A waterfall day outside Monterrey. This Monterrey tour strings together the 27-meter Cascada Cola de Caballo, a stop on Presa La Boca, and time in Santiago, so you get big scenery plus a real town stroll without a full-day headache. I love the small group pace (max 12), which keeps the day feeling personal instead of rushed.

You also get real convenience points up front: pickup is offered, the tour uses a mobile ticket, and it runs in English. The vibe you’ll notice when you’re there is relaxed—good conversation in transit and enough breathing room at each stop.

One thing to plan around: lunch is not included, and the vehicle can be small depending on your group size—so if you’re sensitive to cramped rides, it’s worth keeping that in mind.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• 27-meter Cascada Cola de Caballo: the main event, with admission included
• Small group (12 max): easier pacing, less crowd stress
• Presa La Boca: you can do a catamaran ride or stay up top and admire the reservoir
• Santiago Magic Town: time for the main square, stone alleys, and traditional snows
• Optional extras near the falls: horse carriage, zip line, and bungee jump are available for extra cost

Tail of Horse Day Trip: How This 5–6 Hour Plan Actually Feels

This is the kind of trip you book when you want to see the countryside around Monterrey but still be back with enough energy for dinner. The timing works because the day is built around three blocks: about 3 hours at the waterfall, about 1 hour at the dam, and about 1 hour in Santiago.

You’ll likely move at a comfortable rhythm. Even when there’s travel time between stops, the day doesn’t feel like you’re constantly packing and unpacking. That matters, because the payoff here is physical: walking paths, viewing points, and time outdoors.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Paying For

At $110.51 per person for a 5–6 hour guided tour with transportation and tickets, the value comes from what’s covered versus what isn’t.

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Guide
• Admission ticket included for Cascada Cola de Caballo
• The other stops’ admissions aren’t a paid hurdle on your side (dam + Santiago are listed as ticket-free)

Not included:

• Lunch

That “tickets handled” part is the quiet win. Waterfall entrances and timed logistics are where DIY days get annoying. Here, you’re paying for a guided, organized route with the main entrance taken care of.

Also, the group size stays small (up to 12). That’s one reason this day feels more like a shared outing than a production line.

Entering Cascada Cola de Caballo: The 27-Meter Waterfall Moment

Cascada Cola de Caballo is the headline. It’s a 27-meter waterfall sitting in a canyon between mountains. You don’t just look at it from a distance—you spend real time there.

The walking is described as fairly easy. Even when there’s an optional horse carriage for extra cost, many people simply walk up. That’s good news if you want the view without turning the day into a cardio project.

Once you reach the area, you’ll get that classic waterfall feeling: cool air near the falls and photo-ready angles. One review also notes the chance to swim and play under different falls. That’s not guaranteed in every season the same way, but it’s a strong hint to bring swim-friendly gear if you’re the type who’d actually use it.

What to do with your time at the falls

Use your time like this:

• Start with one slow walk for photos
• Then find a comfortable spot where the sound and mist are strongest
• Keep an eye on the pace of the group so you don’t cut your own viewing time short

If you’re traveling with someone who wants different viewpoints, this stop works well because there’s room to pause.

Optional Thrills Near the Waterfall: Horse Carriage, Zip Line, and Bungee

Near the falls, you’ll see options for extra-charge activities. These include a horse carriage option and thrill activities like zip line and bungee jump.

Here’s how I’d treat that decision:

• If you’re mostly there for the waterfall itself, you can ignore the extras and still have a full, beautiful visit.
• If you want an adrenaline hit, do it while you’re already in the right place so you don’t lose time later.

One smart note: the stands and activities are part of local business. If there’s a price posted, it’s better to pay it rather than try to negotiate. You’ll spend more energy than money saving.

Presa La Boca: Catamaran Time on the Dam (or Scenic Overlooks)

Next comes Presa La Boca. The tour includes a 1-hour slot, and this part is flexible in how you experience it.

You can do a catamaran ride on the reservoir, or you can admire the nature of the water from the mountains. Both options can feel rewarding, depending on what you want out of the day:

• Catamaran ride: more movement, more “we’re on the water” energy
• Mountain views: calmer, easier, and often simpler if you’d rather not plan around motion

Either way, this stop helps balance the day. After time at a waterfall, it’s nice to switch to wide views and a different kind of scenery.

Santiago Magic Town Stroll: Squares, Stone Alleys, and Traditional Snows

Then you land in Santiago, a Magic Town with a classic center. Your time here is about 1 hour, which is short but enough to get your bearings.

Expect a walk through:

• the main square
• streets and stone alleys
• shops and a chance to sample traditional snows

I like this final town stop because it keeps the day from being only nature. A bit of street walking turns the tour into something that feels like a day trip, not just an outing.

Also, the pacing matters here. Some days you’ll be at it longer because the group stays comfortable and unhurried. On busier days (like a Saturday), it still works, but you may feel slightly more crowd flow. Either way, use the town time for small purchases you’d actually bring home, not for a marathon shopping run.

Getting There Comfortably: Pickup, Vehicle Size, and Timing

This is a guided tour with an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup offered. That’s a big deal on a day like this because you’ll be spending hours outside. Cooling down in transit helps.

Group size affects comfort. The tour can run with different vehicle sizes based on your group. With only two people in one situation, a smaller car was used, and getting in and out was a bit harder than expected. That’s not a reason to avoid the tour, just a heads-up.

Also, you might see a quick stop for fuel during the day. One review describes it as brief—about two minutes—so you’re not stuck waiting.

If you’re someone who needs extra legroom or hates tight entry, consider requesting a larger vehicle if that option exists when you book (the tour description says vehicle size is assigned based on group size).

What’s Included vs Not Included: Lunch, Drinks, and On-the-Day Costs

Lunch is not included, so plan to eat in Santiago or wherever the day naturally lines up. In fact, some guests use the Santiago break to grab lunch right in town.

Drinks are a little trickier. The official tour details don’t list drinks as included. Still, some guides bring snacks and drinks unexpectedly, and that can make the day feel extra thoughtful. Just don’t plan on that as a certainty.

If you like to stay comfortable:

• bring water when you can
• bring a small snack if you know you get hungry during outdoor time
• budget a little extra for sweets like the traditional snows and any optional activities

This is one of those tours where you’ll probably spend money anyway, just because the place is made for it. The key is to set expectations so the cost doesn’t surprise you.

Best For Who: Couples, Families, and First-Time Monterrey Day Trippers

This tour fits best if you want:

• a guided day with low decision-making
• small-group pacing
• real nature time plus a town stroll

It’s popular with couples and families in the feedback. Families also benefit because the waterfall walk is described as fairly easy and people can take their time rather than being whisked along.

You should also feel good if you’re not an athlete. The tour indicates most travelers can participate. That said, outdoor paths and stairs near waterfalls are still part of the experience, so bring footwear you trust.

When You Might Want Another Option

Consider skipping or adjusting your expectations if:

• you really hate tight vehicles and cramped seating
• you need guaranteed food and drinks during the day
• you’re extremely sensitive to crowd flow, since weekend days can bring more people to the town and the waterfall area

That said, even on busier days, the structure of the tour helps keep you moving through the right stops without getting lost.

Booking Timing: Why Booking About 12 Days Ahead Helps

On average, this tour is booked about 12 days in advance. That’s a good sign. A small group with a maximum of 12 doesn’t have unlimited capacity, and outdoor conditions matter.

If you can, book ahead so you’re more likely to get a day and time that fits your schedule. And because weather matters, you’ll have an easier experience if you’re not trying to plan a last-minute miracle.

A Quick Packing Checklist (So You’re Not Rushed)

This day mixes walking with outdoor viewing, and there’s a chance of getting wet depending on how close you go and what the area is like.

Bring:

• comfortable walking shoes
• a light layer for the return (outdoor air can feel cooler near the falls)
• swimwear if you’d use it
• sunscreen and a hat for the open-air time
• cash or card for snacks, traditional snows, and optional activities

If you’re doing zip line or bungee jump, follow whatever guidance is given on-site and consider what you’ll need to stay safe and comfortable.

Book It or Skip It: My Recommendation

I’d book this tour if you want one smart day trip that covers the big hits: a dramatic waterfall, a reservoir experience at Presa La Boca, and a real Magic Town walk in Santiago. The small group size, guided flow, and included main admission make it feel like a solid deal for what you actually do.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very picky about vehicle comfort or you need lunch and drinks to be fully covered. If that’s you, plan your own food and water and treat the day as guided sightseeing, not an all-inclusive resort day.

FAQ

How long is the Tail of Horse tour?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get an air-conditioned vehicle, guide, pickup offered, and admission ticket included for Cascada Cola de Caballo. Lunch is not included.

Is lunch provided?

No. Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to plan to eat during the free time in Santiago or elsewhere on your own.

Are tickets included for every stop?

Cascada Cola de Caballo includes admission. Presa La Boca and Santiago are listed as free of admission ticket requirements.

What group size is this tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.