Tamul

Tamul is the tallest waterfall in San Luis Potosi and the Huasteca Potosina's centrepiece: the Gallinas river arrives at a cliff and drops about 105 metres in a broad curtain into the Tampaon river canyon below, where the water runs the region's signature mineral turquoise. Getting there is the adventure. From the launch points, wooden boats carry visitors downriver and then - where the canyon narrows and the current runs against them - the crew and passengers pole and paddle, everyone working, the walls rising vertically on both sides with parrots crossing overhead. The reward is the pool below the fall, where boats hold position in spray and rainbows, and, when levels allow, a stop at the Cueva del Agua, a sinkhole of blue water beside the river. Alternative routes reach the fall's rim from Tamul village on foot for the vertigo view down. Water colour rules the experience: dry-season months give the postcard turquoise, while heavy rains turn the river brown, faster and sometimes unnavigable.

What you actually see

• The 105-metre curtain - the Huasteca's biggest fall.
• The paddled canyon - poling upstream between vertical walls.
• Cueva del Agua - the blue sinkhole beside the river.
• The rim view - the drop seen from above at Tamul village.

When to go

November to May for turquoise water and reliable trips; after heavy rain the colour and the schedule both go. Start early - the round trip fills a day.

Honest expectations

Passengers are expected to paddle; this is a workout, not a cruise. Sun on the water is relentless. Trips cancel outright when the river runs high - build a spare day into Huasteca plans.

Nearby

The Micos cascades, Puente de Dios at Tamasopo and Xilitla's surrealist garden complete the classic Huasteca circuit.