The Best Magic Falls Huatulco Tour – 2022
As someone who lives in Huatulco year-round, I have admittedly failed to participate in many of the excursions that travellers like to do when they adventure in the area. But when my mum was visiting me in Huatulco in early 2022 I was “forced” to indulge in some of the more “touristy” adventures, and honestly, it was a lot of fun! But it was on our trip to the Magic Falls Huatulco (well actually, Copalita) that I truly realized how much I had been missing in Huatulco!
We enjoyed Magic Falls so much that I recommend the trip, even if you are only in Huatulco for a few days – its that amazing! Here you will find all the information you need about the best Magic Falls tours to take on your trip to Huatulco!
About Magic Falls Huatulco
Las Cascadas Magicas de Copalita, or “Magic Falls” are a series of waterfalls located in the district of Copalita, very near to Huatulco, about an hour and half’s drive from the centre of Las Bahías to Huatulco. They are also sometime referred to as “Las Brisas”.
Due to the lush terrain of the Sierra Madre mountains, Huatulco is actually in close proximity to a lot of waterfalls! Within a couple of hours drive you could visit the Emerald Falls, Llano Grande, or the waterfalls inside other adventures like the Hagia Sofia gardens and eco-park.
But the best falls to visit on a trip to Huatulco by far are the Cascadas Magicas. Because the Magic Falls are just that, magical! This series of waterfalls starts with a towering beauty that stretches 70m up into the mountains. You stand in the small pools of refreshing, but still warm water and take it all in.
But there’s more! Following the stairs carved into the rocks on the left of the falls, you will come to discover a small cave. This cave is hiding a small pool (the water is much more “refreshing” here) and allows you to peek through the crashing water to the pools and people below.
From there, the water flows down through a series of pools and backwaters that are crystal clear and wonderful to swim in. The trail weaves back and forth across the water, giving many options for swimming and exploring.
One of the lower pools has a rope swing set up for some added adventure, but I could have just sat on a rock and basked in the beauty of the water, rocks, and greenery for hours.
How to Get to Magic Falls
The Magic Falls Huatulco (sometimes called Las Brisas) waterfall system is about 1.5 – 2 hour drive from La Crucecita and is accessible by car. But, be prepared as there are parts of the road that are pretty tricky to navigate! We were in a rear-wheel-drive sedan and made it, but I was prepared to get out and push at a few points! We definitely utilized the low gears. If you are prone to motion sickness be sure to plan ahead!
To drive to the falls, from La Crucecita head down highway 200 towards the airport for about 10 minutes. Before you reach the airport, you will see a sign on the right-hand side for Arroyo Waterpark, turn here.
You will follow this road that changes between paved and dirt for about 45 minutes. Eventually, you will pass through the check stop at the entrance to Copalita, where you will pay a small eco fee (40 pesos per person) to access the area. This fee goes towards maintaining the area for tourists.
Finally, you will turn off the pavement, onto a gravel road and within 3 minutes arrive in Copalita la Hamacka where you will stop to stretch your legs in a locally-run tourist shopping centre. Greeted with a cup of Oaxacan Hot Chocolate and guided to take a seat, you will get to watch a presentation of local goods and sample coffee, chocolate, honeys, and mezcals!
From the store, it is another 3-minute drive to the top of the road down to the falls, and this is where it gets crazy! It’s a single-lane, glorified quad track with the biggest potholes I have ever seen. It will take about 10 minutes of very careful maneuvering along the cliff before you reach the parking lot.
This is where you leave your car! There are a few small shops of locals selling cold soda and snacks, as well as a bathroom to use for 5 pesos. Once you have all your things, you will begin the 10-minute walk down to the restaurant, and the start of the falls.
What to Expect from a Magic Falls Tour
The easiest and most relaxing way to experience the Magic Falls is to take a tour. Because of the distance and quality of the roads, you will get a lot more out of the experience not having to worry about driving off the mountain or getting lost!
Here is what your day will look like if you take a Magic Falls Huatulco Tour.
It’s a long day!
The tours are usually about 8 hours, so be prepared for that when you book and when you leave in the morning. Bring anything you might want to have with you! I recommend:
- A Hat
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Waterbottle
- Shoes for the water, and shoes for walking
Hotel Pickup
The tours will almost always pick you up and drop you off from your hotel. The drive from Huatulco to the first stop on this tour is about an hour and a half.
Stop for Shopping
The tours will stop at a tourist centre where you will get to partake in a tasting of hot chocolate, treats, mezcal, and sample some locally made products.
After the presentation and tastings, you will have a chance to walk around and shop. It is obviously set up as a tourist shop, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great things available! The mezcal is easily found everywhere in Oaxaca, but we bought some scented candles and soaps that are a little harder to find in Huatulco., as well as some salty snacks for the day. They also had products from Mazunte Cosmetics which was really cool, as you can’t buy them in Huatulco at the moment.
Drive to Magic Falls
After your shopping, it’s about 15 minutes more to the falls. But it is a WILD 15 minutes.
The road to the falls is a single-lane dirt road that goes STRAIGHT down the mountain, and it is rough. Definitely make sure you have your motion sickness routine done beforehand if you are susceptible.
Walk down to the falls
Once you survive the drive down the van will park and you will file out for your penultimate trek to the long-promised Magic Falls.
From the parking lot, it’s about a 10-15 minute hike down into the valley. It’s amazing to feel the temperature change and you get out of the direct, beating sun and into the cool freshness of the trees and creeks.
The trail is adorable, with handrails and little bridges lashed together with fallen branches, until eventually the ground levels out and you arrive at the restaurant.
Stop in the Restaurant
The tours will include your lunch for the day, and you get the added convenience of stopping in the restaurant to leave your things! Keep in mind that it’s another 15 min trek uphill to the end of the falls, and you will probably want to swim along the way, so only bring with you what you absolutely need. And make sure it’s waterproof!
The restaurant where you will have lunch is at the base of the falls, so you will have the opportunity to stop here, use the washroom, change into your swimming things if you like, and leave anything you don’t want to carry behind.
From here you will be going into the water most likely, so really only bring what you absolutely need. Your things will be safe in the restaurant.
Hike up to the Falls
It’s finally time! Now you are ready for the true adventure. From the restaurant, you will walk/hike about 10-15 up to the first (or last, depending on your perspective) fall. Then slowly walk back enjoying all the pools.
Lunch
The lunch is fantastic. You will be served family-style all you can eat mole, frijoles, pollo enchilado, carne tasajo, tortillas, and rice. As well as agua de jamaica to drink.
If you are not sure what that is, learn all about typical Oaxacan food here.
Drive Home
The return drive is just under two hours and if you’re anything like us, you will probably be sleeping through most of it.
IMPORTANT: Thankfully the falls are protected and the local caretakers are very diligent. You absolutely cannot apply sunscreen or mosquito repellent before going into the falls area. Your guide or the restaurant staff will stop you. Please respect and help preserve the beautiful waters 🤗.
The area is very shaded, so sunblock is not required. The mosquitos can be bad though, so be prepared for that. Once you are done the falls and come back to the restaurant for lunch you can apply your repellent.
Other Waterfalls near Huatulco
If you don’t think you’ll have time for a full-day adventure like the Las Brisas Adventure tour, check out some of the other waterfalls Huatulco has to offer!