Cascada Cola de Caballo
Cascada Cola de Caballo
4.5
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A 25-meter waterfall resembling a horses tail; makes a great picnic spot.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
222 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
80
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Extraordinary5081
San Antonio, TX1 contribution
This review mentions a great museum in Saltillo and focuses on an area just south of Monterrey, especially the Cola de Caballa waterfall, a must-see gorge, and the "high rise", all within Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey that this reviewer visited in early July 2003. The area is incrediby-incredibly beautiful. Be sure to gas up somewhere along hwy-85. The road to the falls begins from hwy 85 a few miles south of the road to Santiago and south of the big lake visible on the east side of hwy-85. I don't remember the road at 85 because I only exited from there and was trying to merge onto 85 going out. The road is paved from 85 to some distance beyond San Isidro (described below). The entrance to the Cola (tail) de Caballa (horse) hotel is about 5 miles from hwy-85 and well marked with large banners. Parking was a couple dollars but worth it for the short (a half-mile), level, and pretty walk to the falls. In the lot, walk away from the main buildings toward the hills.
Pass some open-air shops before entering the gated area where you pay to see the falls (once again a couple dollars). You can rent a horse-drawn buggy, which might be nice for wheel-chair folks. The falls are worth the visit. Lots of people using picnic tables. We didn't stay at the hotel, knowing that it is pricy but did have a meal at the restaurant. The meal was rather expensive ($10-20), good but not fancy and similar to that offered at some cheap restaurants. Service was very good perhaps because the restuarant was nearly empty when we went at 4pm. The view from the restaurant is impressive and includes bungee jumpers and the lake along hwy-85. After or before seeing the falls, be sure to continue up the road 17 miles to San Isidro. The road climbs steeply with pin-hook curves (all black top with avoidable pot-holes) then drops into a valley, followed by a narrow gorge and then San Cienega (lots of cabins for rent and 5 topes or speed-bumps). You'll then go through a canyon and a deep valley, then sprawling little San Juan Bautista (with 3 speed bumps), and then an absolutely stupendous gorge (you're at the bottom so you'll be looking up the extremely high vertical walls). I drove my Toyota Echo through the shallow water crossings but this area may be impassible if you're encountering much rain. Just beyond (100 yards) tiny San Isidro turn right (going straight takes you to laguna de Sanchez but the lake had no water owing to low rainfall) and drive another mile or so where you'll find the Cabanas (cabins) Gaucamayas. Cheap, basic, but clean (no towels provided and sometimes without hot water) with an excellent view of the High Rise, a sheer wall where the rare Maroon-fronted Parrot nests (too high to see without binoculars) Fewer than 3000 individuals persist, and all in these and surrounding mountains. I heard their raucous squaks before dawn (but not in the evening) in early July. Several species of owls and the Mexican Whip-poor-will can be heard at night, though sporadically. You can drive farther toward Los Lirios and eventually Saltillo but the first 1/3 of the road from a mile beyond Cabanas Gaucamayas is to be avoided. It is unpaved, hilly, and rough.
And dangerously muddy if there has been rain. My Echo survived but my wife nearly killed me. Once you get back on pavement, you'll enjoy the drive to Los Lirios, from where you can go on to Saltillo. If you visit Saltillo (via toll road 57), be sure to find your way to the Museum of Birds (Aves). It's big and beautiful, with lots of interesting, educational, and colorful displays and a big parking lot. After looking at the displays you'll enter a garden where you can rest and figure out where else to go in Saltillo. After finishing Saltillo, take the easy toll road Hwy 40 back to Monterrey. Don't attempt to go to the falls from Saltillo because you might give up upon seeing the rough road described above, and it's 50 miles or so back to Saltillo!
Pass some open-air shops before entering the gated area where you pay to see the falls (once again a couple dollars). You can rent a horse-drawn buggy, which might be nice for wheel-chair folks. The falls are worth the visit. Lots of people using picnic tables. We didn't stay at the hotel, knowing that it is pricy but did have a meal at the restaurant. The meal was rather expensive ($10-20), good but not fancy and similar to that offered at some cheap restaurants. Service was very good perhaps because the restuarant was nearly empty when we went at 4pm. The view from the restaurant is impressive and includes bungee jumpers and the lake along hwy-85. After or before seeing the falls, be sure to continue up the road 17 miles to San Isidro. The road climbs steeply with pin-hook curves (all black top with avoidable pot-holes) then drops into a valley, followed by a narrow gorge and then San Cienega (lots of cabins for rent and 5 topes or speed-bumps). You'll then go through a canyon and a deep valley, then sprawling little San Juan Bautista (with 3 speed bumps), and then an absolutely stupendous gorge (you're at the bottom so you'll be looking up the extremely high vertical walls). I drove my Toyota Echo through the shallow water crossings but this area may be impassible if you're encountering much rain. Just beyond (100 yards) tiny San Isidro turn right (going straight takes you to laguna de Sanchez but the lake had no water owing to low rainfall) and drive another mile or so where you'll find the Cabanas (cabins) Gaucamayas. Cheap, basic, but clean (no towels provided and sometimes without hot water) with an excellent view of the High Rise, a sheer wall where the rare Maroon-fronted Parrot nests (too high to see without binoculars) Fewer than 3000 individuals persist, and all in these and surrounding mountains. I heard their raucous squaks before dawn (but not in the evening) in early July. Several species of owls and the Mexican Whip-poor-will can be heard at night, though sporadically. You can drive farther toward Los Lirios and eventually Saltillo but the first 1/3 of the road from a mile beyond Cabanas Gaucamayas is to be avoided. It is unpaved, hilly, and rough.
And dangerously muddy if there has been rain. My Echo survived but my wife nearly killed me. Once you get back on pavement, you'll enjoy the drive to Los Lirios, from where you can go on to Saltillo. If you visit Saltillo (via toll road 57), be sure to find your way to the Museum of Birds (Aves). It's big and beautiful, with lots of interesting, educational, and colorful displays and a big parking lot. After looking at the displays you'll enter a garden where you can rest and figure out where else to go in Saltillo. After finishing Saltillo, take the easy toll road Hwy 40 back to Monterrey. Don't attempt to go to the falls from Saltillo because you might give up upon seeing the rough road described above, and it's 50 miles or so back to Saltillo!
Written July 8, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet25425
St. Paul, MN7 contributions
Ok I love waterfalls and this one is pretty nice. Don't take the ride on the horse as it would be a waste of money.. the horse only takes you a block and then you have to walk.. they have a photographer for $4 us.. nice picture thou.. The waterfall can get you wet, so bring a towel if you want to be close.. If you decide to do some climbing you can see some small caves. To get to the caves go across the bridge to an area were there are tables (also less windy there) you will see a sign.. basicly saying go at your own risk.. head up the hill on the left of the waterfall, and don't take the first path that you see, as it is very slippery take the second path and that will lead you to the caves as well.. The place is not very clean at the waterfall or caves, but the butterflys are all over the place.
Written November 30, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth N
Akron, Ohio7 contributions
My husband and I took our 4 children, 8 and under, to these falls. The falls were beautiful, and the hike up was very easy (our youngest is 1, and he could do much of it himself.)
About 2/3rds of the hike is a gradual incline, covered with cobblestones (not stroller/wheelchair accessible). If you rent a horse or a carriage, they'd take you to the end of the cobblestone path. From there you can get a decent view of the falls.
However, to get a GREAT view of the falls, you must climb a series of stairs, which are not difficult or long at all. This is the last 3rd of the hike. We paid a photographer at the top a few pesos to take our picture (with our own camera rather than his polaroid). He did a great job and was very enthusiastic to get several angles of the falls.
On the way back we decided to take a horse-drawn carriage for the experience of it. It was very bumpy, and the kids loved it.
We went late in the day (4 pm -- They close at 6 in January) and napped in the parking lot before heading up. It was not crowded at all and the heat of the day (91*) was cut by the beautiful, full trees surrounding us. After spending much of the day in the city, we finally felt like we could relax and just let the kids do their thing. What a perfect ending to the afternoon. On the way back to Monterrey, we got dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the highway.
About 2/3rds of the hike is a gradual incline, covered with cobblestones (not stroller/wheelchair accessible). If you rent a horse or a carriage, they'd take you to the end of the cobblestone path. From there you can get a decent view of the falls.
However, to get a GREAT view of the falls, you must climb a series of stairs, which are not difficult or long at all. This is the last 3rd of the hike. We paid a photographer at the top a few pesos to take our picture (with our own camera rather than his polaroid). He did a great job and was very enthusiastic to get several angles of the falls.
On the way back we decided to take a horse-drawn carriage for the experience of it. It was very bumpy, and the kids loved it.
We went late in the day (4 pm -- They close at 6 in January) and napped in the parking lot before heading up. It was not crowded at all and the heat of the day (91*) was cut by the beautiful, full trees surrounding us. After spending much of the day in the city, we finally felt like we could relax and just let the kids do their thing. What a perfect ending to the afternoon. On the way back to Monterrey, we got dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the highway.
Written January 24, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissZeni
Houston, TX115 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Great site. Park at the hotel 30 pesos parking, they cleaned my windows while we visited site. You can also purchase bracelets for pool access at hotel which is nice since you really can't get in the falls water. You can park closer if you go further up from hotel as well, they do charge as well but its not paved yet. From hotel you walk up, there are little shops, you can buy drinks and food as well. Then you pay 40 pesos per adult to get into actual park, the restrooms inside are free and clean. You can ride the horse carriages for 30 pesos a person, or your own horse or pony for kids. We took the carriage since my dad can't walk much. Our driver was friendly but they told us they could only wait 25 min. Bummer. So you're rushed. You walk several stairs from where they drop you off, my dad was only able to take 2 flights up and waited for us. The place is pretty and breezy, more shops at the falls. Nice stop next time we plan to bring BBQ to cook and hang out, enjoy breeze, as there are grills and tables. Many of them in very breezy areas. At the lower part is nicest as a creek flows through. My teen enjoyed walking through and having feet in. Its very shallow. The drive up was not bad, however make sure your GPS doesn't take you on off roads as ours did. The whole way is paved so if it does, don't go, stop and ask. Everyone was nice and gave us directions. Lots of local artisans and fruit carts as you ride up as well. Beautiful little towns. Nice restaurants on the way back at La Boca Presa off of 85 and nice shopping stops in Los Cabazos, try the fresh corn bread and honey. Lots of artisans as well. Make it a whole day visit.
Written July 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marine R
Nice, France16 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Don't go there. The waterfall is nice but locals created a market of this place which destroys the beauty of the surroundings. But the worst of all is that they treat the horses so badly. They don't have water nor food nor shadow. They suffer a lot and and are mistreated. Please don't encourage animal abuse.
Written August 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
centralcoastguy
Los Osos, CA166 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
The waterfall itself is beautiful despite the junky surroundings - venders and buildings on either side of the falls. I know that people need to make a living, but visitors come to see the falls and by destroying the natural surroundings you are "killing the goose that laid the golden egg." More people will come to this spot (I think) if the area near the falls were kept pristine except for a path to keep the visitors safe and limited to a small area. The path now is too conspicuous around the falls. Have all the vendors restricted to an area next to the parking lot and keep all the grounds nice. People want to visit a natural magic place, not a natural wonder surrounded by touristy junk. A facelift of the whole location with less trash, and restoring the natural plants and stream would bring more visitors by restoring the natural beauty of the place. I'm glad I visited the falls, but would likely not return the way it is.
Written January 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime L
Toronto, Canada45 contributions
Jul 2016
The place involves walking (about 30 minute walk uphill) it could be a challenge for some during the summer (above the 100 F degrees)
Park inside the hotel (paid parking but much safer) and make sure you visit the bungee (even if you don't jump you can enjoy other people's screaming and laughing)
Shorts, shirt, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are highly recommended during the summer (specially June-September)
A light jacket during fall season (October - December)
The area is well know for its extreme weather conditions, either it's unbearable because it's hot or it suddenly goes to zero Celsius. So be prepared.
Bring your camera, some cash for souvenirs and enjoy your day at one of the most amazing scenic views of the city of Monterrey (Even though it's not monterrey, it is considered Monterrey suburbs)
Park inside the hotel (paid parking but much safer) and make sure you visit the bungee (even if you don't jump you can enjoy other people's screaming and laughing)
Shorts, shirt, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are highly recommended during the summer (specially June-September)
A light jacket during fall season (October - December)
The area is well know for its extreme weather conditions, either it's unbearable because it's hot or it suddenly goes to zero Celsius. So be prepared.
Bring your camera, some cash for souvenirs and enjoy your day at one of the most amazing scenic views of the city of Monterrey (Even though it's not monterrey, it is considered Monterrey suburbs)
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Famof5onaBudget
25 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
We recently visited Cola de Caballo in Monterrey. I believe we paid $40 pesos per adult and $20 per child. We parked very close to the entrance and also paid $40 for all day parking.
My kids loved it! I was fun to explore and overall pretty safe. The railings were very firm and the walking area is large. The bridge on the waterfall is gorgeous. The sound of the water falling is amazing.
On the very bottom and top, you will find stores that sells toys and souvenir's. Everything is fairly expensive in pesos. For example a small cup of watermelon outside will cost you 7-12 pesos but inside will cost you $20.
My husband and I travelled with a stroller and there are a few parts where you cannot take the stroller but if you dont mind lifting it through a couple stairs, then you will be fine.
The bugs there are HORRIBLE. I myself did not feel all the bites, only 2 or 3 but the next day my legs were covered. I love wearing dresses but when visiting this place, think twice. It has been more then a week and a doctor visit and the bites aee even more swollen. Make sure to take pants, long sleeves and repellant.
Finally, I do have a problem with the bathrooms. Although they were very clean anf had enough toilet paper, it killed me that it did not have soap. They charge 40 per adult. You would think they could buy soap.
Other than the above, we grately enjoyed our trip to Cola de Caballo and I will visit again!!
My kids loved it! I was fun to explore and overall pretty safe. The railings were very firm and the walking area is large. The bridge on the waterfall is gorgeous. The sound of the water falling is amazing.
On the very bottom and top, you will find stores that sells toys and souvenir's. Everything is fairly expensive in pesos. For example a small cup of watermelon outside will cost you 7-12 pesos but inside will cost you $20.
My husband and I travelled with a stroller and there are a few parts where you cannot take the stroller but if you dont mind lifting it through a couple stairs, then you will be fine.
The bugs there are HORRIBLE. I myself did not feel all the bites, only 2 or 3 but the next day my legs were covered. I love wearing dresses but when visiting this place, think twice. It has been more then a week and a doctor visit and the bites aee even more swollen. Make sure to take pants, long sleeves and repellant.
Finally, I do have a problem with the bathrooms. Although they were very clean anf had enough toilet paper, it killed me that it did not have soap. They charge 40 per adult. You would think they could buy soap.
Other than the above, we grately enjoyed our trip to Cola de Caballo and I will visit again!!
Written January 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annaid3101
Houston, TX11 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I’m not sure if I visited during a bad time but the place was very dirty. People throw their trash everywhere and for someone that likes nature and animals it was very hard to watch how inconsiderate people are. The horses that they use to move people around need medical attention. Some horses where even bleeding from their hoof and they where all very skinny.
As for the waterfall, yes, it is nice. Just be sure to take plenty of bug spray.
As for the waterfall, yes, it is nice. Just be sure to take plenty of bug spray.
Written June 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela L
Houston, TX45 contributions
This was an easy trail when traveling with 6 year old and 4 year old. There was also an option of riding pony's for the kids $2 for each ride. It couldn't be any cheaper! It costs about $2-3 per person and parking is $3. The kids really enjoyed it and so did I. Also I recommend taking lunch there is a sitting area for a picnic. Enjoy your vacation. - the amazing traveler
Written July 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Que no se puede hacer
Y que se puede hacer en la cascada cola de caballo
Written April 10, 2019
cómo llego hacia alla? dónde tomoel transporte público y cuánto cuesta?
Written December 15, 2017
Los costos no son elevados, no recuerdo bien los precios pero fueron por adulto aprox. $50, niño $40 aparte se cuenta con caballos y carretas con costo adicional, pero te recomiendo que hagan la caminata no es muy retirado y no es nada accidentado por qué ya está con camino de concreto
Written June 11, 2017
Hola, claro que si las instalaciones están adecuadas para llevar carreola, claro con los cuidados pertinentes que requiere un bebe, usar filtro y una sombrilla, igual lleva repelente de mosquitos y ropa adecuada a la temporada,
Saludos
Written April 12, 2017
la cascada cola de caballo esta rumbo a santiago nl, aproximadamente a una hora y media desde el centro de mty. puedes tomar un camion en el centro que te deje en la zona sur de mty, y tomar otro camion que se llama alamo y bajarte en el cercado y tomar otro camioncito que sube.
Written February 8, 2017
Cuando vas a la cola de caballo ahi un citio donde los ninos se puedan meter al agua o solo Es para ir a mirar el paisaje ?? Alguien me puede ayudar con esto para saber si tengo q llevarles cambio de Ropa a los ninos ??
Written July 20, 2016
solo es para mirar el paisaje ya que estan acordonadas para tomar las fotos pero tienen un paseo a caballo hasta llegar a las cascadas
Written November 24, 2016
¡qué tal estaba de agua? abundante, normal, escasa?
Written March 21, 2016
Yo fui en febrero y habia bastante agua se veÃa muy bella.
Written March 22, 2016
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