• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

How to Visit Cascada El Aguacero: The Wildest Waterfall in Chiapas, Mexico

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Chiapas, Mexico

Cascada El Aguacero Waterfall is one of the wildest and most virgin of all the waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico! Also, while it may not feature turquoise blue pools like that of Agua Azul or El Chiflón, it is arguably one of the most beautiful, too.

That said, I was so surprised by El Aguacero. I found that many of the pictures of it online just don’t do it justice to actually being there (like most places). You can actually explore all over the mossy rocks, lounge in its natural pools, and experience the power of the water as you stand underneath its gushing cascades.

Plus, to get there, you need to hike down 749-ish stone steps down to the Cañón Río La Venta (La Venta River Canyon), where you then must trek through ankle to knee-high water to reach the falls (or skirt it via the jungly path). All of it makes for a day full of adventure.

If that sounds like your kind of fun, read on!

Here is the ultimate visitor’s guide to the Cascada El Aguacero in Chiapas!

Table of Contents show
Ultimate Guide to Cascada El Aguacero in Chiapas, Mexico
How to Get to Cascada El Aguacero
El Aguacero Entrance Fee + Map
Hiking Down to Cascada El Aguacero
Tips for Exploring El Aguacero Waterfall “The Downpour”
Things to Do at Cascada El Aguacero
Camp
El Encanto Cave
Swim
Hike
Climb
Rafting
Responsible Tips for Visiting El Aguacero
Where to Stay Nearby El Aguacero
What to Pack for El Aguacero
Cascada El Aguacero – Best Waterfall in Chiapas?

Ultimate Guide to Cascada El Aguacero in Chiapas, Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

el aguacero waterfall inside cañón rio la venta, chiapas mexico

How to Get to Cascada El Aguacero

El Aguacero is located approximately 1 hour (35 mi, 56 km) outside the state capital of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and about 2.5 hours from San Cristóbal de Las Casas. It is set inside the jungly Selva Ocote Biosphere Reserve and perched cliffside in the Cañón Río La Venta, the same river and canyon where you can find the Arco del Tiempo (just further away).

The easiest way to reach the El Aguacero Waterfall is by car. If you can, hitch a ride with friends or locals (check Facebook groups for carpooling opportunities), or rent a car in Tuxtla and drive there on your own.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Driving to El Aguacero is fairly easy. From either San Cristobal or Tuxtla, take the Carretera Internacional/México 190 and follow that all the way until you need to exit off the paved road and continue onto a dirt/gravel road.

You will be able to see this on the GPS. There will be a large blue pipe running parallel to this road, indicating you are on the right path. From what I remember, there is also a sign further down the dirt road indicating El Aguacero. There is a decent parking area for cars and vans. Click here to open directions in Google Maps.

Be careful as you drive down this road as you are right beside the cliff edge!

BY BUS

From San Cris, hop on a public bus to Tuxtla or book online through Busbud for $3.

From Tuxtla, grab a local bus to Coita for $35 pesos and then a colectivo to Galivanes ($12 pesos). Ask for El Aguacero.

Note: you will only be dropped off beside the highway on the dirt road leading to the spectacular waterfall and not at the tourist center. Walking from the highway down the dirt/gravel road to the entrance to El Aguacero will take around 30-40 minutes by foot.

There are tuk-tuks that can take you down there from the highway but only if you get lucky and there’s already one there waiting.

El Aguacero Entrance Fee + Map

  • Entrance Fee: $50 pesos per person, children under 7 enter free
  • Camping + Overlanding: $100 pesos for DIY tent camping (including for van lifers + big rigs in the parking lot)
  • Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, but they tell you it closes at 4:30 PM so you have time to hike back up the stairs

Hiking Down to Cascada El Aguacero

woman sitting on rock at cascada el aguacero chiapas

When you arrive at the Centro Turístico El Aguacero and pay the entrance fee of $50 pesos per person, you will begin your descent down the 750 steps to reach the river and canyon below.

It seems near the top there is a restaurant and a few lookout points, but the real reward awaits you at the bottom. Note: the only bathrooms are at the top of the stairs and cost $5 pesos – make sure to go before you start your hike!

Hiking down the 750 steps to reach Aguacero only took us 25 minutes, at a brisk pace. If you have weak knees, you may want to take it a bit slower as it does get a little repetitive on the joints!

Once you arrive at the sandy shores of the riverbank, you have two options:

  1. Hike to the waterfall via the river
  2. Hike to the waterfall via the jungly trail on the left

You can only hike the jungle path during the rainy season when the water of the river is too powerful to wade in. Otherwise, and during the dry winter/spring months, the best and most fun way to get to El Aguacero Waterfall is by walking up the river!

The walk to reach the falls will add about 10 minutes to your journey. Once there, you can camp, hike some more, rest, swim, and of course, explore underneath the cascading falls.

Pro Tip: There are spiky rocks you must climb over to reach the falls. I was able to do it barefoot, but if you have sensitive feet I’d recommend packing and wearing waterproof river shoes.

Tips for Exploring El Aguacero Waterfall “The Downpour”

couple underneath waterfall el aguacero the downpour in chiapas mexico

El Aguacero, meaning “downpour” is a stunning series of cascades that tumble out of the cliffside in the canyon.

There are both wispy trickles and roaring, splashing falls. If you have ever gone on a boat tour in the Sumidero Canyon near Chiapa de Corzo, then you will recognize the mossy formations that jut out from the canyon wall, forming the familiar Christmas-tree-like shape that you see there as well.

There are many ways to explore El Aguacero and you’ll see several people climbing up the rocks to stand under the strongest falls for a fun shower out in nature.

If you have a waterproof action camera or phone pouch, make sure to take it because there are several awesome viewpoints underneath the falls. You will feel the mist and splash from the water as soon as you get a little closer! Surprisingly, the water isn’t that cold and lingers around a refreshing 77°F or 25°C.

  • jungly waterfall in rio la venta canyon at cascada el aguacero chiapas
  • blue swimming hole at el aguacero inside rio la venta canyon river

After your shower, there is another fall just ahead around the corner that features a calm and teal blue swimming hole. There are also several sandy inlets and beaches where you can lay down a towel or blanket and just enjoy a picnic with the sound of the falls rushing and echoing around you.

Psst! Don’t forget to look up for magnificent views of the sheer cliffs of the canyon towering overhead! The landscape and the whole area and atmosphere around you feel simply magical.

Things to Do at Cascada El Aguacero

  • woman at cascada el aguacero chiapas mexico
  • couple exploring cascada el aguacero waterfall in chiapas mexico

Camp

Lots of people go on a multi-day trip to El Aguacero and camping only costs $70-100 pesos per person (it said $70 on the sign but I think it depends on who is working that day!).

We saw many locals lugging large plastic bags full of thick blankets, tents, and sleeping bags, along with coolers overloaded with huge Coca-Cola bottles and XL chip bags.

You can camp anywhere on the sandy beaches nearby El Aguacero as long as the river is low enough to expose the riverbed in some parts. You won’t be able to camp here during the summer months when there are heavy rains.

If you are overland travelers in Mexico, El Aguacero is a popular spot to chill out for a few days.

There are toilets with running water and an on-site restaurant, but there is no cell service. Note that the road can be rough in some parts and isn’t super ideal for oversized rigs, although many iOverlanders have been able to manage.

El Encanto Cave

The La Venta River is said to be born out of the El Encanto Cave, which you can actually explore either on your own or via a tour. If you plan on doing a bit of caving at El Aguacero, make sure to plan and prepare ahead and pack the essentials such as a flashlight, spare batteries, boots, gloves, and a spare change of clothes.

Swim

Of course, don’t forget to bring and wear your bathing suit to El Aguacero because you WILL get wet!

I would recommend wearing light hiking shoes, plus sturdy shorts and a t-shirt for hiking that is easy to remove once you reach the river. If you plan on staying the night or for a couple of days, pack two swimsuits so one can have time to dry. It’s not fun to live in a wet bathing suit for more than a few hours!

Hike

Hiking is a must when visiting El Aguacero! Of course, hiking beyond El Aguacero is welcome if you are experienced and are well-prepared. The river goes for miles and you can either walk downstream or upstream.

If you continue downstream, you would eventually reach another beautiful waterfall called Cascada La Conchuda. That hike will take approx. 2 hours to do one-way and is a 4.3-mile (7 km) trip.

Climb

Rock climbing is one such adventurous thing you can do inside the Cañón Río La Venta! In fact, nearby is an enormous sinkhole called Sima de las Cotorras that you can rappel into to explore the caves, see ancient paintings, and observe parakeets in the wild.

Rafting

In high season, you can go rafting on the La Venta River. There are even tours that take you to the Arco del Tiempo, further down the river from Aguacero, where you can witness the largest natural stone arch in the world!

Responsible Tips for Visiting El Aguacero

  • couple standing at cascada el aguacero waterfall
  • guy lounging in natural pool at cascada el aguacero

El Aguacero remains very virgin – so far. It wasn’t even hardly accessible just ten years ago. Compared to other waterfalls in Chiapas, it’s one of the wildest and underdeveloped.

If we want to keep this destination wild and preserve it for years to come, then please consider reading up on these 25 eco-friendly travel tips.

Here’s also a few tips for responsibly visiting El Aguacero:

  • Follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
  • Pack out all trash you pack in!
  • Reduce your plastic consumption and secure down any loose plastic bottles or wrappers so they don’t end up in the river.
  • If you need to pee or poop in the wild, do so away from trails or water sources and make sure to dig a proper cathole or pack it out.
  • Avoid trampling on plants and soil and refrain from building rock dams or stone piles.

Where to Stay Nearby El Aguacero

If you don’t want to camp at Cascada El Aguacero, but instead want to stay nearby, then the most convenient places to stay would either be in the city of Tuxtla or in the pueblo mágico of Chiapa de Corzo.

I personally would recommend you to stay in Chiapa de Corzo, since it’s a little smaller, a little more charming, and that way you can also check off the Sumidero Canyon and the town off your bucket list.

Pro Tip: To beat the crowds at Aguacero, try to visit and camp on a weekday instead of the weekend.

What to Pack for El Aguacero

Finally, here’s a quick packing list for El Aguacero. If you will be traveling in Chiapas or Mexico for a while, make sure to check out my in-depth packing list for Mexico too (includes a free printable)!

  • Eco-friendly mosquito balm
  • Bathing suit
  • Hiking shoes
  • River shoes/sandals
  • Towel
  • Spare change of clothes
  • waterproof action camera
  • Pocket change for bathroom, snacks, restaurant
  • Biodegradable trash bags to pack all trash back out
  • Dry bag
  • Blanket (optional)
  • Drone (optional)

If you’re camping, also plan to pack:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Tent
  • REI Backpack
  • Natural (unscented, eco) toilet paper
  • Flashlight
  • Water
  • Food
  • Air-tight container

Cascada El Aguacero – Best Waterfall in Chiapas?

cascada el aguacero inside canon rio la venta ocote reserve in chiapas

Is Cascada El Aguacero one of Chiapas best? Absolutely!

It’s pretty hard to say it beats the other waterfalls in the state since those have mesmerizing blue water and equally incredible natural landscapes. Also, there are literally dozens of waterfalls to explore across Chiapas and I certainly haven’t seen them all!

However, I do know this: You won’t regret adventuring to Cascada El Aguacero! It has since become one of my favorite places and things to do in Chiapas.

I hope this guide helps plan your visit! Since we only were able to visit during the day, the next time we come back we hope to camp overnight here while there’s still the chance to have this gorgeous place all to ourselves.

Thanks for reading and please do drop your questions and comments about Cascada El Aguacero in Chiapas below!

[su_box title=”Ready to explore more of Chiapas?” box_color=”#d4b02f” radius=”2″]Having lived in Mexico for going on three years now, I’ve been able to put together quite a few travel guides and itineraries! Start with my Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide or feel free to check out the articles below:

  • The Most Epic Chiapas, Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
  • 10 Amazing Hotels in San Cristóbal de Las Casas
  • 10 Things to Do in the Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo
  • The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Mexico
  • How to Visit the Majestic Cañón del Sumidero in Chiapas

Also, don’t forget to protect your trip! SafetyWing is the digital nomad insurance I’ve been using since I began living and traveling around Mexico.[/su_box]

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

  • cascada el aguacero photo with text overlay
  • el aguacero waterfall with text overlay
  • Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
  • Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
  • Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
  • Share via EmailShare via Email

By: Bri · In: Chiapas, Mexico

you’ll also love

bicycles parked in tulum town at matcha mamaBiking in Tulum, Mexico: The Ultimate Guide
Ven A La Luz art structure in Tulum9 Awesome Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
woman standing in front of cenote cristal in tulum25 Epic Cenotes in & Around Tulum You MUST See

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Piotr says

    November 11, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Is it possible to rent a tent there?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 11, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      I don’t remember seeing an area where you could rent a tent — but you’re allowed to bring your own and set it up at the lower part of the river! 🙌

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

The Most Epic Chiapas, Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

25 Things to Do in Merida Mexico for a 3 Day Itinerary | Bucketlist Bri #merida #mexico

25 Fun Things to Do in Merida, Yucatan’s Colonial Capital

Exploring the Artsy Maya Town of San Juan La Laguna

Calakmul Mayan Ruins: A Hidden Maya City Deep in the Jungle of Campeche, Mexico #calakmul #mexico #mexicotravel #mayanruins

Visiting Calakmul Mayan Ruins: A Journey Into the Jungle

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • Blog Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

44 shares