Ciudad Valles is a compelling gateway to exploring the Huasteca Potosina region. Its natural beauty, from crystal-clear rivers to lush waterfalls, makes it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures. We particularly love the rafting tour on Tampaon River (see more), which offers gentle thrills suitable for families and newcomers alike. The panoramic views, combined with a tasty lunch and included transport, make it a well-rounded option for a laid-back adventure. Whether you’re into adrenaline or just want to soak in the scenery, Ciudad Valles has something to match your style.
In our list of the 16 best tours, you’ll find a variety of experiences—some extreme, some serene. From the 3-day adventure tour in Huasteca Potosina (see more) to surrealist garden visits, each offers a different lens on this spectacular region. Read on to see which tours suit your travel style and how they stack up.
1. Rafting in Tampaon River from Ciudad Valles
This 7-hour rafting trip along Ciudad Valles’ Tampaon River is a standout for its balance of fun and scenery. Perfect for families or beginners, the paddle navigates class III rapids that are exciting yet manageable. The tour includes safety gear, instruction, and a delicious lunch afterward, making it a fuss-free experience. The natural surroundings are stunning, with lush vegetation lining the riverbanks, and the trip offers ample photo opportunities.
What makes this tour special is its accessibility—no prior experience needed—and the inclusion of hotel transport, which simplifies logistics. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 800 reviews, travelers often mention how gentle yet fun the rapids are. If you’re seeking a relaxed introduction to white-water rafting with scenic views, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: An excellent family-friendly option that combines gentle adventure, beautiful landscapes, and good value.
2. 3-Day Adventure and Nature Tour in Huasteca Potosina
For those with more time and a thirst for exploration, this three-day tour is packed with highlights. It includes white-water rafting on the Tampaón River, rappelling down Minas Viejas waterfalls, and a visit to the surreal Las Pozas sculpture garden in Xilitla (see more). Guests stay in luxurious 4-star accommodations and enjoy carefully selected meals.
The tour’s strength lies in its variety—adventure, art, and nature all in one trip—plus the professional guides with extensive local knowledge. With over 300 reviews at a perfect 5.0 rating, travelers rave about the quality and diversity of activities. It’s well suited for travelers who want an immersive experience and don’t mind a busy schedule.
Bottom Line: Best for adventure seekers and culture lovers who want a comprehensive, high-quality experience.
3. Tamul Waterfall and Water Cave on a Wooden Canoe
This full-day canoe excursion takes you paddling along the Tampaon River to reach Tamul Waterfall—one of the region’s most iconic sights. The trip includes lunch, packed snacks, and hotel transfers, making it straightforward to enjoy the scenery without logistical stress. The highlight is navigating the river in a traditional wooden canoe, stopping to photograph the 105-meter waterfall, and swimming in a cenote.
Rated 5.0 from 225 reviews, travelers love how close this tour gets them to nature and the adventure of paddling against the current. The combination of tranquil river scenes and the majestic waterfall makes it ideal for nature lovers and those wanting a relaxed, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: A fantastic, all-in-one day trip combining canoeing, waterfalls, and swimming, suitable for most fitness levels.
4. Bridge of God and Hacienda Gómez Tour
This 10-hour tour offers a mix of natural and cultural sights. It begins with a descent into Puente de Dios, a natural rock formation with a swimming pool, where you can jump from ledges of up to 9 meters (see more). Afterward, the tour visits the 7 waterfalls of Tamasopo and the Hacienda Gómez, an old estate with natural pools.
What makes this trip stand out is the small group size—limited to 10 people—which ensures a personal touch. The adrenaline of jumping from high ledges and the peaceful swimming spots appeal to thrill-seekers and those who enjoy nature. The reviews highlight the impressive sites and the smooth logistics.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced mix of excitement and relaxation, perfect for active travelers with a love for scenic swimming.
5. Ciudad Valles: Bridge of God and Hacienda Gómez Tour
This 10-hour tour is similar to the previous but with slightly different logistics, starting from Zacatecas State. It emphasizes adrenaline with waterfall jumps, reaching up to 9 meters at Puente de Dios, along with visits to seven waterfalls. The focus is on natural pools and waterfall jumps.
Rated at 5/5 from 3 reviews, travelers appreciate the professional guides and the opportunity to enjoy multiple sites in a single day. This tour’s practical, adventurous nature makes it suitable for active travelers who crave a full day of outdoor fun.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for thrill-seekers wanting a full day of water-based excitement.
6. Tamul Waterfall Tour (Canoe Ride)
For an up-close experience with Tamul Waterfall, this 10-hour canoe adventure up the Tampaón River is perfect. You paddle in a traditional panga canoe, crossing canyons and spotting flora and fauna before reaching the spectacular 105-meter waterfall. The trip includes a swim in the cenote and the chance to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace.
With 3 reviews at 5.0 stars, travelers praise how peaceful and scenic the trip is, especially the canoe ride and the swimming opportunities. It’s best suited for those who want a slower, nature-focused day with opportunities to photograph and relax.
Bottom Line: An ideal blend of paddling and sightseeing, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
7. Ciudad Valles: Tamul Waterfall Canoe Ride Experience
This 10-hour trip emphasizes the canoe ride upstream, with the ultimate goal of reaching Tamul Waterfall. It’s similar to the previous entry but highlights the canoe experience as a key feature. You will enjoy swimming and exploring the El Cenote Huasteco de Agua in a peaceful setting.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, participants appreciate the quiet, scenic paddling and the chance to see the waterfall from water level. It appeals to travelers interested in a relaxing, scenic, and authentic experience on the Tampaon River.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a calm, water-based journey with spectacular views, this is a perfect pick.
8. Ciudad Valles: Puente de Dios and the 7 Waterfalls
This 10-hour tour combines swimming in Puente de Dios with visits to seven waterfalls and the Trampolín river. The itinerary emphasizes water fun with the chance to jump from nine meters, walk through lush scenery, and relax in natural pools.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, travelers highlight the comprehensive nature of the trip and the beautiful swimming spots. The tour is suited for active travelers who want a full immersion in the region’s aquatic attractions.
Bottom Line: A thorough, water-focused experience that balances adventure and relaxation.
$98 per person
9. Surrealist Garden Tour in Xilitla
This 10-hour trip takes you to the famous Edward James Surrealist Garden (see more), where architecture and jungle collide. You’ll explore surreal corridors, stairs, and waterfalls, then visit the Sotano de las Huahuas, a 478-meter-deep sinkhole with spectacular bird activity.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, travelers love the unique atmosphere and the combination of art and nature. It’s ideal for those interested in photography, architecture, or simply a different kind of outdoor experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers craving a surreal, artistic atmosphere amid lush surroundings.
$77 per person
10. Tamtoc and Birth of Taninul Tour
This 10-hour tour offers a taste of archaeology and natural hot springs. You’ll explore Tamtoc, an important archaeological site, then relax in Taninul’s thermal waters (see more). It combines history, culture, and relaxation.
Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the balance of exploration and leisure, with knowledgeable guides adding to the experience. It’s suited for history buffs and those wanting cultural insight along with natural baths.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for history and wellness lovers.
$77 per person
11. El Meco and El Salto Waterfalls Tour
This 10-hour adventure features swimming in pools at El Salto and canoeing against the current at Mirador El Meco (see more). The trip is perfect for active travelers wanting both water fun and a scenic viewpoint.
Rated 4.5 stars from 6 reviews, travelers highlight the personalized attention and the chance to get close to waterfalls with jumping opportunities. It suits those who want a full day immersed in nature with some thrill.
Bottom Line: A versatile, active day perfect for water and nature lovers.
12. Edward James Sculpture Garden and Sótano de Huahuas
This 10-hour tour combines the surrealist sculptures of Edward James’s garden with the spectacle of birds in Sotano de las Huahuas (see more). It offers a mix of art, architecture, and wildlife viewing.
Rated 4.7/5, travelers enjoy the guided visits and the chance to see birds entering the abyss. It’s ideal for those interested in ecotourism, photography, and the arts.
Bottom Line: A diverse trip blending surreal art with natural marvels—great for culturally curious explorers.
13. Minas Viejas Waterfall and Micos Waterfalls Tour
On this 10-hour Waterfall Route, you explore Minas Viejas and Micos waterfalls, including jumping from heights up to 8 meters. The trip is designed for thrill seekers who want more than just sightseeing, with swimming and jumping at the forefront.
Rated 4.0 from 5 reviews, travelers value the personalized small group experience and the exciting waterfall jumps. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a day packed with adrenaline.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-savvy travelers who want an action-packed water adventure.
14. Surrealist Garden and Sotano de las Huahuas
This 10-hour tour offers a walk through Edward James’s surreal sculptures plus the impressive Sotano, where thousands of swifts fill the sky at sunset (see more). It’s a blend of art, nature, and birdwatching.
Rated 4.0/5, it appeals to travelers seeking unique photography opportunities and outdoor exploration beyond standard waterfalls.
Bottom Line: Ideal for artistic and adventurous travelers who want a visual feast.
15. Micos and El Aguacate Waterfalls
This 9-hour tour combines visits to El Aguacate Waterfall with the Micos River waterfalls. The focus is on relaxing in crystalline waters and enjoying peaceful scenery—great for families or those who prefer a gentle pace.
Rated no reviews available, but based on the itinerary, it’s suited for travelers craving a calm, nature-focused day with swimming and scenic views.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a peaceful nature day without too much physical challenge.
$98 per person
16. El Meco and El Salto Waterfalls Tour
This 10-hour trip offers a combination of swimming at El Salto and canoeing at Mirador El Meco. It emphasizes water fun and scenic vistas, with opportunities for kayaking and jumping from up to 8 meters.
Rated no reviews, but its detailed itinerary suggests a perfect fit for water lovers and active travelers.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, water-based adventure tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.
$77 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after a relaxing day in nature, the canoe trips at Tamul or the waterfalls at El Salto offer tranquility. For those seeking adrenaline, the Puente de Dios or ** Minas Viejas Waterfall** tours provide jump opportunities and rapid navigation. If you have several days and love combining art with adventure, the 3-day tour or surrealist garden visits will suit you.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, to secure spots in popular tours like the rafting adventure or full multi-day trips. Think about your fitness level—some excursions involve climbing steps or jumping from heights, so review the itinerary to match your comfort zone.
Final Thoughts
Ciudad Valles offers a wide range of experiences—whether it’s paddling through scenic rivers, exploring surrealist gardens, or jumping into waterfalls. For a gentle introduction, the rafting tour is hard to beat, combining beautiful views with a laid-back pace. More adventurous travelers will find plenty to get their adrenaline flowing, especially with options like the waterfall jumps or multi-day explorations.
No matter your preference, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these top-rated tours. Pack your sense of adventure, your camera, and a good pair of walking shoes—Ciudad Valles is ready to surprise you.