Women’s Mountain Biking Camps
Tequila & Tapalpa, Two Very Mexican Town
Tequila and Tapalpa are two small towns in the Mexican state of Jalisco, that bring forth the opportunities that are quite scarce nowadays. The first, is the opportunity to travel through time to an authentic Mexico. The second, is the ability to visit nature at its finest, unaffected by today’s pollutants. Don’t believe me? Then, go check it out at http://patawalk.com
Tequila is the name of a national drink. However, the word Tequila comes from the Nahuatl language meaning “place where it is cut” or “place of tributes.” Tequila is also the name of the outstanding, yet extinguished, volcano situated in the nearby vicinity. When you step foot in this traditional and authentic Mexican town, is like travelling back in time. Tequila is famous for being the originating town of Tequila. When you’re here, the first thing you must do is take a shot of the famed drink. Once, that delicious drink begins to warm you up inside, take a stroll through the town. Why not start with some history by visiting the Museo del Tequila (Tequila Museum) where you’ll get a full view of how the production of this drink began, the first distillery machines, the varying types of tequilas, a taste of some fresh off-the-barrel freshly made tequila, and a tour of prized samples on display.
But, just because the town shares the name with the drink doesn’t mean that’s all there is to this beautiful town. For instance, you can visit the Plaza de Armas, which is the town square. Here you will be impressed by the French-style kiosk, the gorgeous gardens, and an incredible monument. Even if you’re not the religious type, you have to visit Templo de Santiago Apostol (Temple of the Apostle James, son of Zebedee), built in honor of the patron saint of Spain. This temple was built in the 16th century and you must undeniably admire the tower with a stone front and a statue in the image of Saint Toribio Romo; a slained priest who was martyred during the Mexican religious wars. Another colonial building is Quinta Sauza (Fifth Sauza) which is a hacienda-like home, it is so well-preserve, that it makes you feel as if you were really back in the day when it was first built.
Tequila is also home to an extinguished volcano of the same name. The volcano is more than 9,000 feet high. Scientists believe that it was once active, but this was more than 20,000 years ago. So, now it is completely safe to hike. After all that hiking and tequila drinking, you’ll want to unwind and what better place than one of the town’s thermal spas such as Paraiso Escondido (Hidden Paradise) or La Toma (The Taking). Ahhhh!
If hiking the Tequila Volcano wasn’t sufficient, then you must visit another small, historical, and authentic town: Tapalpa. This town gets its name from the Nahuatl term meaning “land of colors” or “place situated on top/high.” I agree when people described this place as magical, for how else can you describe a place filled with vegetation, jungles, rivers, creeks, dams, and 100% pure air, and authentic antique architecture. That’s because the entire town of Tapalpa is populated with picturesque buildings reminiscent of a time when horses were the main source of transportation and cowboys were their riders. To most Mexicans, this reminds them of romantic lore when the heraldic man would ride in his white horse to his maiden’s balcony, and serenade a ballad of love to his love under the cover of a starry night and the accompaniment of melancholic guitar strings. It also reminds them of chivalry, horsemen, and valiant values when men used to be men and women beautiful. In this town, trapped in time, you can still see where they would tie up their horses, but once you step outside of the historical boot stomping town, you enter a world of natural resources for the nature loving tourist. Sierra de Tapalpa, Naturaleza Salvaje (Mountains of Tapalpa, Savage Nature) is the name given to this exquisite site belonging to the town. Here, you can do an array of activities without disrupting nature. For instance, you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, mountain climbing and even canoeing. This area is separated into different sections, all aimed at enjoying outdoor activities while respecting nature. Las Piedrotas y Valle de Enigma (The Huge Rocks and Enigma Valley) features an interesting creation of nature: rock formations, situated right in the middle of the forest. Quite incredible! But there’s more. Speaking of rock formations, you must see Los Frailes (The Friars). This spot gets its name from two gigantic rocks, whose shape resembles that of two friars as if they were praying. I suppose nature was really getting creative, when it created this spot. Not impressed yet? La Piedra Balanceada (The Balancing Rock), as it name depicts, it is a humongous rock that is situated in such a spot that it is literally balancing. Now that’s impressive! This area also provides one of the most astounding views of the entire mountain range. Speaking of astounding views, how about seeing the tallest waterfall in the entire state of Jalisco? This is Salto de Nogal (Walnut Break), and it measures and astounding 344 feet. The sound of the water falling is incredibly soothing and relaxing. There’s a smaller waterfall, at 32 feet, just a walk away. If you’d like to do some fishing, then go to Presal El Nogal (Walnut Dam). Here you’ll be sure to catch anything from catfish, to trout while being accompanied by wild ducks and herons. If you don’t care about fishing, how about some canoeing?
When you head back to town, you must visit the Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua (Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua ), which was built back in the 16th century. It is an architectural marvel. Next you must step foot in Temple de Merced (Mercy Temple). This one was built three centuries later, but has some incredible murals; truly artistic. Lastly, if you have an opportunity you must visit Fabrica de Papel La Constancia (Paper Factory). This used to be one of the first paper factories in the country and its interesting to note that it was built by the British.
So wait no further, travel back in time and get a glimpse of nature at its purest along with a taste of authentic Mexico. Go to http://www.patawalk.com
About the Author
I’m an English instructor. I love my career because it allows me to work with students of all ages (from children in kindergarten to mature adults in college) and walks of life. I have a B.A. in English from San Diego State University and have recently obtained my M.A., also in English, from National University. During my free time I travel and write short articles for the Patawalk Virtual Tours website (www.patawalk.com). This site takes visitors into fully mapped virtual tours in 360 formats of amazing places such as Cancun, Mexico. It’s like being there!
Votsalaki Mykonos Mountain Bike Camps.mp4
