Mexico Guide
Northern Jalisco and Michoacán
Barranca de Oblatos
About 8km north of the city, out at the end of Calzada Independencia, the Barranca de Oblatos is a magnificent 600-metre-deep canyon, along the edge of which a series of parks offer superb views and a welcome break from the confines of the city. Buses marked "Parque Mirador" (notably #60) run north along Independencia to the Parque Mirador Independencia ( Opening time: daily 7am–7pmPrice: M$2), a popular family spot with picnic areas and excellent views. There is no access down into the canyon from here, but concrete paths wind down to the brink, where you can look gaze down past vegetated bluffs and cliffs to the river far below. Looking along the canyon it becomes evident how the barranca limits the city's northward expansion, as buildings come right to the edge. Indeed, a new building at the adjacent design and architecture school is cantilevered right over the void. Several good cafés and restaurants near the entrance to the Parque Mirador cater to student budgets.