Canyoning is the combination of hiking, rappelling, swimming and ziplining along canyons carved out by rivers. Nayarit, with its geographic variety, is one of the best destinations in Mexico to practice it.
What is canyoning?
It involves descending a river canyon using a range of mountaineering techniques: rappelling down waterfalls, swimming across pools, walking over rocks and jumping into natural basins. It can be a gentle walk or an extreme multi-day experience.
Main canyons in Nayarit
- Tenamache Canyon (Ruiz) — ideal for beginners, with mountain landscapes.
- Sierra de Yago canyons — for intermediate levels.
- El Salto Canyon (Jala/Ahuacatlán) — waterfalls and turquoise pools.
- Rivers of the Sierra del Nayar — long routes, for advanced levels.
Difficulty levels
- Beginner (V1): no rappelling, just walking and swimming.
- Intermediate (V2–V3): short rappels (under 20 m) and required swimming.
- Advanced (V4 and up): multi-pitch rappels, strong currents, high commitment.
Required equipment
- Helmet and harness
- Wetsuit
- Canyoning boots with non-slip soles
- Dynamic and static rope
- Descender, carabiners, quickdraws
- Dry bag for belongings
If you don’t have gear, certified operators provide it as part of the tour.
When to go
The best season is from November to May, when river flows are safer. During the rainy season (June–October) there are real risks of flash floods; avoid closed canyons during those months.
Safety recommendations
- Only hire operators with certified guides.
- Never go canyoning alone.
- Check the weather forecast before starting.
- Share your plan with someone outside the group.
- Respect your level: a canyon demands both physical and mental stamina.
Nayarit offers routes for every level. It is the perfect destination to get started or to take your canyoning to the next level.