Puente de Dios

Puente de Dios, near the town of Tamasopo in the Huasteca Potosina, is a turquoise river gorge where the Río Tampaán disappears into a partially roofed limestone canyon before re-emerging into an open swimming hole beneath a small waterfall. Visitors descend a long staircase from the entrance down into the gorge, where cold, clear spring water fills pools year-round regardless of season. Once at the bottom, swimming, floating and exploring the shallow cave-like overhang where the river tunnels underground are the main activities, and a life jacket rental at the entrance is worth taking for anyone less confident in open water. A typical visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, factoring in the staircase descent and return climb. The best photographs come from partway down the staircase, looking out over the turquoise pool framed by the limestone canyon walls, and from the water level looking back at the partially roofed rock formation. Weekday mornings see far fewer visitors than weekends, when the site can become crowded with families and tour groups from Ciudad Valles and Tamasopo. Because the return climb up the staircase can be strenuous, especially in the region's tropical heat, visitors should pace themselves and bring water.