Waterfall 16 km northeast of Xochitepec
A 40-meter waterfall dropping into a lush ravine inside Cuernavaca, reached by stairs from the old potters' barrio of San Antón.
The Salto de San Antón is a waterfall hidden in the middle of Cuernavaca, in one of the deep ravines that cut through the city. Water drops about 40 meters over a wall of dark volcanic rock into a pool surrounded by ferns, moss and tall trees, a surprising patch of wild green just minutes from busy streets.
It's in the barrio of San Antón, an old neighborhood on the west side of the city known for its potters and its plant nurseries, where you can still find workshops selling pots, planters and garden figures. From the street, a long stairway of about a hundred meters leads down the side of the ravine to viewpoints facing the fall, and a path continues behind the curtain of water. Local legend says the fall was born from the grief of a young woman waiting for a warrior who never came back, turned by the gods into falling water while he became the river.
It's at its most powerful in the rainy season, from roughly June to October, and thinner in the dry months. The steps can be slippery and the climb back up is steep, so wear good shoes. Afterwards, wander the barrio's pottery shops before heading back.
What to see and do
Walk down the stairway to the viewpoints facing the 40-meter fall.
Follow the path behind the curtain of water.
Visit in the rainy season, when the fall is at its fullest.
Shop for pots and planters in the potters' barrio of San Antón.
Getting there
San Antón is on the west side of Cuernavaca, about 20 km north of Xochitepec; allow about 30 minutes by car via Temixco and into the city, then follow signs to the barrio and the Bajada del Salto. Buses run from Xochitepec to Cuernavaca, and a taxi from the center takes about 10 minutes. Access has been free; there's little parking, so a taxi is easier.
16 km northeast of Xochitepec
Directions from Xochitepec on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Salto de San Antón shares the climate of Xochitepec, 16 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Xochitepec your base
Salto de San Antón is an easy trip from Xochitepec, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Xochitepec
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Xochicalco
· Archaeological site · 2 km away
A UNESCO-listed hilltop city with the carved Temple of the Feathered Serpent, three ballcourts and a solar observatory cave. -
Laguna El Rodeo
· Lake · 3 km away
A reservoir below Xochicalco's hills with lakeside restaurants, bass fishing, birdwatching and camping. -
Zona Arqueológica de Coatetelco
· Archaeological site · 8 km away
A small ceremonial center with a ballcourt and temple platforms beside the Coatetelco lagoon, an easy pairing with Xochicalco. -
Mazatepec
· Town · 10 km away
A small town known for its hilltop sanctuary of the Señor del Calvario and its big Fifth Friday of Lent fair. -
Balneario Ex-Hacienda de Temixco
· Landmark · 11 km away
A big water park built inside the walls and arches of a colonial sugar hacienda. -
Hacienda San José Vista Hermosa
· Landmark · 16 km away
A colonial sugar hacienda near Tequesquitengo with an old aqueduct, now a hotel and restaurant. -
Teopanzolco
· Archaeological site · 18 km away
A Tlahuica pyramid with twin temples to Tláloc and Huitzilopochtli, set in a park in Cuernavaca's Vista Hermosa neighborhood. -
Lago de Tequesquitengo
· Lake · 20 km away
A large lake known for waterskiing, with the dome of a flooded church a few meters below the surface. -
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
· Cave · 25 km away
One of Mexico's largest show caves, with huge chambers of stalactites, about an hour's drive southwest in Guerrero.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.