OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

 

In Guadalajara?s environs there are numerous locations to do diverse outdoor activities. In these magical places, surrounded by mountainous terrain, you can do rock climbing, rappelling and Tyrolean rappelling, which involves harnessing yourself to a pulley and sliding down a cable as you enjoy the gorgeous landscape below. You also can rent a horse and have an authentic cowboy experience as you go horseback riding.

 

Bosque de los Colomos ? Located northeast of the city at 1805 Patria Street in the Prados Provincia neighborhood. One of the largest parks in the city with 114 hectares (281 acres), it offers open areas were you can play soccer or ride horses. It also has a nursery, a lake, and Japanese and Mexican gardens. Open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

 

Tapalpa ? Located 130 km (81 mi) southwest of Guadalajara off Highway 54. This is one of the most beautiful towns in southern Jalisco, as it has preserved many of the old characteristics of the state?s ancient farming and agricultural communities. Has many attractive spots where you can do diverse outdoor activities, such as Tyrolean rappelling, which involves harnessing yourself to a pulley and sliding down a cable. This place also offers five sites where you can do rappelling and mountaineering with varying difficulty levels. Impressive sights here include El Salto de Nogal, a 105-meter (346-foot) waterfall, and La Peña del Aguila, which gives you an amazing view of the Tacamo Canyon.

 

Mirador Dr. Atl ? At this place you can hike down into the canyon and marvel at a beautiful waterfall called Cola de Caballo, which has a 150-meter (495-foot) drop. The lookout point has a parking lot, restroom facilities and security services. Located in the Parque Barranca de Oblatos-Huentitan at Km 13.5 off the Guadalajara-Zacatecas-Saltillo Highway 54.

 

El Diente ? Of Guadalajara?s surrounding areas, this has become one of the preferred spots to do rock climbing. It has an area with huge boulders of varying difficulty levels and a maximum height of 60 meters (198 feet). Located in Rio Blanco, Zapopan, north of Guadalajara near the Bosque El Centinela.

 

La Hidro ? This is considered one of the most accessible places to climb volcanic rock formations and it has more than 30 different routes. Located north of Guadalajara in the Parque Barranca de Oblatos-Huentitan off the Guadalajara-Zacatecas-Saltillo Highway 54.

 

Parque Metropolitano ? One of Guadalajara?s first ecological areas to look after the conservation of the region?s flora and fauna. It?s also a relaxing place to do family outings and various sports and recreational activities. Located on Avenida Beethoven in the La Estancia neighborhood. Has a 5-km (3-mi) track that is ideal for cycling or running. The park also rents gear and equipment for rock climbing and offers small camping areas.