Cola de Caballo, Monterrey

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Cascada Cola de Caballo literally means "Horse Tail Falls", describing how it looks from a distance. It's a pretty waterfall, and it's wonderful to see that natural elements are preserved in Mexico. The 30-peso entrance fee, however, is the first tipoff that this isn't going to be a Canadian-style adventure so much as a US-style marketing exercise.

The ideas of "hiking" and "preserved" here are somewhat different. The "hike" is about ten minutes of moderate walking, with perhaps twenty metres of elevation gain. Destination? The wee bridge you see in my picture. Beside the bridge, there's a fast food restaurant -- interesting, it doesn't serve any Mexican food, but rather offers American-style hamburgers & fries.

That fits, really, as the entire experience is just the kind of Disneyfied experience stereotypical Yank tourists love. Easy access, easy consumption, pre-packaged photo opps, and a hot dog vendor within shouting distance. (Yes, I know there are plenty of adventurous Americans -- but they have to admit the average US traveller is more likely to climb the stairs at McDonald's than a mountain.) Considering the number of "real" Mexican sites there are to visit, this made-for-TV landmark falls a little short.

Many people have good experiences here, and I had fun with my wife the afternoon we went. It just isn't the challenging natural hike I was looking for. The walk to the falls is extremely short, along wide, brick-hewn paths replete with photo facilities, concession stands and souvenir shops. Snack wrappers and pop bottles litter the ground, and open bbq pits mean even fewer trees.

Still, if you find the short walk too much to handle -- and to be fair, in 45-degree Celsius heat, that's entirely possible -- you can hire a horse to pull you to the falls. If they make it, that is. Even the Mexicans in our group commented that "those caballos look unhealthy."

For those thinking outside the box, there are no paths to the top of the falls. "Why would you want to go up there?" was the response I got.

Neat falls to see, really do look like a horse's tail. Too bad, however, that the place has nice trails (slippery and uneven, so wear decent shoes) which, photographicall speaking, obstruct a clean view... oh well, it is a nifty place.

This is a real cool waterfall. You can get really close and it seems to be a very "turisty" place. The views on the way up are amazing! Take some time to check out the views. Take plenty of pictures. This not an all day event unless you are planning to have a family picnic. There are horse rides along the water fall, which could be fun for about 30 minutes. After that it becomes like a movie with out a plot...boring. Just walk around after that, it'll be faster. The horses are super slow. If you know how to ride a horse don't expect to be able to galop along the hills. These horses are way too tired.

Water fall that is call the horses´ tail. you can go and see the fall restaurants around it.

If you are more adventurous you can go up the river to matacanes or hidrofobia that are two small chain of water falls.

A great place for a picnic is next to Horse Tails Falls, named for the wispy cascades that dive down a brilliant green face encrusted with moss. The cascades are actually three waterfalls next to each other.

Cola del Caballo (Horsetail Falls)
Beautiful waterfalls in scenic park. The main falls are 75 feet and can be seen from several angles. This is a romantic spot for couples. There are several places to sit and watch the water fall.

You have to visit our beautiful waterfall called "Cola de Caballo" (Horse tail), there´s a beautiful hotel, you can do bungy jumping, and take beautiful pictures. Don´t miss it!

This cascade is 30 km south of Monterrey, in a beautifil place over the mountains, regional food and hanscrafts souvenirs around the place