Waterfall 17 km southeast of Teziutlán
A cloud-forest reserve near Altotonga, Veracruz, with a waterfall, clear river pools for swimming, camping and cabins nearby.
Pancho Poza is a small nature reserve just outside Altotonga, across the state line in Veracruz, about 17 kilometers southeast of Teziutlán. It protects roughly 50 hectares of cloud forest along the Altotonga and Alseseca rivers and has been a protected natural reserve since 1992.
The centerpiece is a waterfall that pours into a pool at the bottom of a wooded gorge, and below it the river runs through clear pools where people swim. Trails follow the riverbanks through the forest, which is good for bird watching, and along the way you pass the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant. Locals say the water has healing properties.
The reserve has camping areas, local food stands and guides for walks, and there are rustic cabins nearby for those who want to stay the night. It is a simple, low-key place rather than a developed park, which is much of its appeal.
What to see and do
Swim in the river pools below the waterfall.
Walk the riverside trails through the cloud forest and look for birds.
Find the ruins of the old hydroelectric plant.
Camp overnight or stay in one of the cabins nearby.
Getting there
From Teziutlán it is roughly 40 minutes by car: take the road southeast to Altotonga, then a rural road out of town to the reserve. The last stretch is rough and unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle helps; check road conditions after heavy rain. Entry has been free or very cheap, but confirm locally.
17 km southeast of Teziutlán
Directions from Teziutlán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Pancho Poza
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Tours & activities
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Weather cool
Pancho Poza shares the climate of Teziutlán, 17 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov.
Make Teziutlán your base
Pancho Poza is an easy trip from Teziutlán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Teziutlán
-
Manantiales de Chignautla
· Nature reserve · 5 km away
Nine Springs park: cold, crystal-clear spring pools below the Cerro de Chignautla, with rowboats and antojito stands. -
San Juan Xiutetelco
· Archaeological site · 7 km away
A town built over pre-Hispanic pyramids, a few still visible in the center, with a community museum of finds from the area.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.