Waterfall 8 km south of Santiago
Nuevo León's best-known waterfall, a 25-meter cascade in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, a short walk from the parking lot.
Cola de Caballo, the "Horsetail," is a waterfall about 25 meters high that pours down a mossy rock face in the Sierra Madre Oriental, inside Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. It lies a few kilometers into the mountains above Santiago and has been the classic Sunday outing for Monterrey families for generations.
The falls are part of the Parque Ecoturístico Cola de Caballo. From the entrance, a walk of just over 500 meters climbs gently through the woods to the base of the cascade, and anyone who prefers not to walk can go up by horse or in a horse-drawn cart. The water fans out over the rock in thin strands, which is where the name comes from, and the spray keeps the spot cool even in summer.
Around the main trail the park has picnic areas with grills, resting spots, and stalls selling crafts and snacks. It is also known for bungee jumping, and the surrounding mountains are good for hiking, mountain biking, and watching birds and other wildlife.
What to see and do
Walk the 500-meter trail to the foot of the falls, or ride up by horse or cart.
Cool off in the spray at the base of the cascade.
Have a picnic at the park's grills and rest areas.
Try the bungee jump, if you are brave enough.
Hike or bike in the surrounding mountains of Cumbres de Monterrey.
Getting there
From Santiago, follow the Carretera Nacional south to El Cercado and turn right onto the road toward Laguna de Sánchez; the park entrance is a few kilometers up, about 15 minutes in total. The park is open daily, roughly 9 am to just before 6 pm, and charges a modest entry and parking fee. Weekends and holidays get very crowded, so arrive early.
8 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
Cola de Caballo shares the climate of Santiago, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Santiago your base
Cola de Caballo 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. -
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. -
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.