Explore a Volcano
You need to get an early start for this day-long, self-guided trip that begins with a drive to Jala, an old colonial city east of the state capital of Tepic. En route, you’ll climb to 4,000 feet of elevation and pass through a volcanic landscape decorated with bright green sugar cane fields.
Continue climbing up through groves of oak and pine to the crater at 7,000 feet. The views of several vegetative zones are impressive.
Keep an eye out for orchids and many other kinds of tropical plants, as well as road-runners (who will not “meep meep” as they travel past).
Recent visitors report up close experiences with steamy air emanating from the active volcano, and advise you to be careful about getting too close to the venting areas.