Sol de Mayo is the waterfall people mean when they talk about Cañón de la Zorra. It's a 12-meter fall in the Sierra de la Laguna, just outside the town of Santiago, and it's the outing we recommend most to anyone staying with us. Here's what it is, how to get there, and how we'd do it.
What the Sol de Mayo waterfall is
Sol de Mayo is a 12-meter waterfall that drops through pale granite boulders into a deep, clear green pool. It sits in Cañón de la Zorra, Fox Canyon in English, part of the same oasis system that feeds our lagoon down in La Laguna. Above and below the main fall, the stream runs through a chain of smaller natural pools between the rocks and palms.
What surprises most people is the contrast. You drive through dry desert and cardón cactus, and then the canyon opens onto running water and green. It's the clearest picture you'll get of why Santiago is called an oasis.
Where it is and how to get there
Cañón de la Zorra is in the Sierra de la Laguna, reached from Santiago, which is about an hour north of Los Cabos International Airport on Highway 1. From San José del Cabo the drive to Santiago is roughly 50 minutes. The last stretch climbs into the foothills on unpaved road, which is why most visitors go with a guide or a driver who knows it.
If you're staying with us, you don't need to work out the route. Our concierge books the outing and the guide handles the driving.
Two ways we take you there
We run two versions, and they suit different people.
Hiking and Picnic (about 4 hours). You walk in on nature trails with a guide and finish with a picnic overlooking the waterfall, made from fresh, local food. The price includes the transfer, access to the nature reserve, the guide, non-alcoholic drinks and the picnic. Choose this if the walk is part of the point for you, and if you like a long lunch somewhere beautiful.
Sol de Mayo Adventure (about 5 hours). A private guide drives you up La Sierra to the falls, then you have time to relax on the shore, swim, or go exploring for a pool of your own. It comes two ways:
- By SUV: up to 5 people with a private guide and transportation.
- By Can-Am UTV: up to 4 people, and you drive the UTV yourself through the foothills, with the guide leading.
Both include Sierra de la Laguna National Park entrance fees, drinks and snacks. Choose the UTV if you want the drive to be half the fun; choose the SUV for a group, or if you'd rather watch the landscape than the track.
Our take: if it's your first time, the UTV morning is the one guests talk about at dinner. If you're slower travelers, the hike and picnic is the better day.
What to expect at the falls
Expect cool water. The pool below Sol de Mayo is brisk even when the day is hot, and that's most of its appeal in summer. The rocks around it are smooth granite, good for sitting and sunning, and slippery when wet. There's no café or shop at the falls, so what you bring is what you have.
Pack:
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
- Water shoes or sandals with grip
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Some cash, since Santiago and the surrounding area run mostly on cash
Cell service may be limited out here, as it is around Santiago generally, so don't count on your phone for maps once you're in the canyon.
Best time of year to go
The falls are worth it year-round, but the experience changes with the season. In summer the days are sunny and hot, which makes the cold pool a relief. In winter the days are warm and the nights are chilly, so a midday swim is still pleasant, but bring a layer for the drive back. Go in the morning either way: you'll have softer light in the canyon and the afternoon free.
If you'd rather warm water: Santa Rita hot springs
Santa Rita is our other Sierra de la Laguna outing, and it's the opposite mood. Instead of a cold plunge, you hike up and down a canyon of running water and then sit in a natural hot spring that reaches about 86°F (30°C). It also runs about 5 hours with a private guide, by SUV for up to 6 people or by Can-Am UTV for up to 4, with park fees, drinks and snacks included.
If you only have time for one: pick Sol de Mayo in the warm months and Santa Rita on a cool winter day. If you're here three nights or more, do both, on separate days.
Coming back to the lagoon
You'll be back by mid-afternoon with sun on your shoulders and wet hair. That's the hour for the infinity-edge pool under the fan palms, or a massage from our spa, and then sunset over the lagoon and oasis from your terrace. Our concierge books both adventures every day between 7:30 am and 11:30 pm. Like all our experiences, they're designed for guests aged 13 and older.