How to get to Alta Vista

The road to Alta vista is difficult. It is only passable by four wheel drive and on foot (December 2010).

Drive north of La Peñita toward Tepic on highway 200 about 15 minutes. About half way to Las Varas you will see a turn off on the right to Alta Vista. Proceed up that road about a kilometer and the main road continues to Alta Vista pueblo. Take the right turn. This is not into a field or through a gate of which there are several. It is a public access without gates. To this point the road is good but it soon becomes very rough and you may want to park and walk the rest of the way (about twenty minutes to the main entrance). If you have a four wheel drive with lots of clearance you can drive it. Beyond the fork there is no place wide enough to park so best leave your vehicle there.

The road makes a circle to the right, goes down a steep hill and crosses a stream. Climbing out of the stream is the worst driving, engage four wheel drive. Beyond the stream the road is narrow but good.

When you arrive at the main gate and parking area there is a palapa and baños and a caretaker. Pay the caretaker about 10 pesos per person and follow the path along the stream to the sanctuary. It is an easy walk which takes about 15 minutes if you want to rush, a lot longer if you are taking photos. There are lots of carvings along the way. Corn man is located about three quarters of the way along.

We are looking for a better access. The other access crosses private land and I want to get permission from the owner before publishing that. Look for a map with GPS coordinates here in the future.

As you drive or walk along the road you can see your destination down in the valley although it is not obvious.

You can also proceed up to the pueblo of Alta Vista and ask around for someone to guide you.