Agua Azul, Series of waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico

Agua Azul is a chain of waterfalls on the Xanil River in Chiapas, where the water drops over stepped limestone ledges in white streams into turquoise-green pools. The larger cataracts reach about 6 meters, and in places the water descends in two streams around small islands. The river carries so much calcium carbonate that it encases fallen rocks and tree trunks in a thick limestone shell.

The area was designated a flora and fauna protection area by the Mexican government in 2000, covering 25.8 km2. In 2017, the Chiapas earthquake opened a crack in the riverbed and temporarily reduced the water flow over the falls; local residents reportedly restored the waterfalls afterward.

At the entrances, residents of the communities around the falls charge a small entry contribution and run a long corridor of food and craft stalls. Vendors sell regional dishes and handmade goods, and zip-line operators work alongside them. The falls lie at the borders of the municipalities of Chilón, Tumbalá and Salto de Agua.

The site welcomes visitors during daylight hours, with the dry season from November through February offering the best conditions for swimming and taking photos. During these months the water remains clearest and trails are easiest to navigate.

The 2017 Chiapas earthquake opened a crack in the rock and temporarily reduced the flow over the falls; residents reportedly carried out the repairs that brought the water back. The limestone-rich water also encases fallen branches and trunks in a hard shell of stone, and petrified logs can be seen along the river.