Excursion to Las Estacas!

I have found another piece of paradise here in Mexico and it is called Las Estacas! 

On Saturday, we traveled to the natural aquatic park, Las Estacas. 

Las Estacas is located in the town of Tlaltizapán. It is only about 45 minutes from Cuernavaca, although it seemed like we were transported to a tropical paradise much further away! 

The origin of the name "Las Estacas" ("the stakes" in English) comes from the stakes that were placed at the edge of the river to control the rise of the water and to irrigate the land attached. 

Las Estacas has a ton of things to do and see. When we arrived at 10:00 am, the park was just opening and there were many groups of professional swimmers who looked like they were all preparing for triathlons and Iron Man races! It was still a little brisk in the morning so we decided to first rent a "lancha" or a boat and row down the river to explore a little bit. It was the best comedy of errors I have ever been apart of! We had to carry this pretty heavy boat to an entrance of the river. Once in, Halie sat in the middle while Lindsey and I tried to row. It was absolutely hilarious because the current was pretty strong. Here we are trying to paddle and go straight but we are veering left and right all the while trying not to hit a competitive swimmer in the face with a paddle because they're swimming next to us like fish. I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life. I think the people watching from shore had quite a good laugh as well... 

This picture and expression sums up the whole boating experience!  

The water was so clear! 

After exploring the river via boat, we worked up an appetite. We had our picnic lunch and then rested for a while under the Mexican sun. (For those of you wondering, I DIDN'T get sunburnt- can you believe it!?) 

We then walked around the park and explored all the different parts. Not only do they have the river and different river activities like rope swings and landings to dive off of, they also have natural and chlorinated pools around the grounds. They have ziplining, camping sites, a hotel and a spa as well! It is really it's own little paradise hidden in lush forests beyond the city limits. It was easily one of my favorite places we have visited!