Las Estacas is a spring-fed river reserve about 45 km south of Cuernavaca, its turquoise water flowing at a constant cool temperature through a forested stretch popular for swimming, snorkeling, and floating on inner tubes. A day trip typically covers the main swimming areas along the river, a walk through the surrounding tropical grounds, and the park's rope swings and diving platforms, with general admission running about MXN 525 (about USD 31) for adults.
Las Estacas is a spring-fed river reserve about 45 km south of Cuernavaca in Tlaltizapán de Zapata municipality, Morelos, reached in about one to one and a half hours by car via Jojutla or Yautepec, or by a bus from Cuernavaca's Central de Autobuses to Tlaltizapán followed by a short taxi to the park entrance. The river's turquoise water flows from underground springs at a constant cool temperature year-round, feeding a series of swimming areas, snorkeling stretches, and channels popular for floating on inner tubes.
A day at Las Estacas typically opens with a morning swim or float along the clearest upper stretches of the river, when the water is calmest and least crowded, before moving to the rope swings and diving platforms further downstream in the afternoon. The surrounding tropical grounds include shaded walking paths and grassy areas suited to a picnic lunch, and general admission runs about MXN 525 (about USD 31) for adults, which covers access to the river, pools, and grounds for the full day.
Because the spring water stays a constant cool temperature regardless of season, Las Estacas makes a comfortable day trip at any time of year, though weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, when the park draws heavy crowds from Cuernavaca and Mexico City. Food service is available inside the park at on-site restaurants and snack stands, so a full day can be spent without leaving the grounds, though some visitors prefer to stop for lunch in Tlaltizapán or Yautepec on the drive back to Cuernavaca. Bringing water shoes is worthwhile given the rocky riverbed in places, and renting a tube or life vest on-site is straightforward for those arriving without their own gear.
How to get there
- Car: highway south from Cuernavaca via Jojutla or Yautepec (about 1-1.5 hours)
- Bus from Cuernavaca's Central de Autobuses to Tlaltizapán, then a taxi to the park entrance
- Organized day tour from Cuernavaca or Mexico City
- Private driver hire, useful for combining Las Estacas with a stop in Cuautla
Location
Carretera Tlaltizapán-Cuautla, Bonifacio García 6-S/N Km, 62770 Tlaltizapán, Morelos, Mexico
18.7194, -99.1058 View on map
Highlights
- Swimming and snorkeling in constant-temperature spring-fed water
- Floating the river on inner tubes through forested grounds
- Rope swings and diving platforms along the riverbank
- Shaded tropical grounds suited to a full day outdoors
- On-site restaurants and snack stands for lunch without leaving the park
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend crowds from Cuernavaca and Mexico City
- Bring or rent water shoes for the rocky riverbed in places
- General admission runs about MXN 525 (about USD 31) for adults
- Take the Cuernavaca bus to Tlaltizapán and a short taxi if traveling without a car
- Arrive early to claim the calmer, less crowded upper stretches of the river
When to visit
Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience; the constant spring temperature makes any season comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Estacas open year-round?
Yes, the spring water stays a constant cool temperature regardless of season, making it a comfortable visit any time of year.
What does admission include?
About MXN 525 (roughly USD 31) covers access to the river, swimming areas, and grounds for the full day.
Is Las Estacas reachable without a car?
Yes, a bus from Cuernavaca's Central de Autobuses to Tlaltizapán followed by a short taxi reaches the park entrance.
Is there food available inside the park?
Yes, on-site restaurants and snack stands serve meals, so a full day can be spent without leaving the grounds.