Piedras Encimadas Valley
Explore a mystical valley in Puebla with giant, balanced volcanic rock formations, offering hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear views, pleasant temperatures
Piedras Encimadas Valley
Best Time
Clear views, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a mystical valley in Puebla with giant, balanced volcanic rock formations, offering hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
"Amazing location very rustic but worth the drive, with great views of natural rock formations."
🚗 Pothole Alert!
The final stretch of road can be rough with potholes. Drive carefully!
🚶♀️ Explore Further
Consider a guided tour or horseback ride to see more of the vast valley.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monumental Rock Formations
Witness unique volcanic rock structures that appear impossibly balanced, sculpted by time and nature.
Vast Natural Landscapes
Explore expansive grasslands, dense woods, and open areas offering a sense of wild, untamed beauty.
Horseback Riding Adventures
Experience the valley like a cowboy, traversing the terrain on horseback for a rustic and memorable journey.
Camping Under the Stars
Spend a night immersed in nature, with designated camping areas offering a peaceful retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Pothole Alert!
The final stretch of road can be rough with potholes. Drive carefully!
🚶♀️ Explore Further
Consider a guided tour or horseback ride to see more of the vast valley.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, especially on sunny days.
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but voluntary contributions help maintain the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Pothole Alert!
The final stretch of road can be rough with potholes. Drive carefully!
🚶♀️ Explore Further
Consider a guided tour or horseback ride to see more of the vast valley.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, especially on sunny days.
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but voluntary contributions help maintain the park.
🗺️ No Official Map
The park is large with no detailed map. Embrace exploration!
🏕️ Camping Available
Enjoy an overnight stay amidst nature in designated camping areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the valley's stunning natural rock formations and vast, rustic landscapes, offering a sense of wild beauty. The option for horseback riding and camping adds to the appeal. However, some note the rough road conditions leading to the park and the lack of detailed maps, suggesting guided tours for a better experience.
"Entry as well as parking is free, donations welcome. The last few km off the highway,to reach the place, is full of potholes. Huge area that would take several hours on foot. No map of the place as such. Taking the horse carriage would take one only a short distance beyond the restaurant. Paid toilets at entrance as well as near the restaurant. Recommended to take a guided tour on foot or on horseback to explore the place better. The day we went was quite sunny and warm with clear views and one would need sunglasses/sun hat/sunscreen. But can apparently be colder earlier in the morning and sometimes fog descends after noon. The rock formations were interesting enough but not overly impressive to those who have seen a better collection elsewhere but the vast open area has its own charm!"
Krithika Mukund
"Amazing location very rustic but worth the drive. You experience a great view of natural rock formation mixed with some tourist things like wagon and horse rides. We skipped them and just spent a few hours wondering around and climbed a viewpoint to take some photos. No entrance fee but voluntary contributions welcome."
Simon Rivett
"A huge park where you can ride a bike around, ride a zip-line, walk and climb rocks, have a picnic in a palapa or stroll in the wood.
Entrance is a donation.
The park is really big and it takes around 3 hours to see all of it, so you should consider a bike or a horse. There is an actual wood in the park and lots of trees but a significant part is not shadowed so you should probably put some sunscreen and use a hat.b"
Lia Guttman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piedras Encimadas Valley is located in Zacatlán, Puebla. From Mexico City or Puebla city, it's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. The last few kilometers off the highway can be full of potholes, so drive with caution. Some accommodations offer detailed directions and real-time location monitoring for guests.
The road leading to the valley, particularly the last few kilometers off the highway, is known to be full of potholes. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully to avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Information on direct public transportation to the valley is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. If coming from Zacatlán, you might find local transport options, but driving is the most common method.
Yes, cycling is an option for reaching the valley, and once inside, you can also bike around the park. However, be prepared for the potentially rough road conditions leading up to it.
Piedras Encimadas Valley is situated in Zacatlán, within the community of Camotepec, in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Mexico.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no official entrance fee for Piedras Encimadas Valley. However, voluntary contributions are welcome and appreciated to help with the park's maintenance.
The valley is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the rock formations and landscapes. Specific opening and closing times are not always strictly enforced, but it's a natural park.
As there is no formal ticketing system, advance booking is not required. You can visit the valley at your leisure.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned, but it's a natural park, so visitors are expected to respect the environment and wildlife.
Parking is available at the entrance of the valley. While there's no specific fee, donations are welcome.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the valley on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, picnicking, and camping.
The park is quite large, and it can take around 3 hours to see a significant portion of it. To explore thoroughly, consider using a bike or a horse.
Yes, guided tours on foot or horseback are recommended to better explore and understand the valley's unique features.
The terrain varies from open grasslands and wooded areas to rocky formations. Some parts are not shaded, so sun protection is advised.
Yes, the valley offers a natural environment with activities suitable for families, including walking, exploring rock formations, and camping.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants and food stalls available near the entrance and within the park, offering local cuisine. You can also find souvenirs for sale.
Absolutely! You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the designated palapa areas or any scenic spot within the park.
Expect to find typical Mexican snacks and meals, often reflecting the regional cuisine of Puebla.
While camping is available, specific cooking facilities are not detailed. It's advisable to bring your own portable cooking equipment if planning to prepare meals while camping.
It's recommended to bring your own water, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended time in the park. Bottled water may be available for purchase at the food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique rock formations themselves are prime photography subjects. Look for vantage points that capture the scale of the rocks against the landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the imposing rock formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife if you're lucky.
While not explicitly mentioned, drone usage might be subject to park regulations. Always check for local rules before flying a drone to capture aerial views of the valley.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the mystical atmosphere. Late afternoon provides warm, golden light. Be aware of potential fog, which can add a dramatic, ethereal quality to your shots.
The 'Portal del Tiempo' (Time Portal) is mentioned as a significant rock formation, offering unique photographic opportunities related to its mystical significance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Piedras Encimadas
Visitors often marvel at how these massive rocks remain balanced, creating a surreal and otherworldly environment. The sheer scale and unusual shapes of the formations are a major draw for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. The valley's geological story is as fascinating as its visual appeal, offering a glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped this region of Puebla.
Exploring the Valley: Activities and Options
For the adventurous, zip-lining is also available, offering a thrilling perspective of the valley from above. If you wish to extend your stay and fully connect with nature, camping is an option, with designated areas available for overnight stays. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an adventurous trek, the valley provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with the natural world.
The Mystical and Cultural Significance
The valley is also situated near Zacatlán de las Manzanas, a designated Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), which enhances the overall cultural and scenic appeal of the region. The combination of unique natural landscapes and proximity to charming towns makes Piedras Encimadas Valley a destination that appeals to both nature lovers and those seeking a touch of local culture and mystique.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit