Lonely Planet Mexico (19th edition)Lonely Planet
Guidebook
Lonely Planet Mexico (19th edition)
Lonely Planet · 2025
Newest edition of the standard Mexico guide, covering Chiapas near Palenque, the Huasteca Potosina and Copper Canyon.
Mexico · San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina
Tamul Falls
Cascada de Tamul
Two rivers, one running clear turquoise and one silt-laden, merge just above the lip and plunge together over a broad limestone cliff in Mexico's Huasteca Potosina region. Most visitors approach by dugout canoe up the Tampaón River, watching the two colors mix in real time before the drop.
One of Mexico's tallest and widest waterfalls Essentials guide
Checked September 2026 by David Bussell
Tamul Falls drops 105 metres (345 ft) on the Santa María / Tampaón. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Tanchachín, with SLP the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Tamul Falls is the third-tallest of the 12 we cover in Mexico. As a block waterfall, a wide sheet of water falling from a broad river.
What you can do here
Also good forBoat cruisesHikingPhotography
When to go
Post-rainy season (Oct-Jan) gives full flow and clear turquoise water before the dry season thins it.
Entry: Community boat tour fee ~$15-20 USD
Getting there
- Base town Tanchachín
- Airport SLP
- Country Mexico
- Region San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina, Mexico & Central America, North America
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
This waterfall
Tamul Falls
Mexico
Height105 mWidth—
Most similar
Virginia Falls
Canada
Height96 mWidth—
Also a block waterfall, of similar height and in Canada
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
96 m
105 m
108 m
330 m
979 m
Virginia FallsTamul FallsVictoria FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Khone Phapheng Falls
10,783 m
Victoria Falls
1,708 m
Angel Falls is 9.3× taller than Tamul Falls. It is about the same height as Victoria Falls (108 m). We don't have a reliable crest width for Tamul Falls yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
Watch and read
Videos from Tamul Falls
3:21
18:13
Chosen from YouTube; videos belong to their creators and play from YouTube's privacy-enhanced player.
Books worth packing
About this place
Surreal Eden: Edward James and Las Pozas
Margaret Hooks · 2006
Story of the surrealist jungle garden at Xilitla, the Huasteca's other big draw and an easy pairing with Tamul.
On the map
21.8013, -99.18
Quick answers
Where is Tamul Falls?
Tamul Falls is in Mexico (San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina). The nearest base is Tanchachín and the closest airport is SLP. Its coordinates are 21.8013, -99.1800.
How tall is Tamul Falls?
Tamul Falls drops 105 metres (345 feet). It is a block-type waterfall on the Santa María / Tampaón.
When is the best time to visit Tamul Falls?
Peak flow is January and October to December. Post-rainy season (Oct-Jan) gives full flow and clear turquoise water before the dry season thins it.
What can you do at Tamul Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, boat cruises, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
Can you swim at Tamul Falls?
Yes — swimming is a normal part of a visit to Tamul Falls, in the pools away from the falling water. Only swim where it is permitted on the day, stay clear of the base of the falls where currents recirculate, and skip it after heavy rain.
How do you get to Tamul Falls?
The usual base is Tanchachín, and the closest airport is SLP. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Community boat tour fee ~$15-20 USD.
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