Vallarta AdventuresMexico’s unspoiled natural surroundings, diverse geography and breathtaking scenery offer endless possibilities for adventure seekers. From cycling in Baja California to water rafting in Veracruz, adventure tourism in Mexico takes many forms to suit every taste and budget. Can’t get enough adventure? Mexico has more than plenty of activities for every traveller.
Mountain Climbing & Rappelling
The Peak of Orizaba (also known as Citlaltepetl), is the highest mountain in Mexico, the Jamapa Glacier and Espolon de Oro, the Iztaccihuatl and the Nevado de Toluca, a snow-capped volcano near Mexico City are popular climbing destinations.
Ain’t No Canyon Low Enough
Canyoneering involves travelling down narrow waterways in canyons by rappelling, jumping, swimming and scaling slippery surfaces. Some great canyoneering locations include Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in Chihuahua and the Matacanes Canyon and Potrero Chico Canyon in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.
Hiking & Backpacking
Just 15 minutes from the capital city of Guanajuato, the Las Palomas recreational zone and wildlife preserve is an ideal place for naturalists and birdwatchers. Furthermore, Las Palomas’ mountainous terrain is the perfect setting for mountain biking and camping.
Cycling
The country offers everything from short bike hikes through archaeological sites to grueling mountain biking and backcountry camping combinations. The beautiful bay, awe-inspiring landscapes and rainforests surrounding the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta provide the ideal setting for the ultimate mountain biking experience.
Ride ‘Em Cowboy!
Mexico boasts countless parks, wildlife reserves and beaches where horses are available for organized tours or rent. Longer organized cavalcades are common in the states of Sonora, Jalisco, Chihuahua and Veracruz, just to name a few.
Up, Up & Away
Paragliding has become tremendously popular in Mexico, with Mexicans and foreigners alike flocking to places like Valle de Bravo in Mexico State and Lake Chapala to enjoy the country’s lush scenery from above.
Getting Your Feet Wet
With more than 40 rivers, including the popular Rio Actopan and Tio Antigua, Veracruz State, which borders the Gulf of Mexico, offers Class II and Class IV rapids. Most tour operators combine rafting with camping, hiking, visits to quaint towns and dips in nearby hot springs.
Kayaking and camping adventures are available out of Loreto and La Paz on the Sea of Cortes (located on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula) where tourists can get up close and personal with finback and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions and exotic fish.
Mexico also boasts countless destinations for diving. Top spots include Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, as well as Loreto and La Paz. And the waters that make up the Sea of Cortes are teeming with blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, sea lions, blue fin whales, hammerhead sharks, moray eels and tropical fish.
For more information on this action packed destination, visit www.visitmexico.com.