Nature reserve 5 km northwest of Tapalpa
Giant boulders scattered across open meadows north of town, in the area known as the Valle de los Enigmas.
Las Piedrotas are a group of huge rounded boulders standing in open grassland about 5 kilometers north of Tapalpa, in a stretch of countryside people call the Valle de los Enigmas, the Valley of Enigmas. Some of the rocks are the size of a house, and they sit alone or in clusters in the middle of flat pasture, which makes them look as if they had been dropped from the sky.
Nobody offers a single agreed explanation for how they got there, and that mystery is part of the appeal. Local stories range from meteorites to ancient volcanic activity, and the valley has a reputation as an "energy" spot that draws people around the spring equinox. Whatever the cause, it is a striking landscape, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
The site is one of the classic outings from Tapalpa. You can drive, ride a horse, rent an ATV or a buggy, or simply walk out along the quiet country road from town, and the flat meadows are a good place for a picnic.
What to see and do
Walk among the boulders and climb the lower ones for views over the valley.
Come early in the morning or near sunset for the best light and fewer people.
Ride out on horseback or on a guided ATV or buggy tour from Tapalpa.
Bring a picnic; there are few services at the site.
Getting there
From Tapalpa, leave town heading west and follow the signs for Chiquilistlán; the boulders are about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. You can also walk it on the quiet rural road, roughly 2½ to 3 hours there and back. Horseback, ATV and buggy tours leave from Tapalpa. A small access fee may be charged; check locally.
5 km northwest of Tapalpa
Directions from Tapalpa on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Las Piedrotas
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Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Las Piedrotas.
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Weather mild
Las Piedrotas shares the climate of Tapalpa, 5 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov.
Make Tapalpa your base
Las Piedrotas is an easy trip from Tapalpa, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Sayula · 21 km away
More around Tapalpa
-
Atacco
· Town · 2 km away
An old village just outside Tapalpa; in colonial times the Franciscans ran a hospital for indigenous people here. -
Presa del Nogal
· Lake · 4 km away
A reservoir in the pine hills just south-west of Tapalpa that feeds the Salto del Nogal; good for a walk or a picnic. -
Salto del Nogal
· Waterfall · 8 km away
The region's highest waterfall, about 105 meters, reached by a dirt road and a forest hike south of Tapalpa. -
Ferrería de Tula
· Landmark · 14 km away
A hamlet north of Tapalpa with the overgrown ruins of an old iron foundry that worked until the early 20th century.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.