Hill of the Cross Viewpoint — Attraction in Jalisco

Well worth the workout to climb the many steep steps and grooved streets to the top of this magnificent spot. You need to be in decent physical shape to make this climb and even then, bring water and take your time. Some of the steps are very steep and broken as is the street, so make sure you have great walking shoes. It certainly is not a walk in the park. There are a few different paths to take, some easier than others, so pay attention to where you start and what route you take. It will take 30-45 minutes at a nice steady pace and most will have to take a break every 5-10 minutes to catch their breath and take a drink. When you reach the old cable car that is not in use, you are almost there. When you do reach the "top of the mountain" (the location of the cross), absolutely go the extra few flights up the tower for the most amazing view. There are a few benches to rest in the shade at the bottom of the tower. There is no running water or bathrooms (they were locked when we were there), so be prepared. Bring a small towel or two to wipe the sweat or soak them in water to cool down. First thing in the morning would be best to make this trek as it could be brutal in the hot sun later in the day. You are in mostly shade as you climb! Again, bring plenty of water! The trip down is so much easier, so if you made it up, don't worry about getting down....

A must see hike if you can handle a lot of steps. Take plenty of water. We have never seen the funicular work in 4 years. There are a number of ways to get there and I can vouch for at least 3 that don't. 🙃 We have hiked up maybe 10 times and the bathrooms were only open once.

With all that said it is worth the beautiful views you get from the climb. We usually spend 30 minutes to an hour at the top. The past couple years we have seen people jogging up the stairs, doing squats, pushups, yoga, etc. 🤯 There are two sets of stairs on each side of the funicular, take which ever one is more shaded.

Going down, we always recommend taking a left at the bottom of the stairs. You then go over a hill, around the mountain and come to a point where you can go left back around the mountain or down by some homes. Go down by the homes. It's very interesting. Keep heading down hill and you will make it out eventually. We regularly head to Cheeky Monkey for the cold wash towels to cool off from the hike and the 1$ beers.

Depending on where you start you should allow 30-45 minutes to get up the hill. I would assume an Uber or taxi driver can get you fairly close to where the stairs begin, but we have always walked. Friends in their 70s have made the trip...

The Malacon is about 5m above sea level, and the top platform is about 105m. It is, therefore, the equivalent of climbing 30 flights of stairs.

First, you will climb a few roads with a very steep incline. A taxi can take you to the base of the stairs.

Once at the base of the defunct funicular, pick the quirky stairs on the left as they are in the shade.

If you didn't pick a drink on the way up, you'll start wishing that you had. If you feel that it is too much to handle, please take as many breaks as you need.

Once at the top, go to the mountain facing side of the cross. You will need to recuperate in the shade. Along the railings, you may even feel a gush of cool air.

Now that you feel rejuvenated, enjoy the view.

Of course, sunset is the most exciting time to come, and that's when most people will be there.

From the bottom of the sun, the water touches the water to when it vanishes is approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds. You can time it.

It is time to carefully head back down the stairs and steep roads to the Malecon for well-deserved...