If you’ve been thinking for a while about spending a weekend at a nature park where you can swim and camp, but don’t know where to start, then you have to check out Huilotán Ecological Park.
This nature reserveis located just over an hour from downtown Guadalajara and is one of the best places to get started with camping: it offers nature, trails, safe areas to set up your tent, and various outdoor activities to enjoy.
Plus, the atmosphere is very peaceful and friendly, perfect for couples, friends, or even families. A great getaway for swimming without breaking the bank.
How to get to Huilotán Ecological Park
The park is located on the road to Colotlán, at kilometer 22.5, in northern Zapopan.
From Guadalajara, the trip takes about an hour. Just take the highway toward Tesistán–San Cristóbal de la Barranca and drive about 20 minutes until you reach the turnoff.
As you go further, the landscape changes completely: the city fades into the distance, and mountains and much denser vegetation come into view, especially during the rainy season.
Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee and choose an animal that will be your “name” for the duration of your stay. Common choices include capybaras, swans, dolphins, and other quirky nicknames.
Depending on the time of year, you can also witness various natural phenomena:
- Macaws during the summer
- Fireflies in July and August
- A waterfall up to 80 meters high after the rains
How much does it cost to enter Huilotán?
Park prices depend on whether you want to spend the day or stay overnight.
Camping
- Adults: $160 per night
- Children and seniors: $140 per night
- Entry permitted until 8:00 p.m.
Day trip
- Adults: $90
- Children and seniors: $70
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Children under two years old are free, and those 12 and older pay the adult rate.
Activities you can do inside the park
In addition to camping, the park offers several optional activities:
- Temazcal: $170
- Guided hiking: $80
- Night hike: $40
You can also explore trails that wind through forests, streams, lookouts, and natural mineral water pools.
What to do during your camping weekend
A good idea is to arrive around noon to take advantage of the park’s natural pools .
At lunchtime, you can try the fried fish at the on-site restaurant, prepared with tilapia raised right in the park.
Afterward, set up camp and spend the afternoon exploring the trails and mango orchards surrounding the reserve.
At night, the classic plan is to light a campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the silence of the forest. The park sells firewood and will help you with whatever you need.
If you visit during firefly season, you can even go for a walk in the dark to witness this natural spectacle.
Park services and rules
Before you go, keep in mind a few rules and recommendations:
- Pets are not allowed
- No loudspeakers or music allowed
- Glass is not allowed
The park features:
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Grocery store
- Restaurant
Just a heads-up: both the store and the restaurant only accept cash, so be sure to come prepared.
What to bring if you’re going camping
If this is your first time camping, we recommend bringing:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes in airtight bags
- Sneakers or boots with good traction
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Portable power bank
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
More information
To check updated hours, availability, or book your visit, you can contact the park through its social media channels.
