10 destinations with lakes and rivers near CDMX

The Easter holidays are getting closer every day and putting together a plan with your partner, your friends, your family (or even yourself) is easier than you think.

In this note we had mentioned some spas (natural or artificial) that were close to the capital and that are ideal for a long weekend or a plan with friends.

Now, for lovers of nature and extreme activities such as rappelling and zip lining, we have prepared a list with 15 extraordinary destination options with rivers and lakes less than 4 hours from CDMX.

From the best known like Valle de Bravo or Tequesquitengo to hidden waterfalls in the northern mountains of Puebla, on this list you will find the ideal destination for your next vacation.

1. Aculco, State of Mexico

In the middle of the mountains hides the small town of Aculco, an ideal destination if you like to combine gastronomy and nature.

Aculco has the Tixhiñu Waterfall, ideal if you like rappelling. The fissures and crevices of the waterfall will allow you to go down and see up close the impressive waterfall of more than 25 meters high.

Once down you can cool off in the mighty Tixhiñu River and contemplate the majestic landscape around.

After so much physical activity, go downtown to look at its beautiful quarry church and try the delicious cheeses that are Aculco’s specialty. You will love the smoked Oaxaca cheese.

Distance from CDMX: 144 km (approximately 2 hours)

2. Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico

It’s like the old reliable of travel. The center of all the activity in Valle is precisely its lake.

Although Valle is not a natural lake (it was created after the construction of the Valle de Bravo dam), that does not mean that it is an ideal destination for all types of spirits: from the adventurous to the calmest.

In Valle de Bravo you can go from paragliding to enjoying a relaxed walk along the lake.

And if you still want more nature, just 20 minutes from the center you will find the beautiful ‘Velo de novia’ waterfall, with a drop of approximately 35 meters.

The surroundings are equipped with tables, benches and grills so you can enjoy an ice cream or a snack while you watch the water slide over the stones.

Distance from CDMX: 110 km (1 hour and a half)

3. Tonatico, State of Mexico

A little less known than Valle de Bravo, but no less beautiful, Tonatico brings together several natural beauties that will surely win your heart.

The main natural charm that Tonatico has are the Grutas de la Estrella, a series of caverns located inside the Cerro de la Estrella.

Inside the caves you can rappel down a 15-meter-high cliff or explore the underground river and, in the rainy season, appreciate the incredible waterfall that lies inside the mountain.

Distance from CDMX: 90 km (1 hour and a half maximum)

4. Los Azufres, Michoacán

Do you want to go to the spa but without spending a fortune? Then escape to the hot springs of Los Azufres.

This place is right on the borders of Michoacán and the State of Mexico; The water in its lagoons is kept at a constant temperature of 80 °C and is full of mineral salts that will do wonders for your skin.

Additionally, in this ecotourism park you can find geysers, thermal mud springs, and activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip lines.

If you go at the beginning of the year, nearby you will find the El Rosario monarch butterfly sanctuary, located in Ocampo, Michoacán.

Distance from CDMX: 167 km (approximately 3 hours)

5. Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo

El Chico National Park, in Hidalgo, is famous for combining forested landscapes with imposing rivers, waterfalls and springs.

The river known as El Milagro crosses the entire park, leaving behind beautiful waterfalls and streams that will give you a feeling of peace and relaxation; There you can do activities such as rappelling and hiking.

Distance from CDMX: 167 km (2 and a half hours)

6. Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo

One of the most unique and spectacular landscapes in Mexico is Huasca de Ocampo and it is Los Prismas Basálticos.

The Prisms are a series of geometric basalt columns that are located at the foot of a ravine. The water of the San Antonio dam flows over them and flows into four waterfalls.

Nearby are the Santa María Regla and San Miguel Regla estates where you can tour their stables, gardens and chapels.

Distance from CDMX: 174 km (approximately 3 hours)

7. Pinal de Amoles, Querétaro

The state of Querétaro has much more to offer than cheese and wine. Although at first glance it seems like a rather arid state, the truth is that it has beautiful hidden natural landscapes.

One of them is located in the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, a small town located at the base of the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro.

Contrary to the rest of the state, in Pinal de Amoles the climate is usually cold and humid most of the year, which gives rise to beautiful forest settings covered in fog.

At the Las Trancas camp, you can visit the La Gotera Canyon and explore the 200 meters of caves as well as the Escanela River.

You can also enjoy the ‘El Salto’ waterfall, with a drop of 35 meters and ending in a pool more than 15 meters in diameter.

Distance from CDMX: 336 km (approximately 4 hours)

8. Alchichica, Puebla

In the middle of two volcanoes: Citlaltépetl and Malinche is the Alchichica Lagoon, an ancient volcanic crater more than 2 kilometers in diameter.

If you are brave you can swim in its VERY cold and salty waters (the temperature does not exceed 20 °C), but if not, there are several activities you can do.

Due to its great depth (70 meters), Alchichica Lagoon is ideal for activities such as kayak rowing, relaxed boat rides, or hiking around the lagoon.

With luck you will find a clear sky that will allow you to see the Cerro de Pizarro and the Pico de Orizaba in the distance.

Distance from CDMX: 304 km (approximately 4 hours)

9. Cuetzalan, Puebla

Cuetzalan, Puebla is a beautiful magical town ideal for nature and coffee lovers.

In addition to having cobblestone streets and white buildings that give it the appearance of a fairy-tale town, Cuetzalan has beautiful natural landscapes such as caves and waterfalls.

One of them is the Las Golondrinas waterfall, so called because on the slopes of the canyon there are countless nests of swallow birds whose song is mixed with the sound of the water.

In addition, you can rappel down the 50-meter drop of Las Golondrinas, until you reach a pool of water where you can submerge and cool off.

Distance from CDMX: 287 km (approximately 4 hours)

10. Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla

In Zacatlán de las Manzanas there is much more than cider and coffee. Located in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Zacatlán has several natural landscapes to enjoy as a couple or as a family.

In addition to the Valle de las Piedras Encimadas and the Barranca de los Jilgueros, Zacatlán also has beautiful waterfalls, one of them is the Tulimán waterfall.

Tulimán is an ecotourism park where you can zipline, practice archery, go mountain hiking, among other activities.

In its more than 90 hectares you will find rivers, springs and the Tulimán waterfall, which in its three falls has a height of between 250 and 300 meters.

Distance from CDMX: