The Cascadas de Agua Azul (Blue Waterfalls) are a beautiful and very popular tourist attraction in Chiapas, Mexico. See several picturesque falls, some of them about 20 feet (6 meters) high. Dive into the transparent fresh water and take memorable photos of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
The numerous cascades of water are all interconnected and follow one another into wide ponds. The water has a special color because of its high mineral content, which also creates a coating of limestone on the rocks and fallen trees. Refresh yourself in any of the pools and then find the viewing platforms scattered around the area from where you can conveniently take stunning photos. Walk the narrow path that meanders alongside the falls up the mountain. Buy T-shirts, toys, trinkets and many other souvenirs from the numerous little shops that you’ll find along the path.
Have lunch at any of the several restaurants located around the area. You’ll have plenty of options, from fast food to more traditional dishes, all at very good prices. Taste the empanadas, a baked or fried pastry filled with a variety of savory ingredients, very typical in Latin America.
The famous Cascadas de Agua Azul are about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Palenque’s town center in the municipality of Tumbalá. Drive a car, take a colectivo (local bus) from Palenque or join one of the several guided tours available. These usually combine a visit to two of the most famous waterfalls in the area: Agua Azul and Misol-Ha. If you are driving, be aware that the roads can be winding and a bit rough. During the trip expect local children and women from the small nearby towns to approach the vehicles to sell drinks, souvenirs, mangoes and other exotic fruits. When you arrive at the Cascadas, you’ll have to walk through a maze of souvenir shops and restaurants to reach the falls. There is a fee to enter.
