Roberto Barrios Waterfalls from Palenque: Swim in turquoise pools

Swim in five natural pools fed by waterfalls still untouched by crowds

A half-day tour from Palenque to Roberto Barrios Waterfalls in the Bascan Valley, where you hike through forest to five separate waterfalls with turquoise pools deep enough to swim in. Hotel pickup at 11 am, return by 5 pm. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the route, and travel insurance is included. Moderate fitness helps, as the terrain is natural and unmanicured.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

• Meet at hotel lobby in Palenque
• Drive 1 hour to Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
• Explore and swim at waterfalls for 3 hours
• Return to Palenque hotel by 5:00 pm

The experience

How do you get to waterfalls most tourists never find? The drive from Palenque takes about an hour on the border road into the Bascan Valley, where Roberto Barrios sits on land that has stayed largely untouched. The waterfalls themselves number five, each one fed by its own flow and each one a different shade of turquoise or green depending on the depth of the pool below it. You'll have roughly three hours at the site to move between them, photograph the water and the forest around it, and swim in the pools. The water is clear enough to see the bottom.

The hike between waterfalls is moderate. The ground is uneven and there's no paved path, so steady footing matters more than speed. A guide in Spanish leads the way and points out the flora and fauna of the region as you move through it. The whole day runs five hours door-to-door: pickup from your hotel at 11 am, the drive out, three hours at the waterfalls, and the return to Palenque by around 5 pm. Travel insurance and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

What’s included

• Travel insurance and air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup at 11 am and return by 5 pm.
• a Spanish-speaking guide for the full duration at the waterfalls.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Syctravel.com

Is this one for you?The five-hour commitment fits an afternoon without eating into the rest of your day in Palenque. You leave at 11 am and return by 5 pm. If you want to explore the town or visit Palenque archaeological site, this tour leaves morning or evening free.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I actually swim in the Roberto Barrios pools, or is it just for looking?

You can swim in the pools at Roberto Barrios. The water is clear and deep enough to bathe in, and swimming is part of what the tour includes. Bring a towel and clothes to change into.

What time does the tour pick me up, and when do I get back?

Hotel pickup is at 11 am from your hotel lobby in Palenque, and the tour returns by around 5 pm. The full day is five hours including the drive, so plan for the afternoon to be occupied.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

A Spanish-speaking guide leads the tour and explains the flora, fauna and features of the waterfalls as you move through the site. Children from age 3 are welcome on the tour.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle and travel insurance are included. Bring a towel, a change of clothes for swimming, sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain, and a camera if you want to photograph the waterfalls.