Games, nature and fun in the Trails of the Alux

The Trails of the Alux are the perfect place for adults and the young that would like to have contact with nature in a true family environment.  This place offers entertaining activities very close to the city and without having to spend a fortune in mechanical games.

This natural park is located at Km 26 on the road to San Lucas, whose city hall is in charge of the upkeep of this most interesting destiny for weekend fun in a fresh forest crisscrossed by many trails.  

In Trails of the Alux, children find everything necessary to put theirenergy to good use.  The park provides them safe and healthfulentertainment in an environment that encourages creativity and thesimple life.  The park is very safe and far removed from the city'sdaily grind.  

The forest has hand rails, teeter-totters, and traditional and largeswings that foster laughter because of the "butterflies in the stomach"feeling they bring about.  

A few steps from the entryway, an odd overlook introduces the family tonature: anteater skeletons, several bird bills, an ostrich egg, theshells of several turtles, and an insect collection.

The view of Guatemala City from this place is spectacular.

If you plan to spend the afternoon with the family, please be awarethat it sometimes gets cold and you should plan to bring adequateapparel.  

The park offers several covered barbeque stations.  Most are located inthe main games area, where you can sit down and fix lunch while keepingan eye on the children.  

No food vendors are allowed anywhere inside the park.  The visitors must bring their own food.  
In this same area you will find convenient rest rooms.  

Several trails lead into the forest.  Some are flat and suitable forhiking, while others are perfect for jogging and trekking.  There isalso a special place to practice light mountain biking.  

Upon arrival, ask for a map of the park and choose the area mostsuitable for your needs.  The map is also useful to locate the manyoverlooks available.
 
If you want to enjoy the sounds of nature, try not to make any noisewhile trekking the forest.  You will be able to listen to the birdssing.  You can also find benches in some trails, where you can sitdown, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.

Here you will find hanging bridges of different sizes; sometimes youwill even have to walk over a log, holding fast to the rope railing.

The most popular activity is the canopy, where young and adults mayslide from one end to another at high speed albeit safely. It is quiteamusing to watch the adults standing in line waiting for their turn toenjoy the experience!

It has been proven that this type of entertainment and environment helpthe children grow in a healthy and confident manner.  European studycenters, especially in Germany, provide areas such as these andmoderate height climbing walls. 

Everything has been designed taking into account the safety of thevisitors.  Parents participate in all activities and the children learnnot to be scared of adventures in nature, which benefit their health. 

One of the most important aspects of the park is that it offers spacesfor the whole family.  Adults revive their childhood and strengthentheir links with their children.  This place is budget-friendly: theadmission fee for adults is Q10; children pay Q5. 

Guatemala's variety is very close to you.  Each family should decidehow to spend the weekend, whether in arcades that provide electronicand mechanical entertainment or in a place where children can enjoy thesuperb simplicity of nature.

Take Roosevelt Boulevard all the way to the end; follow theInter-American Highway as if you were driving to Antigua Guatemala. After driving past the overlook to Guatemala City, in Km 26 you willfind a straight road with signs that lead you to the park.

Follow a narrow road that goes into the heart of the forest and up tothe highest part of the hill.  You will immediately become aware of thefresh and peaceful surroundings and you will see several communicationsantennae.  Follow the paved road that leads you to the park's parkinglot.

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but visitors may remaininside until 6:00 p.m.  It was planned this way to avoid park employeeshaving to interrupt the visitor's solace and ask them to leave. You canalso spend the night if you have secured a permit beforehand.

Pets are not welcome, but exceptions are made sometimes for smalldogs.  Pet handlers should carry a plastic bag at all times to pick upany droppings and must make sure that the animals do not disturb othervisitors.  Please do not bring large dogs, because they scare thechildren and you will be forced to tie them up.


Text and photos: Héctor Roldán