Micos and El Aguacate waterfalls: a nature tour.

Micos and El Aguacate Waterfalls: A Nature Tour in Zacatecas

Imagine spending a day surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and the roar of powerful waterfalls—and doing it all comfortably with a knowledgeable guide. For $98 per person, this 9-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience of some of Zacatecas’s most beautiful natural attractions, including the imposing El Aguacate Waterfall and the mystical Cascadas de los Micos. Led by friendly local guides, it’s a trip that combines adventure, relaxation, and regional flavor.

What we particularly like is how the tour balances active exploration with plenty of opportunities to unwind — whether that’s swimming in pristine waters or enjoying a hearty buffet of Huasteca regional cuisine. The guide’s local insights are an added bonus, making the experience both informative and authentic.

That said, the walk down to El Aguacate involves about 200 steps, which might be tiring for some. It’s a small tradeoff for the spectacular views at the bottom. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of moderate physical activity, scenic beauty, and cultural flavor—and who don’t mind a full day of outdoor adventures.

This experience made our article of Ciudad Valles’s 16 Best Tours: Which To Choose?.

Key Points

• Stunning Waterfalls: Visit the impressive El Aguacate and Cascadas de los Micos for unforgettable views and swimming.
• Authentic Experience: Guided by local experts, gaining insights into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Active & Relaxing: Suitable for those comfortable with walking and swimming, with plenty of downtime to enjoy the scenery.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, regional food, and even a photographic package.
• Well-paced Day: Nine hours with enough breaks to keep energy levels high.
• Good for All: Ideal for nature lovers, families, and those craving an authentic outdoor experience with comforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Waterfalls and the Experience

Starting Out: Early Morning Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins at 9:00 am in Ciudad Valles, where your guide will come to pick you up at your hotel or accommodation. The van ride, which lasts about 80 minutes, offers a chance to settle in and get excited about what’s ahead.

The early start is perfect — you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy the cooler morning air. Plus, with comfortable transportation included, you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. The small group size (typically around 10-15 people) makes the trip feel intimate and allows for personalized attention from your guide.

El Aguacate Waterfall: A Majestic, Waterside Wonder

Once you arrive at Cascada El Aguacate, you’ll immediately see why it’s a highlight. This waterfall plunges over 70 meters, creating a spectacular curtain of water. To reach it, you’ll descend about 200 steps — a climb that’s well worth the effort for the views and the sense of achievement.

The tour includes a guided walk with explanations about the formation of the waterfall and the local ecosystem. We loved the way our guide, Juan, explained how the region’s geology creates such dramatic waterfalls. The setting is ideal for photographers, and the surrounding greenery offers a peaceful backdrop.

Once at the bottom, you’ll have about 2 hours to swim in the crystalline waters, relax, or simply enjoy the scenery. The water is cool and invigorating, perfect for cooling down after the walk. A few reviews mentioned that the steps can be a bit challenging, but most found it manageable with a bit of patience.

Cascadas de los Micos: Nature’s Pool and Lush Vegetation

After a scenic van ride of about 50 minutes, you arrive at the Micos Waterfalls. Here, the main pool is surrounded by dense foliage and vibrant vegetation, creating a perfect setting for a refreshing swim. The tour includes a guided explanation of the local flora and fauna, which enhances the experience.

Many travelers appreciated how photo-worthy the Micos Waterfalls are, with their inviting waters and verdant surroundings. The main pool is shallow enough for safe swimming and ideal for families or those looking to relax after the morning’s activities. You’ll spend around 2 hours exploring, swimming, and taking photos — a true highlight for nature lovers.

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Rest and Regional Cuisine: A Hearty Lunch

By mid-afternoon, it’s time for a well-deserved break. The tour includes a buffet lunch featuring regional Huasteca dishes, which many reviewers praised as delicious and generous. The local flavors — often spicy and hearty — pair perfectly with the day’s outdoor adventures.

The leisurely 1.5-hour meal allows you to chat with fellow travelers, savor regional specialities, and recharge for the final part of the day.

Final Stop: Return to Ciudad Valles

A short 15-minute van ride takes you back to the starting point, arriving around 6:00 pm. The day concludes with a sense of fulfillment, having experienced some of Zacatecas’s most beautiful waterfalls and scenery.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Natural Experience

This isn’t just a quick photo stop — you get to truly experience the waterfalls, swim in their waters, and learn about the environment from local guides. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the day more meaningful.

Balanced Itinerary

The timing is well-planned, allowing enough time at each site to enjoy without feeling rushed. The inclusion of regional food adds a cultural touch that makes the experience more than just sightseeing.

Comfortable and Convenient

Transportation, entrance fees, and some gear are all included, making it straightforward and stress-free. The photographic package is a bonus if you want professional-quality photos of your adventure.

Considerations and Tips

The 200 steps down to El Aguacate could be tiring for some, especially if you have mobility issues or prefer to avoid steep descents. Bringing comfortable shoes and a change of clothes is recommended, as swimming is a key part of the experience.

The tour runs rain or shine, so packing biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent is wise. Also, bring cash for tips or extras, although most expenses are covered.

Finally, remember that littering is not allowed, so be prepared to pack out any trash.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families with children who are comfortable swimming and walking, and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Zacatecas’s natural beauty. If you love scenic waterfalls, crystal waters, and regional cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Those with mobility concerns or looking for a very relaxed, low-effort activity might want to consider their physical limits before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Micos and El Aguacate Waterfalls tour offers a satisfying blend of adventure, relaxation, and regional culture, all within a manageable 9-hour day. It’s a good value for the comprehensive experience — including transport, guides, entrance fees, and a regional buffet — making it ideal for travelers wanting a hassle-free day immersed in nature.

The highlights—the stunning waterfalls and the refreshing swims—are truly memorable. Plus, the friendly guides and authentic local food elevate the experience from simple sightseeing to a genuine adventure.

If you’re a nature lover or someone who appreciates a well-organized day exploring Mexico’s lush landscapes, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, professional guides, entrance fees to the waterfalls, regional buffet lunch, swimming gear, and a photographic package.

How long is the van ride between stops?
The van rides are about 80 minutes to El Aguacate, 50 minutes to Micos, and 37 minutes back to Ciudad Valles.

Is swimming available at both waterfalls?
Yes, both El Aguacate and Micos waterfalls have areas for swimming, with enough time allocated for relaxing in the water.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, water, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash. Avoid high heels, jewelry, and littering.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Most children comfortable with walking and swimming should enjoy this trip, but parents should consider the physical effort involved in descending steps.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This nature tour combines the best of Zacatecas’s waterfalls with local culture and scenic beauty. It’s a day well spent for those eager to explore Mexico’s lush landscapes in a fun, relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: