Cascada La Reforma is a stunning waterfall that is located in Oaxaca approximately 37.8 km north of Puerto Escondido.
The waterfall measures 147 feet (45 meters) and visiting here is one of the top things to do while in Puerto Escondido.
How to get to Cascada La Reforma
Getting to Cascada La Reforma takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, bike or scooter. First, you must drive through San Pedro Mixtepec before following the signs to La Reforma.
As you enter La Reforma you will pass over a gorgeous little bridge which is a great spot to stop and snap a few photos.
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After passing over the bridge and through the town of La Reforma the remainder of the journey to the waterfall is unsealed.
Although the road is unsealed the consistency of the dirt is quite hard and compact. If you’re on a bike or scooter you’ll want to keep an eye out for small crevasses that have been created from rainwater washing away parts of the road and then solidifying.
Although it’s nothing major to worry about if you’re an inexperienced rider they can throw you off your balance if not taken with care.
It is also important to note that the road winds around mountain terrain and there are a lot of spots without barriers so regardless if you’re traveling via car or bike ensure to take your time.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Cascada La Reforma car park where you can park your car/bike and pay a fee of 10 pesos before following the track past the accommodation on the left.
Once you get to the bottom of the track you’ll find yourself at a water crossing which ranges from ankle to knee depth depending on the time of year that you visit.
After you wade across the water crossing you’ll follow the path up to the left where you’ll finally be greeted by the stunning Cascada La Reforma waterfall.
Best time to visit Cascada La Reforma Oaxaca
The best time to visit is La Cascada Reforma is between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm when the sun’s rays fill the valley. This is due to the fact that the sun will be high above you filling the Cascada with natural lighting making for some great photo opportunities.
If you like to be away from the crowd the best time to visit with the least amount of people is around 5 pm as most people make their way out in the morning and then head home in the early afternoon.
If you get to the waterfall at around 4 – 5 pm you’ll still have a good hour or so to spend there before making your way back to Puerto Escondido before sunset.
We’ve also found that Cascada La Reforma is awesome to visit after it has been raining as it makes the waterfall even more powerful and impressive than usual.
It is definitely worth noting that heavy rain can lead to worse-conditioned roads so that is something that you’ll want to take into consideration.
What to expect
The scenery of the waterfall and the surrounding nature are absolutely spectacular. The water is cold and it is definitely worth taking a change of clothes so you can go for a swim.
Depending on the weather leading up to your visit the color of the water below can be clear or brown.
If the color is brown there is nothing to worry about with regards to swimming as the color is caused by the rain washing dirt and silt down from further up the mountainside.
As you swim up close to the waterfall you’ll feel the power of the water which almost makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a hurricane. There is a roped-off area, and swimming any closer is not advised after you reach that point.
Map of Cascada La Reforma
Where to stay near Cascada La Reforma
As you walk to Cascada La Reforma after parking and paying for your entry there is accommodation located on the left of the path known as La Cascada Encantada.
Although there isn’t a way to pre-book this accommodation if you want to stay the night you can ask the staff if it is available when you pay your entry fee. The cost of these little cabins is approximately 200 pesos per night.
FAQ
Can you rent a scooter to get to La Cascada Reforma?
Renting a scooter at approximately half the tour price enables you to reach the destination independently!
This not only offers a more budget-friendly option but also allows you to once again avoid the hike to the waterfall if you’re adept on two wheels.
Can you bring pets to Cascada Reforma?
Certainly, you are welcome to bring your pet as long as you keep a close eye on it.
Summary of Cascada La Reforma
Cascada La Reforma is an absolutely stunning waterfall located in Oaxaca, Mexico, approximately 37.8 km north of Puerto Escondido.
Visiting this waterfall is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido, and getting there takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car or bike.
The journey involves driving through San Pedro Mixtepec before following the signs to La Reforma, and then passing over a beautiful bridge and through the town of La Reforma.
The remainder of the journey to the waterfall is unsealed, so caution should be taken while traveling. The best time to visit the waterfall is normally up until around 2 pm when the sun is high above, making for great photo opportunities.
The scenery surrounding the waterfall is spectacular, and it is worth taking a change of clothes to go for a swim in the cold water.
The color of the water can vary depending on the weather leading up to your visit, but there is nothing to worry about with regard to swimming.
If you want to stay the night, there is accommodation available at La Cascada Encantada for approximately 200 pesos per night.
Overall, Cascada La Reforma is definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Puerto Escondido.
