Ziplines in San Juan Lachao
There is more to see and experience in Puerto Escondido than its fabulous beaches. For example, you can spend the day in a tropical forest, swim under a waterfall, and get strapped onto a series of cables that take you over otherwise inaccessible valleys. That is the zip-line trip in San Juan Lachao Nuevo. The following is from a report by Mike Nicklin.
San Juan Lachao Nuevo (not to be confused with San Juan Lachao Viejo) is about 90 minutes from Puerto - including a short stretch on a dirt road. Then it’s a 20 to 30 minute hike along the river to the waterfall with its swimming hole. Along the way I saw a lot of birds and bugs and cows and coffee plants and everything else you would expect to see in a tropical forest. The walk alone was worth the trip. Be sure to bring a bathing suit, because you will be very hot after the hike and ready for a swim, before you do the zip-lines.
I went with family and friends of all ages and physical conditions. Some were less than fit and were wary of the trip. In the end, everyone had a good time. You don’t have to go on the zip-lines, but you should. There are a total of five lines. The first is only 100 meters long, after that there are three of 400 meters, and one of 500. You are strapped into a halter and wear a helmet, and hooked onto a wheel (pulley) attached to a steel cable on an incline. Experienced guides accompany the group throughout and two guides catch you at the end of each line. Everything is very safe so there is not need to worry.
The views were fantastic, and the ride itself was not as scary as you might think. You don’t have to hold on to anything, unless you want to.
Tips: bring water to drink along the way; do not wear flip-flops; bring snacks for lunch and a camera.
Editor’s note: The zip-lines cost 300 pesos for Mexican nationals and 600 pesos for foreigners.
Travel guides from Puerto:
Juan José Cortes 954 588 4150, 954 540 9675 josetraveltours@hotmail.com Dimar travel agency. 350 pesos roundtrip including a guided walk to the zip-lines.
Esteban (“Stevie Wonder”) 954 118 2555 This is an all-inclusive tour, including a trip to a coffee plantation, the cost is 1,100 pesos including the zip-lines.
Prices are subject to change.
