steep 45-minute walk down.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.