Sierra Gorda: Infiernillo Canyon Canyoning & Rappelling Tour

Summary

Infiernillo canyoning adventure with rappels and wild water slides

You’ll scramble through waterfalls in Infiernillo Canyon with expert guides from Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe—rappelling down cliffs, jumping into cold pools, sliding along smooth rocks. Gear is included and there’s a cozy hostel stay so you can rest before another wild day. You’ll leave tired but buzzing—and maybe craving more blue corn tortillas.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my heart to start pounding before we even reached Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe. The drive from Querétaro wound through these misty hills, and I kept thinking — is this really just three hours away? Our little group met up at the edge of the Sierra Gorda, backpacks clinking with carabiners. Our guide, Miguel, handed out gear and grinned when he saw me eyeing the wetsuit. “You’ll thank me later,” he said. He was right — that water’s colder than it looks.

The first night was mostly about learning not to embarrass ourselves in the canyon. Miguel showed us how to work the harnesses and ropes in a patch of grass behind the hostel (which smelled faintly like woodsmoke and tortillas). I tried to copy his knots but ended up with something that looked more like a shoelace disaster. Dinner was on our own — I wandered into a tiny spot where an old woman pressed blue corn tortillas by hand. I still remember the taste, earthy and warm.

Next morning started early, not my usual style. We squeezed into neoprene suits (awkward but necessary), helmets clicking into place, gloves on tight. The air felt sharp — mountain-cold but somehow clean enough to wake you up for real. Once we dropped into Infiernillo Canyon, everything got louder: water crashing over rocks, people laughing or yelping as they slid down natural chutes. The first rappel had me hesitating at the edge — it’s higher than it looks from below — but Miguel just nodded and said “confía.” So I did. Five kilometers of waterfalls, jumps into deep pools (I lost count), sliding down mossy rock faces… honestly I stopped worrying about looking cool after my second ungraceful splashdown.

By the end, soaked through and grinning like an idiot, I realized how much trust you end up putting in strangers here — guides and new friends alike. It’s not a trip for anyone who hates getting wet or muddy or feeling their pulse race a little too fast sometimes. But if you’re curious about canyoning in Infiernillo Canyon near Querétaro — well, you probably already know you want to try it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Ahuacatlan and training

• Leave Queretaro before noon
• Meet at Ahuacatlan de Guadalupe
• Welcome and program explanation
• Room delivery in hostel
• Practical canyoning induction
• Practice rappelling techniques
• Free time for dinner and rest

Day 2 — Canyoning route and return

• Wake up and have breakfast
• Prepare with supplied equipment
• Start canyon tour with guide
• Hike, jump, rappel, and swim

Top questions

How do I get to Infiernillo Canyon from Querétaro?

Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe is about 3 hours by road from Querétaro city; meeting point details are provided after booking.

Is canyoning in Infiernillo safe for beginners?

The tour includes an induction class with safety training; guides accompany you throughout.

What equipment is provided for canyoning?

You get a 3mm neoprene suit, helmet, harness, gloves, flotation vest, and descent system—all included.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes—Ahuacatlán is very small with no ATMs; many places don’t accept cards so bring local currency for meals or extras.

Are meals included on this tour?

Dinner is on your own; food is provided at the end of the canyoning route but breakfast isn’t included.

Where do we stay overnight?

You’ll sleep in a hostel in Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe—the room is included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

No—it’s not recommended for children under 14 years old due to physical demands and safety reasons.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have at least moderate fitness; not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure covers all specialized canyoning equipment—neoprene suit, helmet, harnesses—and one night’s hostel accommodation in Ahuacatlán de Guadalupe. An expert guide leads every step (and jump), plus entry fees are sorted for you. Food awaits at the finish line so you can refuel before heading back out into those winding mountain roads again.