Are you looking for some of the most incredible waterfalls in Mexico? Well, Agua Azul Waterfalls are the slice of paradise you’ve been waiting for.
Coming from the overpriced and overcrowded cenotes of Riviera Maya, this place is a whole other world.
Escape the chaos of the Yucatan Peninsula and experience the gorgeous turquoise cascades that await at Agua Azul Waterfalls.
We’ve written this guide to not only inspire you to visit, but to give you all of the necessary info for traveling to this incredible gem.
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📍 Where in Mexico is Agua Azul?
Agua Azul Waterfalls are located in the jungle of Southern Mexico, in the municipality of Tumbala, a small town in the state of Chiapas.
They are a little under 70 kilometers south of Palenque, which is an hour and 20 minutes away, and a little under 160 km away from San Cristobal de las Casas, which is about a 4 hour drive away.
How to Visit Agua Azul Waterfalls
Agua Azul is pretty smack dab in the middle of nowhere, so there really are only two options for getting there.
🚗 The Options for Getting to Agua Azul Waterfalls
You can either take a tour from Palenque or San Cristobal de las Casas, or you can rent a car.
Both times we visited, we decided to rent a car from Cancun and did long road trips. Agua Azul is a great place to stop and see if you are driving from the Yucatan Peninsula to Chiapas, or vice versa, as it is located right in the middle.
Hours & Timetable of Agua Azul Waterfalls in Mexico
Here are some of the details for planning your visit to Agua Azul Waterfalls.
🎫 Tickets for Agua Azul
There are two different tickets to pay for Agua Azul waterfalls.
The first ticket is to use the road getting into the area, so similar to a toll, but has a per person charge of 40 pesos.
The second ticket is to actually enter the Agua Azul waterfall complex. That ticket is also 40 pesos per person.
If you happen to be coming in the late afternoon or very early in the morning, there won’t be anyone there to sell you a ticket, as there are only people working there during normal business hours.
🕘 When are Agua Azul Waterfalls Open?
Agua Azul Waterfalls are actually accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Some shops and restaurants open as early as 7 am, with the majority of them being open by 9. Many shops and close around 4 or 5, while some may be open as late as 7, while the restaurants typically stay open for dinner since there are people living there, and hotels to stay in.
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Amenities at Agua Azul Waterfalls, Mexico
Before going into what to exect while visiting Agua Azul Waterfalls in Mexico, we're going to share the different amenities that you can find on site.
🅿️ Parking at Agua Azul Waterfalls
The parking lot is located right after the ticket booth, and is large and unpaved.
🚽 Bathrooms on Site at Agua Azul
There are no free public bathrooms at Agua Azul Waterfalls. However, there are bathrooms offered by the different shops that cost 5 pesos.
There is also a main building for bathrooms and there were also showers available for 20 pesos.
📶 Is There Wifi at Agua Azul Waterfalls?
There is no service at Agua Azul Waterfalls, but there are opportunities for Wifi. There are some restaurants that advertise Wifi, but they actually sell the Wifi.
Wifi can used by purchasing a “ficha”. Some sell it for incremements of 5 pesos, and some for 10. The mast common option is to purchase one hour of internet for 10 pesos.
🍴 Restaurants & Dining Options at Agua Azul
There are a ton of sit down restaurants at Agu Azul Waterfalls, as well as plenty of kiosks that serve fresh fruit and drinks.
We definitely suggest getting the empanadas, as they are quick, tasty, and affordable. Also make sure to try the great micheladas, as well as the cut up mango.
🛍 Shops at Agua Azul Waterfalls
There are an unbelievable amount of shops on site, and you'll also find a ton of kids bombarding you to buy from them. (They'll most likely follow you and give you puppy eyes, and will even come to your car while you're inside).
You'll find everything from artesan souvenirs and clothing, to small trinkets to take back home with you. I found a beautiful handmade poncho, so make sure to take a look at the different shops past the beginning area!
You'll want to carry plenty of cash, as there really aren't a ton of the vendors that accept credit card.
🏨 Are There Hotels Near Agua Azul Waterfalls?
Right behind all of the shops and restaurants at Agua Azules is actually a small village. There are a few different options for local home stays.
This is really convenient for being able to experience the waterfalls with no one there, and not having to drive the day of.
The downside to staying here is that there is no AC, Wifi, or hot water in any of the properties that we found.
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Experiencing Agua Azul Waterfalls
As soon as you park you will find plenty of restaurants and shops lining the walkway.
The walkway goes up the left side of the river, with steps and signs along the way.
You’ll find various viewpoints along the way, the official sign for Agua Azul Waterfalls, and more and more restaurants and shops.
After several sets of stairs, you'll find a mirador on the right overlooking the falls, and it's just across this small bridge.
The park goes a bit further, and you’ll notice when the park of Agua Azul Waterfalls finishes, once you end up at a forest area.
There are small pools there, and this is a very relaxing area to hang out. You’ll also see a bridge that crosses the river, but this is not accessible or allowed to be crossed.
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🏊🏼♀️ Can You Swim in Agua Azul Waterfalls?
Swimming is permitted in certain areas of the park.
We originally saw people taking pictures along the rocks right in front of the waterfalls, but that area is now blocked off.
You can no longer swim in this area of the falls.
Walk a little further to the “main area” of Agua Azul waterfalls, and you’ll find the area that is blocked on the sides as the designated swimming area. The waterfalls are calm and cool, and there is even a tiny “beach” you can relax at.
