Misol-Ha drops 35 m in a single column into a wide circular pool 20 km south of Palenque, and a cut ledge lets visitors walk behind the curtain of water into a cave that runs some 20 m back into the rock. The surrounding forest is dense enough for toucans and howler monkeys, and the ejido that runs the site maintains cabanas and a small restaurant beside the pool. Swimming is allowed in the outer basin when the river is low.
Misol-Ha drops 35 m in a single unbroken column into a wide, circular pool about 20 km south of Palenque, and a cut ledge behind the curtain of falling water lets visitors walk through a cave that runs roughly 20 m back into the rock face, emerging behind the sheet of water itself. The surrounding forest is dense enough that toucans and howler monkeys are regularly heard, if not always seen, and the ejido that manages the site maintains a small restaurant and simple cabanas beside the pool for overnight stays. Swimming is permitted in the outer basin when the river is running low, typically in the dry season, though the pool can become murky and stronger-flowing after rain. A visit takes about an hour to ninety minutes, enough time for the walk behind the falls, a swim if conditions allow, and a stop at the restaurant. The site is small enough to see quickly, which makes it a natural stop on the way to or from Agua Azul rather than a full-day destination on its own; late morning, once direct sun reaches into the pool basin, gives the best light for photographs of the falls and the cave entrance behind them.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 8:00AM-6:00PM
- Best time
- Morning light reaches the pool between about 10:00AM and noon; the flow is strongest from June to October
Location
Carretera Palenque-Ocosingo km 20, Ejido San Miguel, 29960 Salto de Agua Municipality, Chiapas, Mexico
17.3908, -91.9985 View on map
Highlights
- 35 m single-drop waterfall into a wide circular pool
- Walkway behind the falls leading into a shallow cave
- Swimming in the outer pool during low-water months
- Dense surrounding forest with toucans and howler monkeys
Tips for visiting
- Pay the small extra fee at the entrance for the walk behind the falls into the cave
- Visit June to October for the strongest flow, or the dry season for calmer, clearer swimming water
- Combine with Agua Azul on the same day trip from Palenque, as both sit along the same road
- Wear water shoes or sandals with grip, as the rocks behind the falls are slippery
- Arrive by late morning for the best light reaching into the pool basin
When to visit
Late morning between roughly 10:00AM and noon gives the best light on the falls; flow is strongest from June to October.
Accessibility
The main viewing area near the pool is on level ground close to the parking area, but the walkway behind the falls into the cave involves uneven, wet rock steps unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Misol-Ha take?
About one to one and a half hours, including the walk behind the falls and time to swim if conditions allow.
Is Misol-Ha worth it for kids?
Yes; the short walk behind the falls and calm outer pool make it an easy, engaging stop for children.
Is photography allowed at Misol-Ha?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, including from the walkway behind the waterfall.
Can visitors swim at Misol-Ha?
Swimming is allowed in the outer basin, but conditions depend on the season; the dry months from November to April generally give calmer, clearer water.