Lake 13 km northeast of Tlatlauquitepec
A reservoir on the Apulco river with rowboat trips, a canyon for rappelling, and a firefly season in early summer.
La Soledad is a hydroelectric reservoir on the Apulco river, in a steep green valley north of Tlatlauquitepec. Built as part of the Mazatepec power complex, it has become the area's main spot for outdoor trips, with a quiet stretch of water between wooded hills where hawks and herons are common.
Local boat cooperatives row visitors along a route of about 4 kilometers on the reservoir. Below the dam, the Apulco runs through the Cañón de La Soledad, a gorge of huge boulders, small waterfalls and natural water slides that guides use for canyoning and rappelling, including free-hanging descents from the bridge.
The most memorable time to come is the firefly season, from about late May through August, when the woods along the shore light up after dark. Night tours go out by rowboat, with no motors, and visitors are asked not to use flashlights, flash photography or insect repellent so the fireflies are not disturbed.
What to see and do
Take a rowboat ride on the reservoir with the local boat cooperative.
Go canyoning or rappelling in the Cañón de La Soledad with a guide.
Book a night firefly tour between late May and August; June and July are usually best.
Watch for herons and hawks along the shore.
Getting there
The reservoir is roughly 40 minutes from Tlatlauquitepec by car on the road north toward Mazatepec. Many visitors go with a tour operator from town, which handles transport, boats and guides; firefly tours run at night, so arrange the ride back in advance.
13 km northeast of Tlatlauquitepec
Directions from Tlatlauquitepec on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Presa La Soledad
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Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Presa La Soledad.
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Weather cool
Presa La Soledad shares the climate of Tlatlauquitepec, 13 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Tlatlauquitepec your base
Presa La Soledad is an easy trip from Tlatlauquitepec, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Tlatlauquitepec
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Cascada de Puxtla
· Waterfall · 4 km away
The tallest waterfall around Tlatlauquitepec, over 80 m high, which you can see from a lookout, from its base and from behind. -
Hueyapan
· Town · 6 km away
A Nahua town known as the cradle of the chal: black wool shawls embroidered with birds and flowers, sold by the women who make them. -
Zacapoaxtla
· Town · 10 km away
The sierra town whose Indigenous soldiers fought at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862; a busy market town on the way to Cuetzalan.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.