Las Cascaditas & Cozumelito

Trail guide

Las Cascaditas & Cozumelito is a moderate hiking route in Allende, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The trail is approximately 12 km with about 156 meters of elevation gain and usually takes around 6 hours.Trail overviewThis hike is perfect for hot weather! It takes you along the famous Rio Ramos, one of the last living rivers in Mexico. Expect to get very wet. If you don’t like the idea of having to cross a river every 5 minutes or so, then this route might not be for you. There are lots of cool spots along the route. Many people chose to come here to camp overnight. Cozumelito is the most popular spot on the route, and this is where most people chose to stop. This place features a deep swimming pool and crystal clear water. If you continue about 15 minutes more up the river you will arrive to another spot known as Las Cascaditas. Less people come here, and in my opinion it is better than Cozumelito. There are small waterfalls, and another swimming pool. Route summaryThe route is physically very easy. There is not a lot of elevation gain as you are walking the whole time along the river. At certain parts there is a trail that runs parallel to the river. At other points you will need to cross the river or even walk inside the river to continue. The trail is very easy to follow and there is not a lot of chance of getting lost. Even still, however, it is recommended to download the route before going just in case. Tips and safetyWear shoes that can get wet and still have good grip. A lot of the route follows the river, so expect slippery rocks, water crossings, and sections where normal tennis shoes can get uncomfortable fast. Bring a dry bag or waterproof case for your phone, keys, wallet, and camera gear. Even if you do not plan on swimming, there are plenty of spots where your things can get splashed or soaked. Check the weather before going. Avoid this route if there is rain in the forecast or if it has rained heavily recently, especially upstream. River routes can change quickly, and flash flooding is the main thing to watch out for. Go early if you can. The route is more enjoyable before the heat gets too strong, and you will have more time to enjoy the water without rushing. Bring enough drinking water. Even though you are walking near the river, do not count on drinking from it unless you have a proper filter or purifier. Be careful near the cascades and natural pools. The rocks can be slick, and water depth can change depending on the season. Do not jump into any pool unless you have checked the depth and landing area first. Use sun protection and bring insect repellent. Some sections are shaded, but others are exposed, and the river area can have mosquitoes depending on the season. Pack out all your trash. This area is beautiful because of the clear water and natural pools, so do not leave cans, wrappers, food, or wet wipes behind. Download the route before you go. Cell service can be unreliable in the area, so do not depend on having signal the whole time. This is a great route for people who want a refreshing river hike, but it is still important to respect the water, the rocks, and the weather.

Overview

This hike is perfect for hot weather! It takes you along the famous Rio Ramos, one of the last living rivers in Mexico. Expect to get very wet. If you don’t like the idea of having to cross a river every 5 minutes or so, then this route might not be for you. There are lots of cool spots along the route. Many people chose to come here to camp overnight. Cozumelito is the most popular spot on the route, and this is where most people chose to stop. This place features a deep swimming pool and crystal clear water. If you continue about 15 minutes more up the river you will arrive to another spot known as Las Cascaditas. Less people come here, and in my opinion it is better than Cozumelito. There are small waterfalls, and another swimming pool.

Getting there

Any type of car can arrive. You can park at a location called Paso Canavati, which is also the starting point to reach Cascada la Cebolla if you don’t have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Get there early as the parking fills fast, especially on weekends and holidays. It is a public place, but even still, there is sometimes a man there who will try to charge you for parking. When I went they were trying to charge $100 pesos.

Route summary

The route is physically very easy. There is not a lot of elevation gain as you are walking the whole time along the river. At certain parts there is a trail that runs parallel to the river. At other points you will need to cross the river or even walk inside the river to continue. The trail is very easy to follow and there is not a lot of chance of getting lost. Even still, however, it is recommended to download the route before going just in case.

Tips & safety

Wear shoes that can get wet and still have good grip. A lot of the route follows the river, so expect slippery rocks, water crossings, and sections where normal tennis shoes can get uncomfortable fast.

Bring a dry bag or waterproof case for your phone, keys, wallet, and camera gear. Even if you do not plan on swimming, there are plenty of spots where your things can get splashed or soaked.

Check the weather before going. Avoid this route if there is rain in the forecast or if it has rained heavily recently, especially upstream. River routes can change quickly, and flash flooding is the main thing to watch out for.

Go early if you can. The route is more enjoyable before the heat gets too strong, and you will have more time to enjoy the water without rushing.

Bring enough drinking water. Even though you are walking near the river, do not count on drinking from it unless you have a proper filter or purifier.

Be careful near the cascades and natural pools. The rocks can be slick, and water depth can change depending on the season. Do not jump into any pool unless you have checked the depth and landing area first.

Use sun protection and bring insect repellent. Some sections are shaded, but others are exposed, and the river area can have mosquitoes depending on the season.

Pack out all your trash. This area is beautiful because of the clear water and natural pools, so do not leave cans, wrappers, food, or wet wipes behind.

Download the route before you go. Cell service can be unreliable in the area, so do not depend on having signal the whole time.

This is a great route for people who want a refreshing river hike, but it is still important to respect the water, the rocks, and the weather.