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Less than an hour from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Huilotán Ecological Park offers a full escape into nature. This ecological reserve promotes mindful camping and also features natural spring-fed pools for swimming, a waterfall, a temazcal —a prehispanic steam—, scenic viewpoints, and several hiking trails.

Fernando Castro, who oversees Huilotán Ecological Park, explains that they opened in 2015 with the goal of creating a safe camping space that honors and respects nature. The goal here is to camp without leaving a trace and to minimize environmental impact on this protected reserve.

For that reason, keep in mind that glass, music, and pets are not allowed at the park, in order to protect the environment and the species that inhabit this natural area.

The name Huilotán comes from an 1889 record in which the area appears as a small ranch settlement with that name. Huilotán derives from the Náhuatl word huilotl, meaning “doves.”

What to Do at Huilotán Ecological Park

Appreciate the Flora and Fauna

Surrounded by abundant vegetation, Huilotán Ecological Park is home to raccoons, green macaws, black iguanas, peccaries, magpies, coatis, and ringtails, among other species.

Zapopan’s Animal Protection agency has even used this site to release rescued wildlife. During your visit, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings—you’re likely to witness nature’s surprises.

As for flora, you’ll camp beneath the shade of mango barranqueño trees, lime trees, lemon trees, plum trees, and guava trees. Venturing into the trails, you’ll find papelillo, cuachalalate, fig trees, and corpeña.

Swim in the Natural Pools

The park features three natural pools filled with spring water. These refreshing, tree-shaded pools offer a serene and scenic place to cool off.

The water is rich in minerals, offering several health benefits. The pools are available year-round and maintain a mild temperature.

Camp

If your goal is to truly connect with nature, the park has a designated camping area where you can make a controlled campfire and fall asleep to the sounds of the night.

Facilities include restrooms, parking, and a small shop in case you forget to pack something. 

Stay in Their Cabins

In addition to the camping area, the park offers rooms for two people and cabins for up to six. All accommodations include private bathrooms, hot-water showers, a terrace, and a small kitchenette.

They are located on one of the viewpoints, offering beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and moonlit nights.

Join a Night Walk

Every Saturday at 9:00 p.m., the park organizes 1-kilometer night walks that include legends and stories, ending at a viewpoint where you can observe the night sky, constellations, and the moon. 

From July to August, you can also witness fireflies near the camping area and the pools, and these sightings are incorporated into the nighttime walks during the season.

Go Hiking

On Sundays at 8:00 a.m., the park leads a medium-difficulty hike into the forest, ending at natural pools where you can cool off. The duration is approximately two and a half hours. 

Experience a Temazcal

If you haven’t had the chance to take part in a temazcal ceremony, this is the perfect opportunity. Huilotán Ecological Park offers sessions with aromatic herbs, copal, and incense on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. The temazcal is located at a viewpoint overlooking the entire landscape. 

Visit the Waterfall

The reserve features a waterfall that you can visit on your own—the trail is clearly marked. The waterfall is active and open for visits from August through December.

Try the On-Site Restaurant

On Saturdays and Sundays, the park’s restaurant is open. For lunch, the golden-fried tilapia is highly recommended. Huilotán Ecological Park has its own tilapia farm, certified by Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA).

Huilotán Ecological Park

Location: Carretera a Colotlán, kilometer 22.5, Zapopan, Jalisco

Social Media:

Facebook – Parque Ecológico Huilotán

Instagram – @huilotan_reserva_ecologica

Reservations: Make reservations for any activity via WhatsApp at +52 331 342 5610 or through direct message on their social media pages.