I could never classify myself as a true-blue acrophobic. After all, the thought of being suspended high in the air doesn't completely strike me with paralyzing fear.

But let me be clear: I don't love heights either. (Does anyone, really?)

So when the chance to go ziplining this fall while exploring Mazatlan came up, I accepted—begrudgingly.

Huana Coa Adventures Ziplining

Located about 45 minutes from Mazatlan, near the village of La Noria, Huana Coa Canopy Adventures is located on the same plot of land as Los Osuna Agave Plantation, where pure blue agave (like tequila) is harvested and distilled.

Huana Coa's ziplining outfit boasts 12 platforms, with nine ziplines.

Ziplining tours cost US$75, which include transportation to and from the site. Tours usually last between three-and-a-half and four hours (including travel time).

You'll be all set up with the necessary equipment: helmet, full harness and gloves, and a team of about 10 super-friendly Huana Coa staffers will be your guide.

Zipping Along

I won't lie—I was scared. Really scared. When we reached the first platform, I started to really panic at the thought of being suspended high in the air with just a wire protecting me from plummeting.

My palms began to sweat, and I felt a lump in my throat.

But I didn't back down, and decided to take the plunge. I had to—I was already outfitted in all of the gear and couldn't back down.

My First Ziplining Trek

Letting momentum pull me across the zipline, I let out a scream as my body felt being suspended for the very first time. But once that initial scream was let out, a sense of calm washed over me.

Instead of focusing on looking down, I looked out and took in the views of the lush, green Sierra Madre. Every once in awhile, you'd see a yellow butterfly flitting by.

I don't think I fully understood that this ziplining tour wasn't a one-zipline trek. After mastering that first platform, I actually (foolishly) thought we were done!

But the ziplining kept going, and going, and going! We zipped through parts of the tropical forest, stopping on platforms built into towering trees. 

My first ziplining adventure was a fun one. Once you get over the initial shock of flying through the air, it's quite exhilirating. Take the plunge the next time you're in Mazatlan, I highly recommend blocking out a morning or an afternoon for this adventure.

When You Go

One thing I wish I had considered before I went—the proper clothing. Of course, you need to wear closed-toed shoes for safety, and skirts/dresses are not recommended (they'll interfere with the harness you have to wear).

Shorts, t-shirts and running shoes is the standard outfit for ziplining.

But, if you want to be able to record or photograph parts of your group's adventure, your best bet is to wear a pair of cargo shorts so that you can tuck your camera into the pocket.

You'll need both hands free while you're actually ziplining to a platform, but it's nice to be able to whip out your camera once you're on the next platform and record some of the scenery or another person ziplining.

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