Roberto Barrios Cascadas vs Agua Azul: Why We Chose Quiet
By Gillian Boyd Published 25 August 2026
Skip the crowds at Agua Azul – Roberto Barrios Cascadas offers the same turquoise Chiapas waterfalls, minus the tour buses, and you can swim.
Everyone told us to go to Agua Azul. The name comes up on every Chiapas itinerary, every ‘must see waterfalls Mexico’ list, every tour agency’s pitch. So we skipped it – and went to Roberto Barrios Cascadas instead.
It’s the same turquoise, travertine-pool magic, but without the tour buses parked three-deep and vendors calling out at every turn. Fewer crowds also meant something the other spot doesn’t really offer: you can actually get in the water.
The Roberto Barrios Cascadas site is run by the local indigenous community and remains relatively underdeveloped. If you go to the nearby village, everything will be cash only.
You can swim and slide the 5 waterfalls and pools of turquoise and emerald water. They are surrounded by lush jungle, wild fish and multi-coloured butterflies.
We chose to go to Roberto Barrias Cascadas and we were not disappointed.
Roberto Barrias Casades near Palenque, Mexico
Why Choose Roberto Barrios Cascadas Over Agua Azul
- Less crowds
- Less commercial
- Can swim in the pools
- Can slide down the rocks
- Can relax
- Few tourists, mainly locals
- Support local indigenous community
- Can travel independently on colectivo
- Is closer to Palenque
Mexican family picnic at Roberto Barrios Cascadas, Palenque
Getting There
It’s only a 40 minute colectivo ride from Palenque. Remember to check what time the last one home is.
We boarded near the market in central Palenque where we bought some food for a picnic lunch as you need to bring everything with you. There were no stalls but you could rent lifejackets.
Instead Mexicans, bring their own picnics and some even brought tables and chairs. We went on a Sunday and saw families having fun together.
We bought fresh sliced pineapple, pack of ten slices of ham, twelve slices of manchego cheese, twelve soft flour tortillas, three bottles of water and Ritz crackers in various shops. A feast for under £5!
Roberto Barrios Cascadas
Natural Adventure Water Park
The Roberto Barrios Cascadas were a delight and only 40 MXN (less than £2) to enter. Allow 3-4 hours there. We spent most of the day having fun in and out of the water as it was great to spend the day in nature relaxing.
You feel a sense of discovery as there are no paved paths, only trails over tree roots through the hot jungle, as you navigate the natural adventure water park.
5 Waterfalls
You can dive from all five waterfalls and swim in their turquoise and emerald shallow pools as a route down. Or you can pick and choose which waterfalls and pools you want to get in.
Natural Slide
The well-worn natural rock of the final waterfall is so smooth, it is possible to slide down on your bottom as we did.
We hiked through the jungle to see all of the waterfalls first before choosing our favourite to settle at for the day.
North Shore
Crossing the thigh high water to the north shore, Graham confidently went first, carrying both of our small rucksacks high to keep them dry. While I followed timidly, waving my arms to keep my balance against the current. The water was satisfyingly cool and refreshing as after the walking. I was hot as I was wearing my full sleeve rash vest and a sarong for sun protection.
Pro Tip – bring biodegradable insect spray as you are in the middle of the jungle.
One of the many turquoise pools at Roberto Barrios Cascadas in Mexico
Swim in the Pools
Once our rucksacks were safely deposited on the north shore, Graham went for a swim under the waterfall. He hauled himself straight up onto the rocks and I snapped photos from the opposite shoreline.
Then it was my turn. I struggled to pull myself up. Graham got bored waiting for me and even switched the video off after my fourth failed attempt. This is exactly why I have started going to the gym – so I can do things like this. One more determined attempt and eventually… success!
What took him about two seconds took me five minutes but I did it and felt proud.
People in orange life jackets at top of waterfall at Roberto Barrios Cascadas
Diving the Waterfalls
Having looked at the waterfalls, photographed them and swam in them, Graham was ready for the next level – diving. While assessing the situation, he was joined by two men in the water.
Both were Mexican, younger than Graham, and clearly wanted to dive but were worried too. I couldn’t hear what was being said but the body language and gesturing spoke volumes in itself.
You Go First
Graham led the way … as always… and dived first. It was a good dive and he beamed when he surfaced. The others followed reassured by his success.
The last guy was the youngest and most tentative of all. He slowly inched his way down the slope before diving. His colleagues and the families on the shoreline applauded him while I recorded all the action on my phone.
Life Jackets
Minutes later a group of boisterous teenage boys in bright orange life jackets came sliding down the same slope without a seconds hesitation – either the bravado of youth or they had done it before.
Inside a colectivo minibus in Mexico
Amigo
So after diving all the waterfalls and sliding a few – Graham that is, not me – we headed back in plenty of time to ensure we didn’t miss the last colectivo home. On some colectivos, it can be crowded with goods but this time it was just people who had been to the waterfalls.
We were the first to arrive so knowing we would have to wait a while, for it to fill up, Graham asked the guy in the front passenger seat where he could get a beer.
‘Tengo una’ he said and he lifted a chilled can of Modelo beer from his backpack.
‘Ahh fantástico. ¿Cuánto cuesta?’ asked Graham as he smiled and started to get his money out. But the man just shook his head again and handed the beer can to Graham. ‘Gracias amigo’ said Graham. We found the people in Mexico to be very friendly, generous and welcoming. This was not the first nor the last beer we were offered.
We snoozed on the way back and woke up just as we got into Palenque.
Final Thoughts
I’m very glad we went to Roberto Barrios Cascadas as it was a very enjoyable day relaxing and having fun in the water. It felt authentic to be there on a Sunday with locals having fun with their families. Our daughter visited mid week, and told us there was hardly anyone there. The day reminded me of our visit to Herve El Agua near Oaxaca. Was that really only a week or so ago? I feel like I have grown so much during this trip in my confidence and calmness.