Mexico · Chiapas
Agua Azul
Cascadas de Agua Azul
A staircase of travertine terraces turns the river a milky turquoise-blue as calcium carbonate precipitates out of solution, forming dozens of natural swimming pools over several kilometres. It's a standard stop alongside the Palenque Maya ruins on Chiapas jungle circuits.
A staircase of travertine terraces turns the river a milky turquoise-blue as calcium carbonate precipitates out of solution, forming dozens of natural swimming pools over several kilometres. It's a standard stop alongside the Palenque Maya ruins on Chiapas jungle circuits.
Agua Azul drops 30 metres (98 ft) on the Xanil, inside Parque Nacional Agua Azul. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Palenque, with PQM the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Dry season (Nov-Apr) keeps the travertine pools their signature turquoise; rains turn the water muddy brown.
What you can do here
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Dry season (Nov-Apr) keeps the travertine pools their signature turquoise; rains turn the water muddy brown.
Entry: Community entry fee ~$2-3 USD
Getting there
- Base townPalenque
- AirportPQM
- CountryMexico
- RegionChiapas, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
17.2547, -92.115
Quick answers
How tall is Agua Azul?
Agua Azul drops 30 metres (98 feet). It is a cascade-type waterfall on the Xanil.
When is the best time to visit Agua Azul?
Peak flow is January to April and November to December. Dry season (Nov-Apr) keeps the travertine pools their signature turquoise; rains turn the water muddy brown.
What can you do at Agua Azul?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Agua Azul?
The usual base is Palenque, and the closest airport is PQM. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Community entry fee ~$2-3 USD.
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