Tamul Waterfall & Cueva del Agua: Wooden Canoe Day Trip

Summary

Paddle to Tamul waterfall then swim in a cenote before sharing lunch with a local family

You’ll paddle a wooden canoe along the bright blue Tampaon River to Tamul waterfall, then swim in Cueva del Agua’s deep cenote before sharing lunch with locals in La Morena community. Expect tired arms, real laughter, and moments that’ll stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first step into the wooden canoe on the Tampaon River — I remember my shoes slipping a bit on the damp boards, and our guide José grinning like he’d seen it all before. The water really is that blue, not fake-photo blue but something almost milky, and cold if you dip your fingers in. We pushed off from the bank with a bunch of us quietly laughing at our uneven paddling. The morning air was thick with river smells — kind of sweet mud and wet leaves — and I kept hearing birds I couldn’t name. José pointed out a heron, or maybe he said “garza,” I can’t remember now.

The paddle up to Tamul waterfall took longer than I thought (arms got tired fast), but it never felt rushed. At one point we floated past these limestone cliffs where sunlight hit the water just right — everyone stopped talking for a second. When we finally reached Tamul, it was loud, like proper loud; you feel it in your chest. José told us it’s the tallest waterfall in San Luis Potosí State (I googled later: 105 meters). He showed us where to scramble onto this flat rock for photos. I still think about how small we looked next to all that falling water.

Afterwards we paddled back downstream to Cueva del Agua. The cave is more like a secret pool tucked under overhanging rock — so deep you can’t see bottom (José said 25 meters). Jumping in was shockingly cold but kind of addictive once you got used to it. Someone tried shouting inside the cave just for the echo; it sounded ridiculous and perfect at the same time.

Lunch was at a local family’s house in La Morena community — plastic tablecloths, tortillas stacked high, beans that tasted smoky somehow. There was this salsa that nearly made me cry (in a good way). We sat around swapping stories with other travelers while someone’s little kid peeked around the doorway every few minutes. It wasn’t fancy but honestly felt better than any restaurant meal after all that paddling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tamul waterfall and canoe tour

• Hotel pick up in Ciudad Valles
• Depart to Tamul
• Arrive at local house for bathroom break
• Start paddling on Tampaon River
• See Tamul waterfall and take photos
• Swim at Cueva del Agua
• Paddle downriver to La Morena community
• Have lunch at local house
• Return to Ciudad Valles
• Drop off at hotels

Top questions

How long does the Tamul Waterfall & Cueva del Agua tour last?

The day trip lasts about 8 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off from Ciudad Valles.

Is hotel pickup included for all hotels?

Hotel pickup is only available for downtown hotels in Ciudad Valles, not San Luis Potosí city.

What’s included in lunch during the tour?

A traditional local meal is served at a family home in La Morena community; dietary needs can be advised at booking.

Do I need to know how to paddle or swim?

No experience is needed; guides provide life jackets and instructions for canoeing and swimming.

Are entrance fees and equipment included?

Yes, entrance fees, canoe use, paddles, personal flotation devices, snacks, and accident insurance are all included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Is there time to swim at both Tamul waterfall and Cueva del Agua?

You’ll have swimming time at Cueva del Agua; swimming directly under Tamul waterfall isn’t part of the itinerary.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Bring clothes for paddling/swimming, sunscreen, towel, dry change of clothes, and cash for tips if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ciudad Valles downtown hotels (not San Luis Potosí city), all entrance fees, canoe rental with paddles and life jackets provided by your local guide José or another expert from the area, snacks like granola bars and water during the trip, plus a hearty home-cooked lunch with typical food at a family house before heading back in the late afternoon.