Esta publicación también está disponible en: Español
Nestled in the hillside on the outskirts of town, Kalí Ecopark offers both a respite from the city and the potential adrenaline rush to cater to all members of your group or family. Recently rebranded from Playa Grande Ecopark, this canopy tour (ziplining) park offers more than you might expect. Whether you want to get there shortly after sunrise for a birdwatching hike—breakfast included—or if you’re up for a hiking or biking tour, you will want to check out their expanded restaurant for delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
As one of the closest expeditions to town (about a ten minute drive from Costco), the park’s proximity is but one of the its many enticing aspects. Originally opened by the small community of Playa Grande, the members developed their ejido (communal land) beyond agriculture to bring awareness to the ecosystem of the hills along the Pitillal river and the plight of the jaguar’s potentially diminishing habitat. This summer they are constructing two cabins for guests to rent to better take advantage of the unique environment and amenities offered. For businesses, their new meeting room also has everything you need for a great team-building getaway.
Let’s face it, though: most people will be coming to Kalí EcoPark for the ziplining, and those who do will enjoy some of the most breathtaking views around Vallarta. With 5km spread along 10 ziplines, the park offers a great half-day excursion to take advantage of. There is also an express option for those with a time constraint or who might not be able to hike the entire course. The shortest line is 30 meters and the longest is 800 meters, zipping 360 meters above sea level. My guides, Carlos and Osiris, were the park’s oldest and youngest and were friendly, funny, and professional. Carlos is knowledgeable about many of the plant and bird species and will point them out along your travels. The great reviews on social media are substantiated by all of the great customer service from all of the park’s staff. Safety-wise, each day begins with one of the guides checking all of the lines and you will also notice the many secure attachments of the ziplines as you walk the paths. The equipment (Petzl) used is a well-regarded brand from France and would be known to any familiar to climbing gear.
Packages can include breakfast or lunch, and staff are happy to accommodate your unique requests. Pick-ups are also available from four areas in Vallarta: Lázaro Cardenas Park, the Stadium, the Marina, and the gas station by Las Jarretaderas in Nuevo Vallarta. A taxi or Uber ride would be reasonable with my Uber app showing about 120 pesos from downtown. The park is pet-friendly so feel free to bring your furry friends to swim in the river. With tortilla making and tequila tasting also on the premises, it’s hard to believe that all of this exists minutes from the sun and sand of Puerto Vallarta.
Kali Ecopark
Blvd. Francisco. Medina Ascencio 3987 Int. 302
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48335
Telephone: 322 114 2846
Open: 9am-5pm
www.Facebook.com/kaliecopark
