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Some places stay with you long after you leave. Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla (Magical Waterfalls) is one of those places. Tucked in the Sierra Madre Sur mountains of southwestern Oaxaca, these waterfalls are breathtaking, pristine, and completely unspoiled.
But getting there? That’s another story.
We almost didn’t go.
Would our rental car survive the bumpy roads? Would we get lost in the mountains? Would I actually be able to climb the waterfalls?
Even after more than a decade of exploring remote Oaxaca—from the coffee town of Pluma Hidalgo to the Virgin of Juquila shrine—we hesitated, postponing the trip multiple times and even considering skipping it altogether.
But after finally making the journey—both independently and on a tour—I can say without a doubt: it was so worth it.
Now, I want to help you experience these magical waterfalls without the stress and second-guessing.
Whether you’re up for a DIY adventure or prefer the ease of an organized tour, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.
Plus, I’ll share what we did right—and the small mistakes we made—so you can do it even better.
Quick Overview
- Spectacular, crystal clear series of cascading waterfalls set within a protected ecological zone.
- Relatively easy drive in a regular vehicle during the dry season.
- Main waterfall is somewhat challenging to climb but there are options for less mobile.
- Can be done independently or on an organized tour. We’ll share pros and cons.
Pro Tip: If you’ve had too much sun, a day at the falls makes a great break from a day at Huatulco’s beaches.
Where and What Are Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla?
From Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca’s famous petrified waterfall, to the chute waterfall of El Chiflón in Chiapas, the mountainous terrain and abundant rivers of southwestern Mexico create a wide variety of waterfalls, hot springs and rapids.
If you’re headed to Huatulco, you’re in luck. It’s one of the best places for nature lovers and adventure travellers. The region around San Miguel del Puerto (map) in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains is home to several waterfalls.
The main waterfalls are Cascadas Las Brisas, Cascadas de Llano Grande and the Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla.
If you have time for only one waterfall, make it the Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla. We have stopped in at all of them and this one offers without a doubt the best experience.
Not only is it a protected ecological zone, but more than 20 waterfalls cascade into series of plunge pools, swimming holes and natural jacuzzis.
Adding to the beauty, a tropical jungle of towering ceiba and mahogany trees, tangles of bromeliads, orchids, lacy ferns and wild cacao plants surround the cascading waters.
A suspension bridge, a jumping platform, a cave pool called “La Cueva del Amor” and a rope swing add to the fun.
When to Go
The best time to visit the falls is during the dry season from November to May. Based on our experiences driving in Oaxaca during the rainy season, roads can get washed out and rivers can become rushing torrents of muddy water.
Avoid peak holiday periods and try to arrive early in the day. The ecological park at Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla opens at 9:00 a.m. To have the falls to yourselves, we’ve found that the best time to arrive is between 9:00 and 10:30 am.
Most tour groups begin to arrive at around 11:00 a.m.
How to Get There Independently
It’s a 1 hour and 20 minute drive one-way from La Crucecita in Huatulco (or 3 hours from Puerto Escondido) to Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla.
Type of Vehicle
Part of the road (20 minutes of the drive) is unpaved but you don’t need a jeep or a 4 X 4 to do it unless you’re going in the rainy season (which I don’t recommend).
We rent our cars on Discovercars.com. It’s an online car rental booking site that compares rates from several companies to find the best deal.
This year we rented a Mitsubishi Mirage, a compact car that’s economical on gas, an automatic and seats 4 adults (and gear) comfortably.
It cost MEX$6000 pesos ($294 USD) for the week and was factored into our 2025 monthly budget for Huatulco.
The cost included liability insurance required when renting a car in Oaxaca.
Download an Offline Map
It’s important to download a map to your mobile device before you go. When offline, you’ll be able to open Google Maps as usual. Your downloaded map will work without data for navigation.
There’s little to no signage and it’s easy to take a wrong turn. To make matters worse, there will be locals holding up signs to give you directions for a fee. Or giving false information such as road is closed etc.
My husband Javier’s first language is Spanish helped us avoid the touts but I was glad we’d downloaded a map. There was no signal at all for much of the route.
For mobile data on the go, I recommend using one of the Global eSIMs for travellers such as Airalo. You can stay connected when you travel throughout the world at very affordable rates.
Check rates for local and regional eSIMs at Airalo.com.
In Huatulco, Airalo connects to the Telcel network. But the signal drops as soon as you turn off Highway 200.
How to Download Google Maps for Offline Use
1️⃣ Open Google Maps (Strong Wi-Fi signal recommended).
2️⃣ Search for the location (Las Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla).
3️⃣ Tap the location name > Download offline map.
4️⃣ Adjust the area, then tap Download.
5️⃣ Access it offline anytime in Google Maps (no data needed).
💡 Tip: Offline maps work much better than screen shots.
We rent our cars on Discovercars.com. It’s an online car rental booking site that compares rates from several companies to find the best deal.
It’s a scenic drive to Las Cascadas Magicas as you’ll have views of rolling hills, small pueblos, trees and bamboo.
If you’re prone to getting car sick, you don’t need to worry too much. Apart from the final stretch, it’s not too terribly winding of a route.
Much of the road is paved apart from the dirt road section that begins about 20 minutes before the falls. But it’s more dusty than potholed.
Unlike the road to Playa San Agustín there aren’t boulders in the middle of the road or landslides.
But there are a few sharp turns and drop-offs so proceed with caution.
Packing List – Essentials (and What Not To Bring)
- Water Shoes. You can pick up a pair of rubber water sneakers at Chedraui Huatulco or market stalls at Santa Cruz beach for MEX$120-160 (under $10 USD) a pair. Or, if you really don’t want to buy a pair, you can rent some for MEX$50 ($2.50 USD) at the upper section of the falls.
- Waterproof Phone Case: If you’d like to take photos (and trust me you will), you’ll need a good quality waterproof phone case with neck lanyard. The wrist band type isn’t ideal as you’ll be using your hands to grasp the rope railings and it’s easy to get tangled.
- Life Vest: Necessary for children or poor swimmers.
- Cash: You’ll need cash in pesos to pay the admission fee of $MEX100 per person and make any purchases.
- Food: The rustic restaurant at the Cascadas Mágicas has a very limited menu. Bring snacks and/or lunch in a cooler. Leave it in the car as no food or drink is permitted at the falls themselves.
- What Not to Bring: Sunscreen and insect repellent are not permitted in the park to protect the eco-system. There’s actually quite a bit of shade cover. But wear a hat, rash guard, long sleeved shirt and swim shorts if you’re concerned about sun.
- No pets.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
After driving down the dirt path for 20 minutes, you’ll be pleased to see the sign announcing the entrance to the Cascadas Mágicas. There’s only one entrance so proceed down this path where you’ll see a ticket kiosk.
Admission is $MXN100 per person. If you’re participating in an organized group tour this may or may not be included. So that’s something to check when comparing the different tour options.
You’ll be given an official receipt which should be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking Lots
Once you’ve paid your admission, you then have a choice of where to park. There are pros and cons to both.
Lower Parking Lot
- Closest to washrooms.
- Access to the hiking trails.
- Easy access to lower, more secluded falls.
- Near restaurant.
- More parking available.
- 20 minute walk to main falls. There’s a significant elevation change so this route isn’t well suited for people with mobility issues.
If you’re up for a bit of exercise, then it’s worth taking the short hike in the ecological park. It begins near the lower parking lot and runs parallel to the Copalita River, passing secluded lower falls.
The lower falls are exceptionally easy to access. So you can stop for a swim and even swing from a jungle rope before continuing along the trail winding its way back up to the main falls.
Upper Parking Lot
- Closest to the main falls.
- 5 minute walk on mostly flat surface.
- No washroom facilities.
- Best option for people with mobility issues.
Final Stop Before Main (Upper) Falls
Before entering the falls, you can stop at the final launching point, a small area with a few benches to rest.
Here, there’s a kiosk with a friendly vendor selling T-shirts, water, and cold drinks, plus a place to rent water shoes—a smart idea for navigating the slippery rocks.
The highlight? You can get shots of Tobalá mezcal for MEX$50 pesos! Perfect for a little liquid courage before the climb or a celebratory sip after making it back.
The vendor will also store your belongings safely for a small tip. It’s a compact space, but a great last stop to gear up before heading into the rushing water.
Waterfall Hiking Details and Swimming Conditions
To be honest, getting to the pools, cave, and suspension bridge at the upper falls was more challenging than I expected.
Some of the steps were a real stretch, and balancing on the rocks with rushing water made it even trickier.
However, the rocks themselves weren’t slippery or slimy with algae. So that did help.
However, a knowledgeable guide or helper can show you the safest path, point out stable rocks to step on, and even offer a steady hand when crossing deeper sections.
Plus, water shoes with good grip help prevent slipping. If you move slowly and deliberately, it’s possible to keep your balance.
Making it across is definitely exhilarating.
You’re rewarded with clear, refreshing pools, a hidden cave, and the thrill of walking across a suspension bridge with breathtaking views.
You can even jump from a platform into the pools!
Check out our video of the Magical Falls on Instagram to see what the pools, suspension bridge and climb are like!
Who Probably Shouldn’t Do This Waterfall Hike
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems.
- Not recommended for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
- Not recommended for very young children and/or with infants.
- If you have any doubts about your medical condition, check with your doctor and/or the guide.
Things to Do Near Las Cascadas Mágicas
As you make your way to the falls, you’ll pass through several traditional villages, each offering a glimpse into local Oaxacan culture.
Along the road, you can stop to browse handmade crafts, sample rich Oaxacan chocolate, pick up shade-grown local coffee, natural soaps (from the women’s co-operative in Mazunte) or enjoy a mezcal tasting—a perfect way to experience the region’s flavours.
Local restaurants serve up classic Oaxacan dishes like moles, tlayudas, sopes, and tamales, making for a delicious meal along the way. Most group tours include a stop at a shop or restaurant, and many even pause for breakfast en route.
I’d recommend doing as we did—waiting until after your waterfall adventure to stop for lunch and shopping.
One of the best places to eat near the waterfalls is Parador Turístico: Las Muelles. a family-owned restaurant (with clean washrooms) to relax and refuel before heading back. Food is cooked over a wood-burning stove so is as authentic as it gets!
Tour Excursions
If you’re in Huatulco for the day on a cruise ship such as Holland America or Princess, then your best bet is to take an organized tour.
Most cruise ships are in port from 8:00 am to 5 pm which gives you just enough time to fit in a trip to the Magic Waterfalls. Here’s how to do it.
Organized Group Tour
Expect to pay around $MEX1000 ($50-75 USD) per person to join a Guided Group Tour to the falls. You’ll travel in a van that’s air-conditioned and the trip usually takes around 7 hours. Factor in time to pick-up ad drop-off other passengers.
Good to Know: Check to see if lunch, admission or any other “promotional” stops are included. Your guide may or may not assist you in navigating at the falls. Unlike the Dunn’s River or the Blue Hole in Jamaica, there are NO local guides at the waterfalls who will help you climb the rocks.
Private Escorted Tour
A private guide will provide pick up at your hotel, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and assistance at the waterfalls. The cost is generally $MEX 3,000 or $150 USD. Cost is slightly less if you pay for your own lunch.
A private tour offers more privacy, flexibility and is more comfortable. Local guide Porfirio Cortes gets high marks from travellers and operates a newer vehicle. You can reach him via Facebook.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Huatulco, don’t second-guess this trip like we did—just go.
Getting to Las Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla is an adventure in itself, but once you’re there, standing beneath those rushing falls, swimming in the pools, and soaking in the wild beauty of the jungle, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best things to do Huatulco.
Whether you go on your own or on an organized tour, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Pack your sense of adventure (and some water shoes!) and make it happen. You won’t regret it.
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