Discover Cascadas Tuliman and Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan in Puebla, Mexico

When googling “things to do in zacatlan” or “things to do in chignahuapan”, one of the top search results would always be Cascadas Tuliman. Meaning “Tuliman Waterfalls” in English, it refers to a beautiful waterfall located halfway between Zacactlan de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan in the state of Puebla.

Before I got there, I expected to find a waterfall with little else to offer other than a viewing platform at the site. I’d admire the waterfall, snap a few pictures, and with nothing left to do, I’d take a combi (colectivo) back to Zacatlan or Chignahuapan. It would be a quick picture-taking opportunity and that’s it. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

As it turns out, Cascadas Tuliman and Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan are so much more than just scenic waterfalls. They’re eco-parks that offer great scenery, fun hiking opportunities, and lots of adrenaline-inducing adventure.

If you visit the pueblos magicos (magical towns) of Zacatlan de las Manzanas or Chignahuapan in Puebla, then you need to spend a day at Cascadas Tuliman and Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan. Here’s what you can expect.

WHAT IS CASCADAS TULIMAN?

Cascadas Tuliman refers to both Tuliman Waterfalls and the eco-adventure park built around it. Set in a lush forested location in Puebla State’s Zacatlan Municipality, it features three zones offering scenic views, hiking trails, adventure activities, restaurants, and lodging.

The cost to enter the park is MXN 100 for adults and MXN 50 for children ages 5-10. Activities like archery, zip-lining, and camping cost extra. Jump to the Cascadas Tuliman section of this article for more details.

WHAT IS CASCADAS SALTO DE QUETZALAPAN?

Like Cascadas Tuliman, Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan refers to both the waterfalls (Quetzalapan Waterfalls) and the eco-adventure park built around it. Tuliman and Salto de Quetzalapan are two separate parks located in the same mountain range.

Quetzalapan park is considerably smaller than Tuliman but in some ways, it offers more thrills as the waterfall and park are located at the top of the mountain. You can go camping, rock climbing, and rappelling, though the highlights are definitely the zip line and hanging bridge suspended over the waterfalls. They’re breathtaking and slightly hair-raising experiences that are sure to raise your adrenalin.

General entry to Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan is MXN 50. Activities like zip-lining and rock climbing are extra but you can get discounts if you purchase package deals. More on that in the Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan section of this guide.

HOW TO GET TO CASCADAS TULIMAN AND CASCADAS SALTO DE QUETZALAPAN

These two eco-adventure parks are located just a few hundred steps from each other on the same mountain range but if you look them up on Google Maps, you’ll find that Tuliman is listed as being in Zacatlan Municipality while Quetzalapan is in Chignahuapan. But the way to get there is the same and you can visit both parks on the same day.

Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan and Tuliman are located about halfway between the pueblos magicos of Zacatlan de las Manzanas and Chignahuapan so you can easily visit them from either town.

From Chignahuapan

I visited from Chignahuapan. I took a combi (shared van transport) bound for Zacatlan from the Chignahuapan bus terminal and paid MXN 11 each way.

When you get to the terminal, look for a combi (all are white) with a sign for “Zacatlan” displayed on the window and tell the driver that you’d like to go to Cascadas Tuliman (or Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan). He’ll drop you off on the side of the highway where you can walk the rest of the way to the eco-parks (about 15-20 minutes). There are signs along the way so you can’t miss it.

I strongly recommend having Google Maps open on your phone so you can see exactly where you need to get off in case your driver forgets.

To get back, just cross over to the other side of the highway and hail a passing combi bound for Chignahuapan.

From Zacatlan de las Manzanas

Getting to both eco-parks from Zacatlan de las Manzanas is the same as going from Chignahuapan, but going the other way (obviously).

I took a microbus bound for Chignahuapan from the Zacatlan bus terminal. I took it all the way to Chignahuapan (MXN 21) but the driver can probably let you off along the side of the highway so you can walk to the eco-parks. Be sure to tell him that you’re going to Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan or Tuliman so he lets you off at the right spot.

As advised, it’s best to have Google Maps open on your phone so you know exactly when you have to get off.

To get back, cross over to the other side of the highway and wait for a combi on its way to Zacatlan.

By Guided Tour

I went to Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan and Cascadas Tuliman on my own. I didn’t have any problems but it may be easier and safer to go on a guided tour. There are several companies in Chignahuapan and Zacatlan that offer tours to the parks.

I didn’t go with any so I can’t personally vouch for them, but in Chignahuapan, you can try Stiven Tours. In Zacatlan, one option is VIVE Servicios Turísticos.

RELATED ARTICLE: Chignahuapan Tour: Discover the Best of Chignahuapan on the Axolot-Bus

CASCADAS SALTO DE QUETZALAPAN

Between the two, Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan is the easier park to get to on foot. From the spot on the highway where you’ll be dropped off, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the park.

General entrance to the park is MXN 50 but if you plan on doing some of the activities like the zip line or suspension bridge walk, then it’s best to avail of one of their packages. Here are the published ala carte and package rates from August 2022:

	Price (MXN)
General Entrance	50
Zip Line	50
Suspension Bridge Walk	70
Tension Wire Walk	40
Rappelling	280
Children’s Zip Line	40
Children’s Rock Climbing	30
Archery	15
Camping	50
Package 1 Includes general entrance, suspension bridge walk, and zip line	120
Package 2 Includes general entrance, suspension bridge walk, tension wire walk, zip line, and archery	170
Children’s Package Includes general entrance, children’s rock climbing, and children’s zip line	70

I availed of package 1 and saved MXN 50 off the total ala carte price. It’s definitely worth it.

I initially wasn’t planning on doing the zip line or bridge walk but after seeing it in person, I had to do it. You’re literally crossing over the top of Quetzalapan Waterfalls. So cool!

If you do both, then you’ll do the zip line first followed by the bridge walk. You’ll zip from one side to the other and then cross the bridge back. The zip line wasn’t scary but my knees were definitely shaking during the middle parts of the bridge walk.

The suspension bridge is made entirely of wire so you can see through the bottom with every step. The bridge feels secure and you’re strapped to a safety cable but it does sway a bit from the wind. It’s a fun and exhilarating experience for sure.

Immediately to my right in this picture is Quetzalapan Waterfalls and the bridge. This is what you’re hanging over as you cross from one side to the other. Breathtaking isn’t it?

The zip line and bridge are fun but honestly, you don’t have to do any of the adventure activities to enjoy the park. There’s a stairway that takes you down to a viewing platform on the side of Quetzalapan Waterfalls. Can you see the hanging bridge and zip line above the waterfalls?

I sat here for a good half hour or so just enjoying the scenery and the sound of the falls. Check out that rainbow!

People who want to do their best impression of Legolas can try their hand at archery as well. There are small archery ranges at both parks that seem popular with families.

Compared to Cascadas Tuliman, Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan isn’t that big but there’s enough to do to keep you entertained for a good two hours.

The zip line and bridge walk are fun and highly recommended but as advised, you don’t need to do them to enjoy the place. There’s great scenery all around all you’ll have a wonderful time just being at the park.

Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan

Address: Lazaro Cardenas, Quetzalapa, 73300 Chignahuapan, Puebla (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: 9AM-6PM, daily
Website: saltodequetzalapan.com.mx
Facebook: Cascadas.de.quetzalapan.oficial

CASCADAS TULIMAN

I visited Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan first before making my way to Cascadas Tuliman. I thought that the Tuliman eco-park would be just like Quetzalapan but I was wrong. It’s MUCH bigger and takes you down the mountain to that river on the right side of the picture below.

Cascadas Tuliman consists of three zones. Most visitors arrive by car but you’re welcome to walk like I did. Just know that it’s around 2.5 miles (4 km) from the entrance all the way down to Zone 3. If you walk down, then you’ll need to walk back up again, unless you’re willing to pay for transport. More on that later.

If you walk, then you’ll be walking downhill on unpaved road, mostly without cover, so it’s a good idea to: (a) wear proper hiking boots; (b) wear sunscreen and a hat; and (c) bring a small bottle of water. There are stores selling drinks and food in the three zones but you may want to bring a bottle of your own anyway.

Here are the entrance fees and activity rates at Cascadas Tuliman (August 2022):

	Price (MXN)
Adult Entrance Fee	100
Children Entrance Fee (ages 5-10)	50
Zip Line Circuit	150 / 300
Archery	30
Tree Climbing	30
Mineral Pool	30
Hanging Bridge	50
Cabin Rental	400
Camping	50

The picture below was taken from a mirador (viewing platform) shortly after crossing the main entrance into the park. I literally gasped when I saw this. Such a beautiful place to get away from the city and enjoy nature!

Zona 1

Zona 1 is where you can see Tuliman Waterfalls. After reaching the main area, you can walk along a short hiking trail that’ll take you to the waterfall. Quetzalapan may look more dramatic but Tuliman is just as beautiful.

There are plenty of rest areas in the three zones so you’re encouraged to rest and rehydrate here before continuing down to Zona 2.

Zona 2

Zona 2 was my favorite zone in Cascadas Tuliman. It’s the starting point of the best hiking trail in the park that leads you down to a suspension bridge and a large tree. Along the way, you’ll be treated to great scenery and lots of picture-taking opportunities. Bring a good camera because you can take excellent pictures here.

Along parts of the path were these trees with long silvery clusters of leaves. I don’t know what you call them but they reminded me of willow trees. Hanging over certain parts of the trail, it was magical walking underneath them as they swayed back and forth in the wind.

After several minutes of walking down the trail, you’ll get to this suspension bridge and a small pool with hot spring water. Chignahuapan is known for its thermal pools so you may want to take a quick dip in here, though it didn’t look clean enough at the time of my visit.

This is what you see when you cross the bridge. It’s hanging over a narrow section of the stream that’s visibly carving its way down and through the rock.

Isn’t this stunning? Nature’s beauty never fails to amaze me.

Shortly after crossing the bridge, you’ll get to this large tree. I don’t know its significance but it must be a few centuries old.

I was making my way back up the trail to Zona 2 when I spotted this little guy peering through the rocks. ¿Que pasa amigo?

Such a great place to slow down, observe, and enjoy nature.

Zona 3

I don’t know how long it took me to get all the way down to Zona 3 but I was glad to finally make it. Zona 3 is home to a couple of short hiking trails that take you to a confluence of two rivers and a small, relatively unspectacular waterfall.

Zona 3 is also where you’ll find the park’s archery range, zip line, and hanging bridge. They look fun but they don’t offer the same thrill as Quetzalapan where you’re hanging thousands of feet in the air over a waterfall.

After rehydrating and eating a small lunch, I spoke to a staff member and requested transport from Zona 3 back up to the main entrance. I had to wait a bit but luckily, they were able to arrange it for me for MXN 100.

I don’t know if transportation is always available so be prepared for the possibility of hiking up yourself if it isn’t. As advised, it would be a good idea to bring an extra bottle of water.

Cascadas Tuliman

Address: Potrero De Quetzalapa, 73310 Zacatlán, Puebla (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: 8AM-8PM, daily
Facebook: CascadasTulimanOficial
Instagram: CascadasTulimanOficial

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CASCADAS TULIMAN AND CASCADAS SALTO DE QUETZALAPAN

I woke up that morning expecting to find gorgeous waterfalls and not much else, but Cascadas Salto de Quetzalapan and Tuliman turned out to be so much more. They’re beautiful and well-maintained eco-parks that give you the opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty and get away from the city.

The zip line and wire bridge were fun but as advised, you don’t need to do them to have a wonderful time. The hiking trails alone offer great adventure opportunities and you’ll feel incredible just being there.

It’s hard to plan your trip around the weather but it’s obviously best to go when it’s sunny. Rainy weather can really dampen the experience, not to mention make it dangerous walking along that steep unpaved mountain road.

For the safest and most worry-free experience, then it’s best to book a guided tour.

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