Nature reserve 18 km south of Santiago
Matacanes' tougher sister canyon near Potrero Redondo: some 30 jumps, the highest about 18 meters, in cold water. Guides only.
Hidrofobia is a canyon near Potrero Redondo, in the Sierra de Santiago within Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, and the more extreme alternative to Matacanes. It is wilder and less visited, with tall rock walls closing in on a stream that drops through a long chain of pools, chutes, and narrow channels.
The route is all about jumping. Over the course of the day you make around 30 leaps into the water, the highest about 18 meters, plus natural slides and tight passages. The water is cold, roughly 12 to 18 °C, so a wetsuit is essential. From the fourth waterfall on there is no way back up, and the only option is to finish the descent.
Guides describe Hidrofobia as more technical and less forgiving than Matacanes, with a route of more than seven hours. Poison ivy grows in some spots, so long sleeves and care where you put your hands help. It is best suited to fit, confident swimmers who have already done an easier canyon.
What to see and do
Make around 30 jumps into the canyon's pools, the highest about 18 meters.
Ride natural rock slides and squeeze through narrow channels.
Take in the tall, wild walls of a rarely visited canyon.
Rest up in a cabin at Potrero Redondo the night before.
Getting there
Hidrofobia starts near Potrero Redondo, reached from Santiago via El Cercado, Cola de Caballo, and Puerto Genovevo on a mountain road whose final stretch is rough; a 4x4 or a tour with transport is the practical option. Go only with a certified guide and full gear. Spring is the recommended season; avoid it after heavy rain.
18 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 Hidrofobia
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Weather mild
Hidrofobia shares the climate of Santiago, 18 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Santiago your base
Hidrofobia is an easy trip from Santiago, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Santiago
-
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. -
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.