Canyon Hiking: Natural Adventure

Guadalajara has many locations just out the city to go hiking. We do a trip every week to one of the following locations:

1. Parque Barranca de Huentitán

Located in the northern outskirts of town, this impressive public park surrounds what could offer one of the most rewarding views in Guadalajara, the Barranca de Huentitán. A deep canyon, shaped by the Santiago and Verde rivers, the Barranca serves as the home for many endemic species and as a paradise for bird watching.

There is a very steep cobblestone trail on the south side that starts at the edge of the city and goes all the way to the bottom of the canyon. The trail is recommended for those prepared for a somewhat challenging hike. Good walking shoes are a must!

Once at the bottom of the canyon, we hike along the river to the Puente de Arcediano that was constructed in 2013. The park can be reached by bus in about 45 minutes from the center of Tlaquepaque, and makes an excellent day trip.

A view of the Barranca can also be enjoyed from various lookout points within the Guadalajara Zoo, which is located adjacent to the park.

• Price: Free
• Schedule: Leaving at 2:30 PM, back around 8:30 PM

2. Hot Springs Las Pilitas

This hike is also in the Barranca but we will enter at another location and will hike to the hot springs called Las Pilitas. The hike will take about an hour going down and an hour and a half to hike up.

Take your bathing suit, towel, and flip flops with you to take a dip in these lovely hot springs. There is a small store at the bottom where you can change clothes.

• Price: Free
• Schedule: Leaving at 2:30 PM, back around 8:30 PM

3. Three Waterfalls at Huaxtla

This hike will take us to three waterfalls where we are able to swim in cold water. The hike is fairly easy and will take about 45 minutes to reach the last waterfall.

For this hike there is an entrance fee to the park which is about 6 USD. Here there are no changing rooms so take a big towel or put your bathing suit underneath your clothes.

• Price: ~6 USD (Entrance fee)
• Schedule: Leaving at 2:30 PM, back around 9:00 PM