Micos and El Aguacate waterfalls: a nature tour.

Traveling through Mexico’s lush landscape can be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when it involves discovering stunning waterfalls and tranquil natural spots. This tour, operated by Explora Huasteca, promises a full day of exploring two iconic waterfalls—El Aguacate and Los Micos—with plenty of time for swimming, photos, and relaxation, all packed into a 9-hour adventure.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to cool off in crystal-clear waters at both waterfalls, which is perfect for beating the heat. Second, the delicious regional buffet lunch offers a taste of Huasteca’s culinary flavors. One possible consideration is the long walks involved, especially the descent of about 200 steps to reach El Aguacate, which might be tiring for some travelers.

This tour suits nature lovers, families, or anyone craving a laid-back day immersed in Mexico’s beautiful outdoors. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for value, with professional guides, transportation, and meal included in the price of $98 per person.

This experience made our article of 15 Fantastic Tours & Things To Do In Ciudad Valles.

Key Points

• Authentic natural experience with visits to two impressive waterfalls.
• Swim in crystalline waters—refreshing and invigorating.
• Includes regional buffet lunch showcasing Huasteca cuisine.
• Comfortable transportation from Ciudad Valles with a small group.
• Guided tours provide context and enhance the experience.
• Good value for money with all major fees and gear included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What This Tour Offers

This tour offers an engaging way to see some of the most beautiful natural sights near Ciudad Valles, in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves but based on reviews and descriptions, it seems like a well-rounded day that balances scenic beauty with cultural flavor.

One of the first things we love is how it combines adventure with relaxation—you get to marvel at waterfalls that are both majestic and perfect for cooling off. We also appreciate that it’s designed for a wide range of travelers, from families to nature enthusiasts.

However, a potential drawback is the physical aspect—descending about 200 steps to reach El Aguacate might be strenuous if you’re not prepared. Still, the payoff of standing in front of a more than 70-meter-high waterfall makes it worth the effort. If you’re the type to enjoy a leisurely, nature-filled day with good food and scenic stops, this tour is likely a great fit.

What You Can Expect: A Day of Waterfalls and Nature

Departure from Ciudad Valles and First Stop: El Aguacate Waterfall

Your day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Ciudad Valles at 9:00 am. After a roughly 80-minute drive, you arrive at the entrance of El Aguacate Waterfall. Here, you’ll be treated to a quick photo stop and a guided overview of the site.

The real highlight is the 200-step descent to the base of this impressive fall, which cascades over 70 meters. The walk might be challenging, but the view and the chance to swim in its crystal-clear waters are worth every step. The waterfall’s power and height make it a fascinating sight, and many reviews mention how breathtaking the scenery is.

Swimming and Relaxation at El Aguacate

Once at the bottom, you’ll have about two hours to enjoy the refreshing waters. Many visitors comment on how invigorating the cold water feels—ideal for a hot Mexican day. You can also relax on the rocks or take photos of the lush surrounding vegetation.

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Next Stop: Micos Waterfalls

After returning to the van, a 50-minute drive leads you to Los Micos Waterfalls. Here, your guided tour continues, and you’ll get to appreciate the exuberant greenery that surrounds this area. Like with El Aguacate, you’ll have about two hours for swimming, photography, and exploring.

The main pool at Los Micos is surrounded by greenery, providing a peaceful backdrop for photos or just soaking in the scenery. Several reviews highlight the lush environment as a defining feature—you’ll love the views of dense vegetation and the sound of cascading water.

Cultural and Culinary Highlights: The Huasteca Buffet

In the afternoon, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a roughly 1.5-hour break. The buffet features regional Huasteca dishes, which are often praised for their authentic flavors and generous portions. Many reviewers mention the delicious food as a standout part of the experience, perfectly complementing the active morning.

Final Return and Reflection

After lunch, a short 15-minute drive brings you back to Ciudad Valles, arriving around 5 pm. The entire day is well-paced, with enough time at each site to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Know

This tour offers great value, especially with all entrance fees, professional guides, transportation, gear, and a photographic package included in the $98 price. The guides are Spanish-speaking but are described as knowledgeable, adding context to each site.

The tour includes a buffet lunch—a significant plus for those wanting to sample regional cuisine without extra hassle. Equipment such as swimsuits, towels, and biodegradable sunscreen are provided or recommended, making it easier to pack light.

However, there are some things to consider. Lodging and dinner are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re staying longer in Ciudad Valles. Also, the tour requires comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a change of clothes, so packing smart is essential.

The Experience in Detail: What Makes It Stand Out

The main draw of this tour is the chance to see two of the most iconic waterfalls in the region—El Aguacate and Los Micos—which are praised for their beauty and tranquility. The guided tours add value by providing explanations about the area’s flora, fauna, and geological features, turning a simple visit into a learning experience.

The swimming opportunities are a highlight, especially since many reviews emphasize how cold, clean waters make the experience both fun and refreshing. The walk down to El Aguacate is described as worthwhile, though it’s important to be physically prepared for the descent.

Many travelers also appreciate the local regional food, which adds a cultural dimension beyond just natural sights. The buffet is considered a tasty, hearty way to end the active part of the day, giving you energy for the drive back.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Participants often mention the peaceful environment and the chance to connect with nature—something that’s hard to find in crowded tourist spots. The lush greenery and the sound of waterfalls create a serene atmosphere that lends itself to reflection and relaxation.

Considerations

Some reviews mention the long walks involved and the physical effort needed to navigate the descent at El Aguacate. If you have mobility issues or prefer less strenuous activities, it’s worth considering this. Also, the tour is conducted in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might want to prepare with translation tools or request guides in advance.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This waterfalls adventure provides excellent value for those eager to see two of Mexico’s most beautiful waterfalls. The combination of adventure, nature, and regional cuisine makes it a satisfying day trip for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an authentic outdoor experience.

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet active day that balances scenic beauty with cultural flavor, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value good food, professional guidance, and the chance to swim in pristine waters.

However, if you dislike walking or have mobility issues, consider the physical demands of descending El Aguacate and the long drive involved. But for most, the experience promises memorable views, refreshing swims, and a taste of Huasteca’s hospitality all in one affordable package.

FAQ

Is transportation provided? Yes, included in the tour is transportation from Ciudad Valles to the waterfalls and back, with pickup at your hotel or accommodation.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5 pm.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also, cash is handy for tips or souvenirs.

Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch featuring regional Huasteca dishes is included, but breakfast and dinner are not.

Is this tour suitable for children? The physical nature of descending steps might be tiring for young children, but families with kids who are active and enjoy outdoor activities should find it suitable.

Do I need to speak Spanish? The tour is guided in Spanish, so some language skills are helpful. Non-Spanish speakers might want to arrange for translation or check if guides speak other languages.

Can I swim at the waterfalls? Absolutely. Both El Aguacate and Los Micos have designated swimming areas where visitors frequently enjoy plunging into the cool waters.

Is the tour worth the price? Given that transportation, guides, entrance fees, gear, and lunch are included, many travelers find the $98 price point offers excellent value for the quality of experience.

Are there any physical challenges? The descent of El Aguacate involves about 200 steps, which can be strenuous. Prepare accordingly if mobility is a concern.

This tour stands out as a balanced, authentic way to experience some of the best natural sights near Ciudad Valles. With stunning waterfalls, refreshing swims, and tasty local food, it offers a comprehensive glimpse into Huasteca’s beauty and hospitality, all at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby