Rappelling, Via Ferrata and Hanging Bridges at Boca de Túnel

The Parque Ecoturístico Boca de Túnel occupies a canyon system on the Presa de los Alamitos in the Sierra del Laurel, about 15 kilometres from Calvillo in southwestern Aguascalientes, Mexico. Its core product is a linked circuit of vertical and aerial elements: thirteen hanging bridges strung across the gorge at varying heights, two zip lines, cable-protected via ferrata traverses along the rock face, and rappel descents to the water's edge. Optional boat rides on the reservoir below round out the visit. The full circuit takes about three hours, and the park opens daily from 10:30am to 5:00pm.

The via ferrata and bridge sections need no prior climbing experience, only a reasonable head for heights and enough grip strength to manage cable and rung sections while clipped to a lifeline. The rappel descents are guided top-down, with the operator managing the belay, so first-timers can attempt them. Parks of this type in the region typically set a minimum age around 8 to 10 for the bridges and higher for rappelling, with a weight range roughly 30-110 kg for the harness systems. Travellers with heart conditions, recent surgery, vertigo or pregnancy are normally excluded from the vertical elements but can still walk the canyon rim.

Helmets, harnesses and via ferrata lanyards are issued at the entrance and fitted by park staff. Visitors bring closed-toe shoes with grip, long shorts or trousers so the leg loops do not chafe, water, sun protection and swimwear if the boat and water options are on the plan. The park is a locally run operation rather than an international franchise; standards are competent but informal, so it is sensible to watch the fitting, check that the lanyard carabiners lock, and listen closely during the briefing, which is delivered in Spanish and covers clipping sequence, one-person-per-bridge-span rules and what to do if a participant freezes mid-traverse. Staff monitor the circuit from fixed positions and can reach any point on foot within minutes; a serious incident would mean an evacuation by road to Calvillo, roughly 20 minutes away, with the closest hospital in Aguascalientes city.

Pricing is tiered: around MXN 200 covers two bridges and one zip line, rising to about MXN 350 for the full circuit, with rappelling and boat rides charged separately. The park runs year-round, but the canyon is most comfortable from October to May; summer afternoons bring heat and the risk of storms, which suspend all cable activity until the weather clears.