Aerial view of the Quetzalapan Waterfalls: the whole drop, from the top of the cliff in the mist down to the pool, surrounded by forest.
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Quetzalapan Waterfalls · Sierra Norte of Puebla

Quetzalapan, 100 years
of history

1927–2027100 years since its founding

Over 100 metres of water between rock and forest, and a story of light that began in 1927.

Get directions See it in 360°

The falls

A drop of more than 100 metres

Here the Quetzalapan River plunges more than 100 metres between walls of rock and forest. It is the great draw of the place: from the viewpoints you see the whole drop and, as you go down, the water sounds closer and closer.

The full Quetzalapan waterfall, head-on from the air: its two streams fall from the top of the cliff through the mist and the water runs down through the forest to the pool.
The full drop of Quetzalapan

Hydroelectric heritage

When the water became light

Quetzalapan is more than scenery. Here the force of the river was turned into electricity for the region. Its story, from 1927 to today:

The upper part of the Quetzalapan Waterfalls in the mist: the water falls down the middle of the rock face, surrounded by forest

  1. 192726 November

    The cooperative is born

    Meeting in assembly, people of Chignahuapan form the Compañía de Luz y Fuerza Motriz de Chignahuapan, a limited cooperative society.

  2. 193025 May

    The hydroelectric plant switches on

    The cooperative puts its hydroelectric plant into service: the force of the water becomes light.

  3. 193125 May

    The president opens it

    President Pascual Ortiz Rubio officially opens the hydroelectric plant.

  4. 1970s

    The plant stops

    It supplied power to Chignahuapan, Aquixtla and Zacatlán, among other towns, until the 1970s. Then it stood idle for some 40 years.

  5. 2022May

    It generates power again

    It is brought back to life with new turbines to produce renewable energy, 92 years after it first went into service.

  6. Today

    The remains are still there

    Remains of the old hydroelectric plant still exist, such as turbines and structures from its facilities.

Light for the region

Some of the towns that received its electricity.

The force of the Quetzalapan River
  • Chignahuapan
  • Aquixtla
  • Zacatlán

The powerhouse

Where the light has a date: 1930

Among the canyon forest the hydroelectric powerhouse still stands, yellow and red, with the year 1930 high on its façade. Inside are the turbines that turned the river's force into electricity for the region.

The yellow and red powerhouse of the Quetzalapan hydroelectric plant, in the canyon forest
Among the canyon forest
The year 1930 in relief at the top of the powerhouse facade
1930, high on the façade
One of the turbines of the old Quetzalapan hydroelectric plant
The turbines of the old hydroelectric plant

The descent

365 steps, one for every day of the year

The walk to the waterfall includes a descent of 365 steps that symbolically stand for the 365 days of the year. Going down is walking a whole year, step by step, to the water.

Going down is the easy part: the climb back up calls for patience, water and pauses.

Each flight is a month and each mark a step: 365 steps, a whole year down to the water.
The Quetzalapan waterfall seen from the side and from above: the water runs diagonally beside a rock face, between the forest and the mist.
The waterfall seen from above, between the rock wall and the forest.

Virtual tour

See it in 360°

See the waterfall from the air and turn the view wherever you like: the falls, the canyon and the sierra, from your screen.

Panorama of the Quetzalapan canyon with the waterfall in the center, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Enter the 360° tour

Quetzalapan is

  • Nature
  • Adventure
  • History
  • Hydroelectric heritage
  • Family time

Adventure

The canyon, by air, rock and trail

For those who want more than a view: the Quetzalapan canyon can also be crossed, climbed and walked.

Adventure activities at Quetzalapan

  • Balance challenge

    High-tension cable

    You walk across a taut cable, like a tightrope walker, about 4 metres above the river.

    Despite the name, it isn’t electric: it’s pure adventure.

  • Through the air

    Zip line

    The canyon, crossed through the air.

  • Above the water

    Hanging bridge

    A step above the water, with forest all around.

  • Down the rock face

    Rappelling

    A rope descent down the rock face.

  • Upwards

    Climbing

    The canyon rock, up close.

  • Aim

    Archery

    Open-air aim among the trees.

  • On foot

    Hiking

    Trails through forest, rock and water.

  • Views

    Viewpoints

    To take in the whole drop.

Ask at the entrance which activities are available on the day of your visit.

The Quetzalapan river runs over the rocks beside a white tile-roofed palapa, surrounded by trees.
The river running between stones, next to a palapa.

Family time

Stay the whole day

Between the river and the forest there is room to eat, rest and spend time together: an outing to enjoy unhurried.

To spend time together

  • Palapas (open-air shelters)
  • Grills
  • Camping areas
  • Cabins, subject to availability

Services

  • Restrooms
  • Rest areas
  • Eating areas
  • Gathering spaces, subject to availability

Get directions

About 8 km from Chignahuapan

Giant Quetzalapan Waterfalls letters at the top of the cliff, next to the falls. Coming soon
The giant letters, high on the cliff beside the falls.
Location
Quetzalapan, Chignahuapan, Puebla
Access
Federal Highway 119, Chignahuapan–Zacatlán
Distance
About 8 km from Chignahuapan
Hours
Every day, 9 am to 6 pm

Tip Non-slip shoes, no exceptions: when it rains, the steps and the red mud get slippery.

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Before you go

Tips for your visit

Quetzalapan is more enjoyable with a little planning. Here is what is worth knowing before you arrive.

Opening hours

Open from 9 am to 6 pm. Arrive early so you can go down calmly, have time for the activities and climb back up before late afternoon. If you go on a weekday or in the rainy season, check before setting off.

The 365 steps

Going down is quick; the climb back up is the demanding part. Take it slowly, rest along the way and carry water. If someone in your group can’t manage long stairways, the viewpoints at the top also show the whole drop.

The zip line and activities

The zip line crosses the canyon with a view of the waterfall from above; there is also a kids’ zip line. Each activity is paid separately from the entrance, and some, such as archery, may require booking. Ask at the entrance which ones are open that day.

What to bring

Non-slip shoes, layers because the canyon is misty and damp, a rain jacket in the rainy season, water and some food. If you plan to use the grills, bring what you need.

The best time

In the rainy season the waterfall carries more water and looks more impressive, but the steps and mud get slippery. In the dry season the trails are safer.

Look after the place

Take your rubbish with you, stay on the trails and follow the staff’s instructions: the forest and the river are part of Chignahuapan’s heritage.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps does the Quetzalapan waterfall have?

There are 365, linked to the days of the year. They lead down to the foot of the falls, and the climb back up is the hardest part of the outing.

What are the opening hours of the Quetzalapan Waterfalls?

From 9 am to 6 pm. It is best to check before you go, especially on weekdays and in the rainy season.

What activities are there at Quetzalapan?

Zip line (including one for kids), hanging bridge, high-wire crossing, rappelling, climbing, archery, hiking and viewpoints, plus palapas, grills and camping areas.

How far is Quetzalapan from Chignahuapan?

About 8 km from the centre, on Federal Highway 119 towards Zacatlán: around 20 minutes by car.

Can I take children to Quetzalapan?

Yes, with care: there is a kids’ zip line and areas to relax together. The climb up the 365 steps is the hardest part for little ones, so plan for breaks.

The mountains and the Quetzalapan valley in the afternoon light.

Before and after your visit

Keep exploring

See Chignahuapan’s nine treasures