Nature reserve 8 km north of Xilitla
The source of the Huichihuayán River, where crystal-clear water flows out of caves into shallow pools in the jungle.
El Nacimiento is the spot where the Huichihuayán River is born, in the municipality of Huehuetlán, a short drive north of Xilitla. An underground river comes out from the base of a rocky hillside through hollows and caves, so the water seems to pour straight out of the rock, and then spreads into wide, clear pools under the trees.
The water is cool and very transparent, and much of the river here is shallow, which makes it a favorite with families and a gentle place to swim compared with the big waterfalls of the Huasteca. Around the pools there are benches, grills, bathrooms and small restaurants, and life jackets can be rented.
One of the nicest ways to see it is from a stand-up paddleboard, gliding over the clear water with the jungle on both banks. It is an easy half-day outing from Xilitla and works well on a hot afternoon after a morning at Las Pozas.
What to see and do
Swim in the clear, cool pools where the river comes out of the rock.
Paddleboard on the shallow, transparent river.
Peek into the rocky hollows where the underground river emerges.
Have a family picnic with the grills and benches by the water.
Getting there
El Nacimiento is about 20 kilometers from Xilitla, roughly 30 minutes by car. Head down to Highway 85 toward Ciudad Valles and turn off at Huichihuayán; the spring is a couple of kilometers from the village. Without a car, a taxi from Xilitla is the easiest option.
8 km north of Xilitla
Directions from Xilitla on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Nacimiento de Huichihuayán
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Nacimiento de Huichihuayán.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Nacimiento de Huichihuayán.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Weather mild
Nacimiento de Huichihuayán shares the climate of Xilitla, 8 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Aug, Nov.
Make Xilitla your base
Nacimiento de Huichihuayán is an easy trip from Xilitla, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Xilitla
-
Sótano de las Huahuas
· Cave · 17 km away
A huge pit in the jungle near Tampaxal, run by a Tének community, where swifts and green parakeets fly out each morning. -
Sótano de las Golondrinas
· Cave · 27 km away
The Huasteca's most famous pit, about an hour away near Aquismón; go at dawn to see thousands of swifts spiral out.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.