Salto de Bejucos

Description

Salto de Bejucos isn’t that place you’ll read about in big shiny guidebooks, but wow—it sure should be. Tucked away among the green folds and rolling hills of the State of Mexico, Salto de Bejucos is the sort of spot that gives you goosebumps the second you hear the distant rush of water. You get that feeling in your gut—the promise of a hidden place waiting just around the bend.

So here’s what you’re really getting: a dazzling, plummeting waterfall, all thick jungle air, dramatic cliffs, tangles of tree roots, and impossibly clear pools. You hear the roar before you see it. That sound? It’s like nature’s applause, even before you spot the spray tumbling down the rock face.

Growing up, I visited a lot of waterfalls with my dad—he’d call out the birds overhead, test the water with a gnarly walking stick, and laugh when we got splashed (always inevitable). Salto de Bejucos brings all those memories back for me. It’s a place for adventure, yes, but it’s not a spot overrun with tourist chaos. You can actually hear yourself think—and breathe. The only folks you’re likely to run into are locals who come to cool off, or maybe hikers who look like they’ve just discovered Treasure Island.

There aren’t any neon souvenir stands or pushy touts—just the waterfall, forest, and maybe a curious donkey up the trail. The air smells green and earthy. It’s a tiny world of its own, just waiting for you to dip your toes (or plunge right in) and stay awhile.

Key Features

• Pristine Waterfall: The main star here is the waterfall—powerful, beautiful, and somehow always more impressive in person. At its fullest, especially after the rains, it simply takes your breath away.
• Natural Infinity Pool: Seriously, Instagram’s got nothing on this. At the bottom, find a cool, clear pool for swimming, wading, or just letting your feet dangle in the current. (Bit chilly, but I love it!)
• Secluded Setting: Unlike many touristy spots, Salto de Bejucos remains a secret to most. Fewer crowds mean you almost always snag a private slice of paradise. That’s rare these days.
• Lush Forest Trails: The hike there is half the adventure. Winding trails, thick undergrowth, darting birds. Some parts are rocky or muddy, so bring sturdy shoes and channel your inner explorer.
• Local Wildlife: If you’re lucky (and a little bit quiet), you’ll spot bright butterflies, frogs, and the odd squirrel. And you’ll hear more birds than you can count.
• Picnic-Friendly: Downstream of the falls, shady spots call out for a blanket and a basket of snacks. Take it from me, there’s nothing better than fruit eaten with your hands after a good hike.
• Absolutely Photogenic: Whether you’re a pro or shooting on your phone, Salto de Bejucos is a landscape photographer’s dream. Misty sprays, sunlight streaking through trees, and all those dramatic shadows on green.

Best Time to Visit

I’ll be frank—the waterfall isn’t always blasting at full throttle. If you want to catch Salto de Bejucos in all its roaring, picture-perfect glory, plan to visit right after the rainy season. That means late summer to early autumn (usually September to early November). This is when the river swells and the falls are at their boldest. The days are still warm, but the landscape positively explodes with green. Bring bug spray though—no point sugarcoating it. The mozzies are in on the secret.

You can visit in the dry season, too. There’s tranquility, clear skies, and trails are less slippery for hiking. Just know that the waterfall sometimes shrinks to a gentler trickle, which honestly has its own sort of magic—like the forest taking a deep breath. There’s peace in the stillness. And if you prefer the idea of a private retreat, weekday mornings are golden—total solitude, with only birds and the occasional breeze for company.

How to Get There

I know what you’re thinking: getting to out-of-the-way places in Mexico can be a bit of a mission. Look—the adventure starts before your boots touch the trail. If you’ve got a car, you’re golden. You take the regional highway as far as the nearest pueblo (I recommend popping into any small shops for snacks—local chocolate or fruit, if you can find it). From there, signage is not always obvious—bring a downloaded map or ask directions if you’re comfortable with Spanish. (Or just mime “big waterfall,” and folks will get the picture.)

Public transport exists, but you’ll want patience and a strong sense of humor. Some colectivos or microbuses leave from the nearest town, though they might not run often, and stops can be—how shall I say—improvised. Taxis are the flexible option, though you should agree on a price up front and ask if they’ll wait for you or come back at a set time. (Seriously, cell coverage is patchy).

And one quirky thing—the last part of the journey is on foot. Vehicles can’t reach the falls directly. Depending on your chosen trailhead, expect a walk ranging anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. It’s not Everest, but some parts are steep or muddy, so go slow, enjoy the wildness, and brace for a bit of sweat equity. Think of it as “earning” your reward at the plunge pool.

Tips for Visiting

• Pack Light, Pack Right: Don’t weigh yourself down, but bring the essentials—water, snacks, sunblock, and a small towel. I always regret forgetting bug spray.
• Wear Real Shoes: Skip the flip-flops. You’ll thank yourself for lacing up some sneakers or hiking boots.
• Mind the Weather: Rain makes trails slippery and streams swell quickly. I’ve had shoes sucked right off my feet in thick mud here—learn from my mistakes.
• Leave No Trace: Please, take your trash (and any snack wrappers) with you. Let’s keep the forest wild for the next wanderers.
• Safety First: The rocks around the falls can be slick. Test every step—no shame in scooting on your bum if you need to.
• Go With Friends or Tell Someone: Coverage is spotty, and trails wind through thick bush. Bring a buddy, or at least give someone your game plan.
• Respect the Locals: You’ll probably meet farmers, hikers, or families on the trail. Smile, greet, and be considerate.
• Arrive Early: Beat the (potential) crowds and the midday heat. You get better photos, too—with the light slanting through the trees just right.
• Embrace the Slow Pace: The real magic happens when you stop rushing. Dangle your feet in the pool, spot shapes in the clouds, or count frogs. (My record is seven, but I know you can beat that).

One last thing—Salto de Bejucos isn’t your average box-ticker. It’s for those who value discovery, fresh air, and real-deal adventure, without all the artificial shine. Out here, the only soundtrack is rushing water and forest life. When you finally sit at the edge, toes in cool current, you realize: Yeah, this is what travel’s supposed to feel like. Raw, refreshing, just the right amount of wild.

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