Misol Ha Waterfall Near Palenque: Swimming & Cave Walk
Misol Ha Waterfall Near Palenque: Swimming and Cave Walk
Located about 40 minutes from the Mayan Ruins of Palenque, the Misol Ha Waterfall is the perfect place to cool down after a sweltering day in Chiapas. According to my guide, there are really only two seasons in this part of the state: hot and very hot. During my visit, temperatures were near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes well into the 120s. After touring Palenque in those conditions, I felt that travelers really need to find a place to cool off, and in my opinion, spending a few hours at Misol Ha is the best way to do that.
Misol Ha Waterfall - The Best Place to Cool Down After Visiting Palenque - Table of Contents
- About My Visit
- Why Visit the Misol Ha Waterfall
- Misol Ha Waterfall Entrance Fees and Prices
- Swimming at the Base of the Misol Ha Waterfall
- Safety Tips for Swimming at Misol Ha
- Swimming Near the Waterfall Curtain
- Walking Behind the Misol Ha Waterfall
- Exploring the Cave Behind Misol Ha
- Misol Ha Waterfall Tours and Packages
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- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Why Visit the Misol Ha Waterfall
One of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Mayan Ruins of Palenque is, “How do you stand the heat?” After experiencing it firsthand, it’s easy to understand why this question comes up so often.
Located deep in the jungle, the Misol Ha Waterfall allows visitors to swim in a large pool at the base of a powerful cascade. During my visit, the water temperature was perfect. I would describe it as refreshing—not chilly, but also not like swimming in a heated pool. For travelers researching things to do in Misol Ha, especially after a long and hot day exploring Palenque, spending time at the waterfall is an excellent choice.
Misol Ha Waterfall Entrance Fees and Prices
The cost to enter the Misol Ha Waterfall is extremely reasonable at MXN $30. This fee is paid in two increments:
MXN $10 at the entrance to the access road
MXN $20 near the parking area
I visited Misol Ha as part of a tour package, and these fees were included in the price of my tour with Jungla Experience. We originally planned to visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls but changed to Misol Ha at the recommendation of our guide.
Swimming at the Base of the Misol Ha Waterfall
Before entering the pool beneath the Misol Ha Waterfall, most visitors will need a place to change. For MXN $10, I was able to use a makeshift changing room. The changing room was part of the old restroom facilities, and I had to change into my bathing suit while trying not to trip over a dirty toilet.
One recommendation is to avoid the changing room entirely and arrive already wearing your bathing suit.
From the changing area, the walk to the waterfall takes less than five minutes.
Safety Tips for Swimming at Misol Ha
Be sure to bring a life jacket, as the waterfall creates a current that can be difficult even for strong swimmers. Life jackets are NOT provided at the waterfall and must be brought with you. Most Misol Ha tour packages include life jackets as part of the experience.
I consider myself a decent swimmer and initially attempted to swim without a life jacket. After being pulled underwater twice, I asked my guide to walk back to the car and get one for me. Once I had a life jacket on, I was able to swim all around the pool at the base of the waterfall.
While swimming, be careful of exposed rocks, as it’s easy to kick them and injure your feet if you aren’t paying attention.
Swimming Near the Waterfall Curtain
I tried to swim to the waterfall curtain, but the current made it impossible. The waterfall produced fairly large waves that kept pulling my body underwater. Even while wearing a life jacket, I couldn’t make it out to the curtain.
Our guide, Ramon, warned us about getting too close. According to him, people have been knocked unconscious when standing directly under the waterfall’s curtain.
I spent about an hour swimming around the perimeter of the pool. Once I felt completely refreshed, I decided to get out of the water and explore the trail that goes behind the waterfall.
Walking Behind the Misol Ha Waterfall
There is a pathway that leads behind the Misol Ha Waterfall and provides impressive views from behind the curtain of water. To access this path, exit the swimming area and walk in the opposite direction of the parking lot.
At the end of the path, there is a small cave that visitors can explore for an additional MXN $30.
Once behind the waterfall, take a few moments to enjoy the view. There are also smaller waterfalls along the path where visitors can stand underneath if they still need to cool off. Be sure to walk slowly and watch your step, as the path can be wet and slippery.
Exploring the Cave Behind Misol Ha
At the end of the path, I paid MXN $30 and entered the cave. The back part of the cave is only accessible if you walk through the water. I was wearing hiking shoes and didn’t want to get them wet, as I had a long hike planned the next day to the summit of the Chichonal Volcano.
Because of this upcoming hike, I chose not to explore the back portion of the cave.
The first photo below shows the entrance to the cave near the Misol Ha Waterfall. The set of photos below shows the view from inside the cave, taken from the furthest point I could reach without getting my shoes wet.
If you visit Misol Ha, I recommend visiting the cave as well. For the small fee that is charged, it is definitely worth exploring.
Misol Ha Waterfall Tours and Packages
Below are several Misol Ha tour packages that include admission to the waterfall. Most visitors experience Misol Ha as part of a day trip from Palenque, making it one of the most popular Chiapas waterfall attractions.
The Misol Ha Waterfall is a perfect way to cool off after touring the Mayan Ruins of Palenque or other nearby attractions in Chiapas.
Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I may earn a small commission if you purchase one of these packages using my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you. Viator works with various tour operators, and you will not necessarily be booked with Jungla Experience if you use these links.
To book directly with Jungla Experience, visit their official website. I do not earn a commission if you purchase through Jungla Experience directly.
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