Overlooking Xela from the East is a nice viewpoint that’s actually very easily reached from the city. It’s also a hotspot on the weekends, with families barbecuing and hanging out, kids playing soccer, and the not-to-be-missed concrete slides, or resbaladeros. This is a great hike for any morning or afternoon, or anytime, really. It’s steep, but short, so shouldn’t be too taxing for anybody. There’s also a road to the top in case you want to drive or take a taxi.

1. From the Parque Central head east and downhill on 5th Calle (the corner with McDonalds). Follow the main road as it veers to the left.

2. Turn right at the gas station.

3. Follow this road up the hill, turning when you are nearly at the end. The turnoff is a small dirt road with houses along the left side.

4. Cross the main road and keep heading up the path.

5. Enjoy the view, wander around the park at the top, and be sure not to miss the…

6. Slides. Follow the sign to Resbaladeros.

Concrete Slides / Resbaladeros

Watch out! The way these work is you take a flattened plastic bottle and sit on it to slide. If you have a good big bottle (experts use the 3L ones) you can get going really fast. These things are awesome, but… you could kill yourself. So be careful.