Once a hike for pros, stunning Jaguar Canyon now even right for newbies
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Loading... - Diane Hunter
- 01 Dec 2021
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Local canyoneers have known about them for many years, but — until now — most members of Guadalajara’s general public had never seen or experienced the many beautiful waterfalls hidden in a gorgeous canyon located only 22 kilometers due north of Mexico’s second-largest city.
Like so many other natural wonders at the edge of the City of Roses, such as the monoliths of El Diente, Colli Volcano and the hot pools of the Santiago River Barranca, Jaguar Canyon is silent and solitary, leaving an explorer with the impression that he is communing with nature in the middle of nowhere, far, far from civilization.
In the past, the problem was access. The falls were there, all right, only 300 meters from the well-paved road leading to the pueblito of Huaxtla, Jalisco, but getting down to that river required serious mountain climbing skills and rappelling equipment.
All this changed just three years ago when local entrepreneurs began to construct a proper footpath embellished with arrows and signs, making it possible for every Teo, Dora and Hildelgardo to reach the place in one piece — and I include Doras and Hildelgardos only four years old!
None of this implies that the one-kilometer-long trail is easy. No, no, it is still plenty steep, so much so that ropes have been installed at key points for visitors to grab onto as they scramble up and down.
So you are guaranteed to work up a sweat whether you are coming or going.
The canyon, and the town of Huaxtla, can be reached via Highway 23, which takes you from Guadalajara to San Cristóbal de la Barranca. As soon as you turn off this carretera, you realize that you have just entered a magical place.
The views of the canyon from the road are breathtaking, and in the rainy season, their beauty is further enhanced by a spectacular waterfall 100 meters high that cascades down the most distant canyon wall. Read More…
