Cola de Caballo waterfall and footbridge near Santiago, Nuevo León

Cola de Caballo waterfall: how to get there from Monterrey

A waterfall in the forested mountains near Santiago, Nuevo León, about 45 minutes south of Monterrey. Take a Senda bus to Monterrey and continue by car, taxi or tour.

Top things to see and do

Our pick of the places to visit in and around Cola de Caballo:

The waterfall

The water drops in a long, thin fall that gives the place its name, “horse’s tail”.

Forest path

A paved path climbs through the forest to the falls and footbridges.

Sierra Madre landscape

Oak and pine forest in the mountains south of Monterrey.

Santiago, Pueblo Mágico

A colonial town with a lively plaza on the way to the falls.

Presa de la Boca

A reservoir near Santiago with lakeside restaurants and water sports.

Mountain viewpoints

Stops along the Carretera Nacional with views of the sierra.

Photography

Best light in the morning, before the crowds arrive.

Food in Santiago

Regional sweets and northern Mexican food around the plaza.

Weekends

Weekends and holidays are busy; go early or on a weekday.

Best time

After the rains (autumn) for the most water

How long

Half a day, a full day with Santiago

Senda to

Monterrey, then car or tour

Plan your trip to Cola de Caballo

Senda takes you to Monterrey. Search your date, choose your seat and pay online; your e-ticket arrives by email.

Find Senda buses to Monterrey

Getting to Cola de Caballo with Senda

Senda bus to Monterrey

about 108 a day from Saltillo

From 6 cities

Saltillo, Nuevo Laredo, Ciudad Victoria, San Luis Potosí

From Saltillo: about 2h 15min

fares from MX$139

How to get to Cola de Caballo by bus

Senda buses arrive at Monterrey Central Bus Station. Departures in the next 30 days, as shown in the booking flow:

Saltillo: about 108 buses a day, around 2h 15min, from MX$139
Nuevo Laredo: about 22 buses a day, around 3h 35min, from MX$366
Ciudad Victoria: about 18 buses a day, around 4h, from MX$345
San Luis Potosí: about 13 buses a day, around 7h 05min, from MX$764
Reynosa: about 12 buses a day, around 3h 30min, from MX$352
Tampico: about 13 buses a day, around 7h 45min, from MX$394

Schedules and fares change by date and season; search your date to see live times and prices.

The last stretch

Cola de Caballo is about 45 minutes to an hour south of Monterrey along the Carretera Nacional, past the town of Santiago. Most visitors go by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or an organized tour from Monterrey.

Travel tips

Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure with your e-ticket and an official photo ID.

Senda allows up to 2 bags of up to 25 kg each in the hold, plus a small carry-on.

Forested Sierra Madre mountains near Santiago, Nuevo León

About Cola de Caballo

Cola de Caballo is in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park area, near the town of Santiago, one of Nuevo León’s Pueblos Mágicos. The falls are fed by mountain streams, so the flow is stronger after rain and lower in dry months. Check opening hours and entry fees before you go, wear good shoes, and avoid the area during storms.