Recently, state tourism officials confirmed that the Puerto Vallarta Downhill & Freestyle and the Tapalpa Airlines World Cup will draw over 30,000 spectators combined, showcasing the state’s diverse geography—from its golden coasts to its misty mountain “Magic Towns.”
The thrill begins in Puerto Vallarta on May 1 and 2, where the city’s historic center will be converted into a high-stakes urban racetrack. Forty pro riders from 12 countries will navigate a technical route of steep stairways and narrow alleys, descending from the hills down to the Malecón. Shortly after, on May 16, the action shifts to the mountains for the Tapalpa Airlines World Cup, a world-class slackline competition. This event will feature the top 20 slackliners in the world performing gravity-defying maneuvers on synthetic lines suspended high above Tapalpa’s colonial architecture.
These events serve as a strategic prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating Jalisco’s ability to manage massive international crowds safely. Under the newly implemented Plan Kukulkán, authorities will deploy 99,000 security personnel across the state, utilizing 33 long-range drones and over 3,000 AI-powered cameras with facial recognition. This robust security model ensures that while the sports are extreme, the environment remains safe for the families and tourists expected to flock to both events.
Source: Prensa Mercosur
