Skip to main content
Sótano de las Huahuas, in Aquismón, Huasteca Potosina (1/2)
← All destinations

Sótano de las Huahuas

Aquismón · Extreme

A 478m abyss where thousands of birds — parrots and swifts — trace spirals at dawn and dusk.

Sótano de las Huahuas is part of Tamul Expedition — Tamul, Water Cave and Sinkhole

$1,450 MXN per person · Free cancellation 48 h before

Practical info

Duration
3 hours
Entrance
$60 MXN
This is the cost if you come on your own. On our tours, admission is already included.
Difficulty
Moderate
Hours
06:00–19:00
Open days
Monday to Sunday
Best time of day
17:30–18:30
Best season
Mar–Oct
Pickup
Tamul Expedition: We pick you up at your lodging in Xilitla or Ciudad Valles between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.
Huasteca Instagrameable: We pick you up at your lodging in Xilitla or Ciudad Valles in time for its fixed start (6:00 AM on Day 1 and 8:00 AM on Days 2 and 3; Day 1 doesn’t run on Tuesdays).

Good to know

Intense uphill hike — not suitable for people with knee problems. Don't approach the edge without a guide. No cell signal the whole way.

How to get there

75 min from Ciudad Valles · Highway 85 south → San Pedro de las Anonas turnoff · Final stretch is dirt road

What to bring

  • · hand or head flashlight
  • · hiking shoes with grip
  • · binoculars
  • · camera with a telephoto lens
  • · water and snacks
  • · warm clothing for dawn

Did you know?

  • · At 478 meters deep, it's one of the deepest karst abysses in Mexico.
  • · Locals call the green parrots 'huahuas' in the Tének language — hence the name.

Location

Open in Google Maps →

Frequently asked questions

What time do the birds leave Sótano de las Huahuas?+

The birds leave at dawn (6:00–7:00 AM) and return at dusk (6:00–7:00 PM). Dusk is usually more spectacular because of the light.

How is Sótano de las Huahuas different from Sótano de las Golondrinas?+

Las Golondrinas (376 m free fall) has swifts and the iconic flight is at dawn. Las Huahuas (478 m) is home to thousands of birds — green parrots and swifts — and the best show is at dusk. They're different experiences.

Is the hike to Sótano de las Huahuas difficult?+

The uphill hike is 30–40 minutes of moderate intensity. It requires hiking shoes and is not suitable for people with serious mobility issues.

How much is admission to Sótano de las Huahuas?+

Admission to Sótano de las Huahuas costs $60 MXN. Bringing cash is recommended just in case.

How do I get to Sótano de las Huahuas from Ciudad Valles?+

75 min from Ciudad Valles · Highway 85 south → San Pedro de las Anonas turnoff · Final stretch is dirt road. The destination is in Aquismón, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

What time of year is best to visit Sótano de las Huahuas?+

The best season to visit Sótano de las Huahuas is Mar–Oct. The best time of day to arrive is 17:30–18:30 to make the most of the experience.

How much time do you need to tour Sótano de las Huahuas?+

Plan about 3 hours to enjoy Sótano de las Huahuas at a relaxed pace. The site is open 06:00–19:00 (Monday to Sunday).

What should you bring to visit Sótano de las Huahuas?+

To visit Sótano de las Huahuas we recommend bringing: hand or head flashlight, hiking shoes with grip, binoculars, camera with a telephoto lens, water and snacks, warm clothing for dawn. Important: Intense uphill hike — not suitable for people with knee problems. Don't approach the edge without a guide. No cell signal the whole way.

What travelers sayIn their own words (Spanish).

Tours Huasteca Potosina rating4.7 · 161 Google reviews

“La Cascada de Tamul me dejó sin palabras. El mejor día de mi vida.”

Carlos M.

Carlos M.

CDMX

“El sótano de las huahuas al amanecer es indescriptible. Miles de aves saliendo en espiral con el cielo anaranjado de fondo.”

Sofía R.

Sofía R.

Monterrey

Travelers who visit Sótano de las Huahuas also tend to include:

Tamul Expedition

From

$1,450MXN/person

Add