Waterfall 19 km south of Santiago
A waterfall of nearly 90 meters above a turquoise pool near Potrero Redondo, reached by a steep 45-minute walk down.
El Chipitín is a waterfall of almost 90 meters near the mountain community of Potrero Redondo, high in the Sierra de Santiago. The stream drops off a cliff in a long, thin ribbon and lands in a beautiful turquoise pool, framed by rock walls and pine and oak forest.
Getting there is part of the adventure. From Potrero Redondo a trail descends for about 45 minutes through the woods and across stream crossings to the base of the falls, and you have to climb back up the same way. Local guides lead the walk, and some residents also offer the trip on horseback.
The falls are also the grand finale of a canyoneering route known as Los 7 Rapeles, a chain of rappels that ends at the Chipitín, and the area is linked to the Hidrofobia canyon. Both of those routes require certified guides. The best season runs from about March to September, when the stream usually carries the most water.
What to see and do
Hike down about 45 minutes through the forest to the foot of the falls.
Cool off at the turquoise pool beneath the cascade.
Do the Los 7 Rapeles canyoneering route that ends at the falls, with a certified guide.
Ride to the trailhead on horseback with a local guide.
Getting there
From Santiago, drive up through El Cercado and past Cola de Caballo to Puerto Genovevo, then follow the mountain road to Potrero Redondo; the last part is rough, and a 4x4 or a local tour is recommended. Plan on roughly two hours from Monterrey. From the village the falls are a 45-minute walk down and a longer climb back, so bring water and good shoes, and hire a local guide.
19 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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Weather mild
Cascada El Chipitín shares the climate of Santiago, 19 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Santiago your base
Cascada El Chipitín 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. -
Cañón de Matacanes
· Nature reserve · 16 km away
Mexico's most famous canyoneering route: a full day of jumps, rappels, water slides, and caves in the sierra above Santiago. -
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.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.