Greg Custer leads walking tours on Saturdays, which encompass key facets of the picturesque town of Ajijic, its history, culture, attractions, and ecology.  Greg has been visiting the Lake Chapala area for over 40 years and has been living here full-time since 2015.

Discover Ajijic intimately—on foot

The picturesque town of Ajijic is the best known of all the lakeside towns, and tends to be the one most sought-after by foreign residents considering a move to the area.  Its picturesque streets, cobbled alleyways, pleasant plazas, and agreeable treelined boardwalk along the lakeside offer an environment that is quintessentially colonial Mexico coupled with Anglicized stores and restaurants.

Greg Custer offers an insightful, informative, and entertaining walking tour of the village of Ajijic and its shoreline along Lake Chapala—Mexico’s largest natural lake.

The tours take three hours and include insights about local legends, ancient history, and a colorful constellation of characters who have impacted the Ajijic community.  This agreeable half-day outing is a moderately easy walking tour, with opportunities to rest, including a complimentary beverage from a local café as the small group explores the nooks and crannies of this charming mountain town and helps you delve into its heritage, appeal, and attractions.

The tour is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area if you’re visiting the town for leisure.  If you’re planning a possible move to the Lake Chapala area, this small-group walking tour will provide you with helpful insights and vital local knowledge that can help you to consider your choices as you form your Mexico lifestyle plans.

Make a request for your walking tour of Ajijic

Complete the tour info request form below and Greg will contact you directly to arrange your walking tour of Ajijic.

Our travel partner offers in-depth insights to this remarkable region of Mexico, underpinned by close-knit working relationships with local community service providers. Choose from set date tours, or request a custom itinerary to suit your dates and travel preferences.

Whale watching season in Mexico

The Grey Whales journey from the icy waters off the coast of Alaska to arrive at the warmer coastal lagoons along the Baja California peninsula during the month of January. 

• The breeding season is short and advance planning is essential.
• Peak viewing begins in late January.
• The whale watching season ends in late March.

The coastal lagoons near Guerrero Negro are located on the 28th Parallel, virtually halfway between the northern and southern reaches of Mexico’s Baja region.

Mexico’s Baja peninsula is a narrow but very long tract of land, so to make the best use of time, our associate recommends that visitors fly at least one-way.

Planned tour: As part of your tour package, your tour transportation, accommodations, most meals, and all assistance services will be provided to ensure that your time is spent absorbing the experience and not concerning about the travel logistics.

Set-date itineraries take a picturesque road trip to Guerrero Negro and fly back from there on a small private aircraft to an air strip in Ensenada, with ground transportation to San Diego.  Your party may be combined with other parties on ground transport during these set-date tours.

Custom itineraries are formed according to your party’s schedules, interests, and transportation preferences. A custom tour offers full flexibility and ground transportation is exclusively assigned to your party on custom itineraries.

Accommodations. Hotels chosen for the tour are attractive local hotels and inns, and all rooms have private baths.  They provide comfort amidst the natural scenic locations where they are situated.  You can expect excellent service with friendly and attentive staff, and the water and food are safe.

A unique tour in an extraordinary location that will create lifelong memories for you and your party

These tours, carefully crafted by a highly skilled tour operator based in Baja and working hand-in-glove with local indigenous communities in the region, offer one of the most awe-inspiring travel experiences available in Mexico.

The highlight of tour is being in the company of the grey whales and their baby offspring. Many dream of meeting a whale and feeling its majestic presence nearby, and this tour opens an opportunity for you and your family and friends to realize that encounter in a way that respects nature and the whales themselves as they frolic in the natural habitat where they arrived to give birth to their progeny.

Highlights of the Tour

Your tour will be composed of a series of activities that will bring you close to the rugged and breathtaking beauty of Baja’s deserts—a place that provokes inward contemplation and provides inspiration for our senses.

You can join a set-date group tour, or request a no-obligation quote for a fully customized tour to suit your party’s schedules, interests, and travel preferences.

In all cases, knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking guides will provide detailed insights and narratives about the natural history and the local culture as you travel through and absorb this remarkable experience.

Extraordinary whale encounters

The coastal lagoon area off the coast of Guerrero Negro is one of the best places in the world to meet and encounter with gray whales. You may have the chance to see mothers with their newborns; some whales encourage their offspring to frolic with the humans and you may even touch them during carefully-managed encounters.

Birdwatching in Baja

Guerrero Negro is also known one one the world’s ornithological hotspots, as the region provides a vast natural and unspoiled habitat to host migratory birds as they meet and mate among its pristine estuary ecosystems and isolated salt flats.

Iconic garden, ancient caves and a salt mine

Hike and wonder among the whimsical granite boulders and boojum trees of Cataviña, an iconic garden of cacti and hidden cave paintings. A guided tour into the largest salt mine in the world is also possible; this a remarkable experience that leads you in to a pearl white landscape of mountains composed entirely of salt rock.

Wine tasting tour

You’ll be passing through the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s top and most renowned wine producing regions. The tour offers an option to visit one of the great vineyards of the region where you will take lunch, taste from a variety of fine wines produced on the estate, and have an opportunity to buy some wine to take home with you, directly from the producer.

Active touring on foot and water

Depending on your timescale, interest, and physical ability, local hikes can be included as well as kayaking in the local lagoons. This can include a hike along coastal volcanoes with a wonderful view of surrounding wetlands.

Visits to local points of interest

Itineraries also include visits to local cultural centers, museums, and other local community centers, reserves and local initiatives to help you gain deeper insights into the local culture and its people.

Local restaurants and eateries

The tour will include visits to hand-picked places to eat, including popular local restaurants and quaint local eateries, with fresh oysters and other seafood being one of the local delicacies due to the proximity of the ocean and the Sea of Cortés. Special dietary arrangements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Small airplane travel

Small aircraft fly lower and slower than commercial jets.  The tour operator offers an option to climb aboard a small aircraft to return to Ensenada and in doing so encounter a bygone era of air travel, when the experience was valued over speed.

The ~300-nautical mile (two-and-a-half hour) flight offers passengers a birds-eye view of the areas you explored on ground, including majestic mountains that rise-up from the vast desert landscapes to the east, and the foam and spray of the inspiring and powerful Pacific Ocean to the west.

Optional Road Cruise northward

If you would prefer not to fly back to Ensenada, you may opt for a Land Cruise back north, with a side trip to visit the Sea of Cortés.  This land cruse return option adds one or two nights to your timescale and itinerary.

Typical 6-day itinerary

Tours typically last six days and begin and end in San Diego, California; or in Tijuana, Mexico.

Baja whales and nature tour prices

These carefully designed tours to visit the whales in-season, combined with other local attractions in the Baja region, are offered on set-dates with a preset itinerary or via a customized quote to suit your own dates (season runs from January to March), activity interests, transport options, and tour timescales.

• Six-day tours are priced from US$1,920 per person.
• Make a request for dates in 2024/2025 and receive a no-obligation quote from our travel associate.

Make a Baja Whales & Nature tour request

Complete the request form below and our Baja travel associate will be in direct contact with you to share a detailed itinerary for set-date tours or provide a no-obligation quote for a customized tour.

Bigger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona

The ‘Copper Canyon’ is actually a series of twenty canyons, formed over the years by six rivers.  The area is about seven times the size of the Grand Canyon, and has distinct topography, flora and fauna to Arizona’s premier natural wonder.

The most popular —and best— way to travel into the canyon is by making use of the remarkable railway which traverses areas of this rugged wilderness.  Opened in 1961 following decades of construction, the line is an extraordinary feat of engineering in its own right.

Copper Canyon train line: an engineering marvel

The railway was originally devised to connect the commercial Pacific sea port at Los Mochis to the central colonial city of Chihuahua. A distinctive engineering feature of the line is that it begins at near-sea level on the Pacific coast, rises to an altitude of over 8,000 feet and then declines again to an altitude of around 2,500 feet.

The incline of a railway track cannot exceed fifteen degrees, so to accomplish the  ‘climb and descent’ the engineers needed to construct bridges, burrow many tunnels through the mountains, and use ‘switch-back’ stages in order to complete the route.

By the time the railway was finished, engineers had laid over 390 miles of track crossing thirty-nine bridges and traversing eighty-six tunnels: the longest bridge runs for a quarter mile and the longest tunnel for nearly a mile.

A remarkable train journey through the canyons

Two first-class trains begin the journey across the canyon: one starting in Chihuahua City and the other in Los Mochis.  They meet, roughly half-way, near Divisadero station, which is also a base for most of the canyon’s hotels, lodges, and tours which take visitors deeper into the canyons.

The most scenic and dramatic areas of the canyon are on the west side, so to take advantage of the daylight it’s generally accepted that the train traveling eastbound —from Los Mochis towards Chihuahua— is a better sight-seeing option than the one traveling east to west.

When to visit the Copper Canyon

Seasonally, May and June tend to be the driest months in the canyons.  July to November are months when the rains are most abundant and the canyons’ flora show-off their deepest colors.  Between December and May, the canyons’ colors pass through a transition between the wet and dry seasons.  Winter months (December to February) are the coldest and it can snow in some areas of the canyon.

El Fuerte is the most popular boarding point

Although the train journey begins in Los Mochis, many tour visitors board the train at its first main stop situated in the beautiful colonial town of El Fuerte, which is about an hour’s drive from Los Mochis—the city which most people fly into to take the train.  When you arrange your visit to the canyon using a tour service, there will be a driver and vehicle waiting to meet you at the airport.

You can take the train straight through to Chihuahua City and simply see the canyon ‘in passing’ on the train.  However, to properly experience the canyons and get the most out of a visit to the region, we recommend you explore the various tours on offer and include a stay at one of the hotels or lodges in the canyon itself (the more adventurous can hike and camp in the canyon) and, from there, participate in some of the wonderful outdoor activities on offer.

For detailed information about the Copper Canyon, including local knowledge about the area, best times to travel, the train journey, the attractions and activities on offer, connect to our comprehensive Guide to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

A customized tour makes your visit to the butterfly sanctuaries an effortless journey, enabling you and your companions to fully absorb the experience of this remarkable migration.

The butterflies arrive in November and leave in March

Our travel partner has been helping visitors to enjoy the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries for over 15 years and their custom-made itineraries are underpinned by a depth of experience and close working relationships with local guides and travel specialists, as well as the local community leaders that run and caretake the protected butterfly sanctuaries.

The Monarch butterflies begin to arrive in Mexico during November and leave around mid-March.  Peak viewing season runs from mid-January to late February—this is when the butterflies are most active.  The oyamel forests are situated at elevation of up to 10,000 feet above sea level in the mountains west of Mexico City.  Ascent on horseback is available for those who may need assistance with the climb.

An outstanding customized tour to the butterfly sanctuaries

A customized tour arrangement can begin in Morelia (Airport: MLM) or Mexico City (Airport: MEX).  These carefully crafted tours provide a guide and transportation exclusively assigned to your party.

You will be met personally at the airport by your English-speaking guide and driver, and swiftly transported to your accommodations, so that you can settle-in and begin to get acclimatized the locality and altitude.

Every day of your tour, the guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to begin the day’s activities.  The guide will also accompany you for your overnight stay near the butterfly sanctuaries.

Custom tours are offered with varying durations from three-to-six nights’ stay, to flex with your available schedule and budget.  Tours can begin in Mexico City, or Morelia—as you prefer.  Shorter itineraries of three nights’ stay focus primarily on a visit to one butterfly sanctuary, whereas the longer 6-night+ tours enable you to visit two or three sanctuaries and take in additional tours in the locality.

Monarch butterfly tours starting in Mexico City

Monarch butterfly tours starting in Mexico City include:

• Overnight stay in the historic downtown area of Mexico City
• Visit to the fresh and vibrant forested lakeside area of Valle de Bravo
• A visit to one, two or three sanctuaries, depending on your time scale, with at least one overnight stay near one of the three sanctuaries
• Ascent to the sanctuaries on horseback is available by request, at an additional cost
• You can optionally start in Mexico City and end in Morelia, or vice-versa

Day tour options for extra days:

• Take a guided tour of the historic center of Mexico City and visit the outstanding Anthropological Museum;
• Visit the holy shrine of La Virgen de Guadalupe and take a private trip out to the spectacular Teotihuacán archeological site;
• Discover more of Mexico City with a visit to the bohemian Coyoacán art district and the floating gardens of Xochimilco

Tour prices starting in Mexico City

Prices for customized butterfly tour packages starting in Mexico City start from US$875 per person, depending on duration, and based on two people sharing a room. There are surcharges for single-occupancy rooms and solo travelers. Optional add-on day tours and tour customizations around Mexico City and Morelia can be quoted and arrange by request. Prices are subject to change. Please request a personalized quote from our travel partner by completing the request form below.

Monarch butterfly tours starting in Morelia

Monarch butterfly tours starting in Morelia include:

• Overnight stay in the historic city of Morelia
• Visit to two or three butterfly sanctuaries, depending on your time scale, with at least one overnight stay near one of the three sanctuaries
• Ascent to the sanctuaries on horseback is available by request, at an additional cost
• You can optionally start in Morelia and end in Mexico City, or vice-versa

Day tour options for extra days:

• Enjoy a tour of the fascinating and insightful folk-art villages around lake Patzcuaro;
• Visit the ancient and mysterious Purépecha archeological site of TzinTunTzan;
• Take a historic walking tour of the regal colonial city of Morelia;
• Watch as copper is formed into art and homewares and buy unique pieces of copperware in the village of Santa Clara del Cobre

Tour prices starting in Morelia

Prices for butterfly tour packages starting in Morelia start from US$1,045 per person, depending on duration, and based on two people sharing a room.

There are surcharges for single-occupancy rooms and solo travelers. Optional add-on day tours and tour customizations around Mexico City and Morelia can be quoted and arrange by request.

Prices illustrated are subject to change. Please request a personalized quote from our travel partner by completing the request form below.

What your butterfly tour includes and excludes

Regardless of your tour’s start point or duration, your package always includes:

• being met personally with transfers to and from the airport;
• lodging at hotels that have been carefully chosen by our travel partner;
• a private driver and guide to the butterfly sanctuaries;
• entrance fees to the sanctuaries; and
• your morning breakfasts and in-tour transportation.

Tour package prices exclude

• your flights (or other transportation) to the start point in Mexico City or Morelia;
• meals other than your morning breakfast at the hotel(s);
• tips for the guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff; and
• trip insurance.

Make a Monarch Butterflies tour request

Complete the request form below and receive a quote for a customized tour to visit the phenomenal Monarch butterflies in Mexico.

Our travel associate creates custom-made tours that combine exploration of Mayan archaeological sites, discovery of picturesque colonial towns, refreshing swims in cenotes, catching your breath along the coast, and tasting the mouthwatering local flavors—with plenty of opportunity absorb the nuances of this quite magical region in Mexico.

Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted tour of Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is a fascinating place to visit. Once the heart of the ancient Maya civilization, during the colonial era it became a prosperous center of trade and commerce, renowned for production of sisal fibers—used for ropemaking.

Following the downfall of the sisal haciendas in the early part of the twentieth century, Yucatán modernized without betraying its ancient roots and today is a prosperous, thriving, and culturally-rich region of Mexico.

Our travel associate creates custom tours that enable you to experience authentic facets of this extraordinary region, on a carefully planned and thoughtfully crafted custom itinerary that enables you to experience Yucatán authentically.

A custom tour that helps you get the most of your visit

Your custom tour of Yucatán can begin and/or end in Mérida (Airport: MID), Chetumal (Airport: CTM), or Cancún (Airport: CUN).

Expertly crafted tours. Our travel partner’s tours of Yucatán are crafted and led by people who know the region intimately. As part of your tour package, your transportation, accommodation, and assistance services will be carefully arranged to ensure that your time is spent absorbing the experience and not worrying about the travel logistics.

Independent tour with a driver option. Our travel partner offers independent self-drive tours—recommended for Yucatán—complemented by a detailed information packet that is tailored to your itinerary and that will assist as you engage independently through your day-by-day travels and activities. Optionally you can choose to have a vehicle and driver to accompany you, for an extra fee.

Airport arrival and transportation. If you choose to self-drive, our associate’s recommended option for Yucatán, a suitable sized rental car will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport. If you choose the vehicle and driver option, you will be met personally at the airport and chauffeured transport will be provided for your trip.

Accommodation. Your custom tour of Yucatán is offered with a choice of accommodation comfort levels and styles, with properties that match the character of each place: eco-cabins, small guesthouses, boutique hotels, and selected resorts are available. Most travelers choose a blend of accommodation styles, for example, staying at an eco-cabin when exploring nature, a comfortable hotel in urban locations, and treating themselves to a night or two at a sumptuous property that is an experience in its own right. Regardless of which types you choose, you can expect excellent service with friendly and attentive staff, and the water and food are safe.

Flexible itineraries. Custom tours are offered with a core plan of five or ten days’ stay, and options to extend the core stay with additional days to flex with your available schedule and budget. The ten-day core tour introduces you to some of the region’s most important and remarkable attractions. The five-day core tour offers a shorter itinerary that sharpens focus on a selected pick of places and is ideal for those with less time to spare or smaller budgets. All itineraries offer a well-balanced program that is not rushed.

Places & activities to experience and absorb

Our travel associate’s itineraries focus on visits in and around the areas of Valladolid, Mérida, Progreso, Xpujil, Bacalar, and Campeche. Choose a five- or ten-day core tour, and optionally add extra days customized to your needs, schedule, and budget.

Every itinerary is custom designed around your needs. Highlights include:

• The colorful and historical colonial city of Valladolid; and the archaeological wonder of Ek Balam, where you can climb to the top of the acropolis; afterward take a refreshing swim in a natural water cenote (underground lake); learn how corn, beans and squash are grown in this region using techniques passed down through generations on an ancestral agricultural tour.
• Discover Mérida, the capital city of Yucatán state, known for its outstanding colonial architecture, lively cultural scene, and remarkable gastronomy; include a stop at Chichén Itzá, one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world; cool down with a refreshing swim at Yokdzonot, a cenote considered sacred in Mayan tradition and transformed into an eco-tourism project by women from the nearby rural community.
• Experience the northern coastline of Yucatán, take a boat trip to Columpios island, a perfect spot to relax on the beach, swim in calm waters, and enjoy the swings (“columpios”) suspended over the sea. Afterward, travel to El Corchito, a protected natural area surrounded by mangroves to visit three small, crystal-clear pools and observe water birds, raccoons, and coatis roam freely. Close your day strolling along the boardwalk in the port town of Progreso and take a traditional evening meal at one of local restaurants before returning to Mérida.
• For active travelers, the “Mayab Adventure” offers a full day of activities with an early departure. Enjoy early morning swimming at cenotes, including a 4 km (2.5 mile) bike ride to a remote and beautifully preserved cenote off the beaten path. After lunch, stop for a tour of Izamal —”the Yellow City”— and adjacent Kinich Kakmó archaeological site to combine an experience of pre-Hispanic remains, colonial buildings and modern houses and discover why Izamal is known as the “city of three cultures.”
• Take a full day to absorb Mérida and enjoy this extraordinary city at your own pace. Your itinerary includes important landmarks including the Plaza Grande, Government Palace, Casa de Montejo, and the cathedral. Take in local markets and important museums, stop for refreshment at a local café, and round off the evening at Santa Lucia park for dinner and live music al fresco.
• Experience an in-depth visit to the impressive archaeological site of Uxmal, and travel onward to the state and city of Campeche, on the shores of Mexico’s Gulf coast, famous for its pristinely kept UNESCO-listed historical center, seafront walks, museums, the San Miguel fort, and delicious seafood.
• From Campeche, excursion out to the archaeological site of Edzná and the small town of Xpujil where you can visit the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve—one of Mexico’s most important ecological areas. Xpujil offers small hotels, local restaurants, and a quiet, authentic atmosphere to experience the jungle and Mayan culture off the beaten path.
• Visit the lakefront town of Bacalar, best known for its Lagoon of Seven Colors—its hues change throughout the day with variances in depth and light. Take a kayaking trip out on the water, enjoy a refreshing swim to cool down, take a gentle boat trip, or simply relax on the lakeshore.

Optional Side Trips & Activities

When you have extra days to spend on an itinerary, (whether you choose the five- or ten-day core plan) additional options include:

Around Valladolid

• Cooking classes and Mayan cooking workshops.
• Free walking tour of the historic center.

Around Mérida

• VIP cenote experiences.
• Honey tasting & coconut eco-tour.
• Full-day gastronomic tours focused on Yucatecan food.
• Combined Izamal–Chichén Itzá–cenote excursions.

Further afield

• Campeche historic center and museums.
• Additional days in Bacalar for more time on the lagoon.
• Archaeological sites in the Calakmul region (from Xpujil).

Meals & Drinks Plan

Meals and drinks may be included on certain day tours, and most accommodation will include breakfast. Your other meals and snacks may be sought at local restaurants, markets, or beach spots, at your own expense.

There is plenty of time built-in to itineraries for you to explore regional dishes like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and the remarkable local seafood. Vegetarian options and special diets can be catered for locally.

Purified drinking water is provided during activities and transfers. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense unless specifically described as included in a given activity or trip that is part of your tour.

Families, age groups

Every tour is customized around the individual needs and composition of your party.

Our travel associate will advise you regarding the length and pace of each day on your itinerary, as well as practical matters like heat and travel conditions, age considerations, and the level of physical ability required to participate in some tours/activities so that you can make informed choices and enjoy a tour tailored around your party’s priorities.

Prices for custom tour of Yucatán

These prices illustrate typical ranges for the core 5- and 10-day tour.

Every tour is tailor-made and quoted based on your individual preferences and needs.

Prices vary depending on your final chosen route, travel length and dates, group size, any extended tours/activities you may add, and accommodation comfort level and style.

A 10-Day core tour typically prices from US$2,200 per person.

A 5-Day core tour typically prices from US$1,100 per person.

Whichever core plan you choose, our travel associate’s itineraries will not rush you; there will be time and space to connect with local people, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, and savor the regional foods amidst a flexible structure that adapts to different budgets and travel styles without losing the heart of the experience.

What your custom tour includes and excludes

The core package includes the essential ingredients your party will need for a comfortable journey, and excludes optional customizations, tips, and trip protection insurance.

Tour package prices include:

• A detailed information packet to guide you on your independent self-drive tour (recommended for Yucatán). A vehicle and driver to accompany you on the journey is optionally available for an additional fee.
• A suitable sized rental car waiting for you at your arrival airport. If you choose the vehicle and driver option, you will be met personally at the airport, driven on the tour, and returned to the airport of your choice at the end of the tour.
• Accommodation at hotels that have been carefully chosen by our travel associate and aligned with your preference and budget.
• Purified drinking water during activities and transfers.
• Breakfast is included at most accommodation places; and some meals might also be included—your custom itinerary will describe this.

Tour package prices exclude:

• Your flights (or other transportation) to your chosen starting point in Yucatán.  Most typically this is an airport, but if you’re arriving by some other means, our travel associate can accommodate this.
• Additional meals, drinks, and snacks, including alcoholic beverages, not described as included in the itinerary.
• Tips for the guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff.
• Trip protection insurance.

Request a quote for your custom tour of Yucatán

Every itinerary is custom made and quoted. Complete the request form below and our travel associate will contact you to talk about your travel plans and give you a no-obligation quote for a customized tour of Mexico’s Yucatán region.

Our travel partner has been taking visitors to the Copper Canyon for over 20 years and specializes in custom-made tours that take care of all the details and enable you, your family, and companions to get the most from your visit to this most remarkable region of Mexico.

Enjoy breathtaking scenery on a remarkable train journey

You can experience the Copper Canyon by hiking, biking, trekking, horseback, or four-wheeling; however, by far the most popular route is to take the Copper Canyon train line—that runs between Los Mochis and Chihuahua City.

The Copper Canyon railway is a stunning engineering achievement. The railway line is over 390 miles in length, crosses 39 bridges (the longest bridge is over 1500 feet long) and 86 tunnels (the longest over a mile in length). The line crosses some of Mexico’s most rugged and wild natural terrain—hugging the edge of mountains and traversing deep ravines across its bridges. The scenery it travels through is truly breathtaking.

Choose a custom tour to get the most from your visit to the canyons

A custom tour of Copper Canyon can begin in Los Mochis (Airport: LMM), Mazatlán (Airport: MZT) (from where you will be provided with ground transportation to the beautifully picturesque town of El Fuerte where you’ll board the train); or Chihuahua City (Airport: CUU).

Expertly crafted tours. Our travel partner’s tours are underpinned by over two decades of experience and provide guides and transportation exclusively assigned to your party. As part of your tour package, all your transportation, accommodations, food, and assistance services will be provided to ensure that your time is spent absorbing the experience and not concerning about the travel logistics.

Airport transfers. You will be met personally at the airport and swiftly transported to your comfortable accommodations in preparation for your copper canyon tour.  At the end of your tour, you’ll be transported back to the airport of your choice.

Accommodations. Hotels in the canyons are attractive colonial-style hotels, and all rooms have private baths.  They provide comfort amidst the natural scenic locations where they are situated; you can expect excellent service with friendly and attentive staff, and the water and food are safe.

Independent or fully guided. Our travel partner offers independent tours complemented by a detailed information packet that is tailored to your itinerary and that will assist you as you engage in your day-by-day activities. Optionally you can choose to have an English-speaking guide for an extra fee to accompany you on the entire trip and thus give you the most complete experience in Copper Canyon.

Flexible itineraries. Custom tours are offered with varying durations from five to eight days’ stay, to flex with your available schedule and budget.  Shorter itineraries of four nights’ stay focus primarily on the extraordinary train ride through the canyons, whereas the longer 6-night+ tours enable you to experience more of this outstanding region, interact with the tribes and communities who live locally, and take in additional day tours.

Copper Canyon tours starting in Los Mochis, Mazatlán, or Chihuahua City

We recommend you begin your tour in Los Mochis or Mazatlán, and you can end your tour where you began (complete a loop); or you can elect to begin and end your tour at one of the other start/end points.

If you begin the tour in Los Mochis or Mazatlán, you will be met at the airport and provided with comfortable ground transportation from there to El Fuerte, where you’ll be accommodated overnight at a charming colonial-style hotel, and board the train early in the morning.  Optionally, you can include side tours in and around El Fuerte.  It’s a 90-minute road trip from Los Mochis to El Fuerte, or a 6-hour road trip from Mazatlán that includes travel along a scenic oceanside highway.

If you begin the tour in Chihuahua City, you will board the train from there; optionally you can include side tours around Chihuahua before or after your canyon tour.

Copper Canyon tour itineraries

All tours are customized to your needs, schedule and budget and can include:

• Itineraries ranging from five to eight days, or longer, depending on your schedule and budget
• Overnight stay at a specially selected hotel in Los Mochis, El Fuerte, or Chihuahua City before the start of your journey into the canyon
• Train tickets with as a class of service to suit your preferences and budget. The copper canyon train offers three classes of service: First class, Executive class, and Standard class. Our travel partner will describe the features of each one so you can choose a class of service to suit your preferences and budget.
• Overnight stays at selected hotels on the ridge of the copper canyon, near Divisadero
• A choice of various activities and tours in the canyons (see below)
• Independent (self-guided) tour using a detailed information packet provided by our travel partner, or full guided tour with an English-speaking guide, as you prefer

Activities to take part in at Copper Canyon

Choose from a range of activities and experiences when you’re in the canyons. A modest additional fee per person, per activity, applies:

• Third longest cable car in the world
• Zip lines across ravines
• Aerial forest view
• Visit to the serene and remote Oteros canyon and cave
• 1-hour (easy/moderate) hike along the Tarahumara trail
• 3-hour (moderate/difficult) hike to visit the community of Wakajipare and the Tarahumara museum designed by the Rarámuri community
• Horseback ride (3.5 hours) into the canyon to discover the best view of the Urique River
• Around Creel and Cusarare: a cultural and spiritual tour that takes you to see the village of San Ignacio de Arareko, the lake of Ararek, and several picturesque valleys including the Valley of the Monks.

Additional activities and customized tour options

For travelers who can spend extra days on a highly customized itinerary, additional options include:

• Tour and enjoy the highly picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte and environs including a visit to the Mayo indigenous villages and dances; a gentle cruise on a raft down El Fuerte river; black bass fishing in the lake (seasonal); massage and hydro whirlpool therapies.
• Enjoy eco/adventure tours around Los Mochis including fishing, snorkeling, boat rides, bat caves, and taking-in the sunset on the island of Farallon;
• Visit Creel and reconnect with nature on outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including half-day or full-day hikes into the notably peaceful and serene wilderness around Creel; a day’s hike to bathe in natural hot springs; an outstanding 10-hour day hike that will take you to discover and experience the highest waterfall in Mexico at Basaseachi falls
• Visit the Cerocahui mission town and alpine village is situated in Urique Canyon (the deepest canyon in the region) in a valley dotted with fruit trees along the riverside—a destination characterized by extraordinary natural beauty and tranquility. Nearby is the Cerro del Gallego vantage point offering spectacular views of the canyons including the town of Urique, revealing the depth of the canyon and the river that winds along the valley floor.
• Complete your tour with a visit to the colonial city of Chihuahua, enjoying a guided tour of the historic quarters of this old city and a visit to local limestone caves.

Deepen your experience with a visit to Batopilas

For travelers who want to experience the Copper Canyon beyond the usual tourist sights, consider adding a custom visit to Batopilas to your itinerary.  This tour will have your feet traversing through three outstanding canyons that lead down to the beautifully picturesque rural town of Batopilas.

Your journey will take you through three different climate zones: beginning in the upper Sierra at over 7,000 feet, gradually descending to the base of Batopilas canyon, just above sea level.  This 85-mile trip will take most of the day and enables you to witness some the most magnificent natural scenery in Mexico—no other tour in the canyons matches the depth of visual stimulation offered by these places.  The optional tour includes:

• An overnight stay at a fabulously restored 15-room hacienda hotel; and
• A walk to the Lost Cathedral at Satevo and the ruins of the Batopilas Mining Career.
• Optionally, a walk to the aqueduct and Porfirio Diaz tunnel opening; and hiking in the picturesque Cerro Colorado can also be arranged by request.

Copper canyon custom tour prices

These carefully crafted tours of the Copper Canyon comprise a core offering with optional customizations to suit your schedule, preferences, and budget.

• Prices for 5-day core tour packages starting in Los Mochis or Chihuahua start from US$820 per person, and based on two people sharing a room.
• Prices for 7-day core tour packages starting in Los Mochis or Chihuahua start from US$955 per person, and based on two people sharing a room.
• Prices for 8-day core tour packages starting in Mazatlán start from US$1,060 per person, and based on two people sharing a room.

Families are welcome: Children (ages 3-11) accompanied by an adult(s) pay a discounted rate.

Train class options: Prices include the cost of a standard class train ticket; executive and first-class tickets carry a surcharge of between US$20 and US$250 each, depending on your travel choices.

There are surcharges for single-occupancy rooms and solo travelers. Optional add-on day tours and tour customizations around Los Mochis, Creel, and Chihuahua can be quoted and arranged by request. Prices are subject to change.

Prices illustrated are subject to change. Please request a personalized quote from our travel partner by completing the request form below.

What your copper canyon tour includes and excludes

Regardless of your tour’s start point or duration, your package always includes:

• being met personally with transfers to and from the airport;
• booking of your train tickets in the class you have chosen to travel in;
• lodging at hotels that have been carefully chosen by our travel partner;
• breakfast, lunch, and dinner (at Cerocahui and Divisadero only); and
• a detailed information packet to guide you on your independent tour, or a fully escorted tour with an English-speaking guide.

Tour package prices exclude:

• your flights (or other transportation) to the start point and end point;
• additional meals, drinks, and snacks, including alcoholic beverages
• costs of activities and local day tours you may choose to participate in in the canyon (prices range from US$15-$75 per person, per activity)
• tips for the guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff; and
• trip insurance.

Make a Copper Canyon tour request

Complete the request form below and receive a quote for a customized tour to visit the magnificent Copper Canyon in Mexico.

But because it’s so impossibly huge and challenging to navigate, it’s intimidating for many visitors. David Lida —whose book First Stop in the New World is considered by many the definitive text on Mexico City— can take you inside in ways it would be impossible to find on your own.

David Lida knows the capital intimately and offers small group walking tours that will give you exceptional insights and glimpses into this magnificent and historical capital city.  His knowledge and personal approach to creating tours for between one and six people offer unique perspectives and value that commonly offered public tours cannot touch.

Delve into Mexico City’s charms on a tour formed around your interests

Mexico City has many attractions to offer, and visitors are often faced with a bewildering choice of options.  To get the most of your limited time, it’s helpful to have someone who understands your interests and offers you a tour that’s formed around them.

David’s tours focus on one or two neighborhoods or areas of interest per day, and give you and your party an intimate glimpse into the capital’s history and contemporary character.

David will meet you at your accommodations (or other agreed starting point) and you will travel together using Uber or Didi cabs to arrive at the start of your walking tour. Unless you want to end the tour elsewhere, he will also accompany you back to where you’re staying. Tours typically last between five to six hours.

Mexico City Tours by area

David offers unique insights into several areas of Mexico City.  The tours described below can be arranged on their own, or can be combined.  If you want something fully-customized, David that can help with that—use the request form below to indicate your choices and share further information about your interests.

Trendy neighborhoods of La Condesa and La Roma

These are Mexico City’s hippest neighborhoods, and have been gentrifying quickly. Sometimes you hear more English (or French) spoken on the streets than Spanish. Yet there are still echoes of the traditional atmosphere if you know where to look. David can help you explore the contrasts between the trendy and the traditional on a tour that reveals how the capital’s neighborhoods move through cycles influenced by time and fashion.

Discover new surprises in the Centro Histórico

David’s walking tour of the capital’s historic downtown will introduce you to the most famous sights in Mexico City’s most energetic neighborhood including the Zócalo, Bellas Artes, and the Plaza Santo Domingo.  The tour will also take you to fascinating places often overlooked by most visitors, such as a sexually ambiguous monument to bullfighters, a stained-glass ceiling you’d swear was Parisian, and the biggest bag of cheese doodles you will ever see in your life.

Quaint colonial enclaves of Coyoacán and San Angel

Once an enchanting village on the outskirts of the capital, today San Ángel is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city, known for its colonial architecture, outdoor art markets, and dining within the walls of 17th-century mansions converted into fine restaurants.

Nearby Coyoacán is the de facto bohemian quarter of the capital, underpinned by Frida & Diego’s former home and Trotsky’s residence in exile.  These colonial enclaves offer visitors a distinctive shift away from the capital’s sprawl and a glimpse back to an era of quiet cobblestoned streets, unspoiled colonial architecture, vibrant traditional markets (and an ample selection of places to enjoy a delicious meal).

Mexico City markets and street food

Since ancient times, Mexico City has been a hotbed of trade and commerce and this is reflected in its diverse and atmospheric markets which continue to thrive and surprise. The profusion of stalls selling food along the streetscape are among the most alluring and varied you’ll find anywhere.

When Anthony Bourdain visited Mexico City, his team hired David to find the best street food stalls, holes-in-the-wall, and cantinas for his television show (and even put him on camera). David will introduce you to the glorious and lively markets, and the most reliable and delicious street food in the capital.

Discover the floating gardens of Xochimilco

About 500 years ago, most of the Valley of Mexico City was a vast system of lakes, canals, and islands. This bygone era can still be experienced in Xochimilco. David will take you to this southern enclave of the capital to spend an afternoon floating along these ancient canals in a barge, amidst a tranquil and pastoral setting that will make you wonder if you’re still within the limits of one of the world’s largest cities.

Tribute tour to Luis Barragán

Considered to be Mexico’s most important architect of the 20th century, and the country’s only Pritzker prizewinner, Luis Barragán’s spaces dramatically utilize light, shadow, and color to evoke an uncanny tranquility. This tour can include a visit to his former residence, a chapel he designed for Capuchin nuns, and various houses he conceived in the capital.

Explore Mexican Muralism in Mexico City

One of Mexico’s most important contributions to twentieth-century art was the muralist movement, led by its three most famous practitioners: Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros (as well as some lesser-known artists). This tour will reveal to you their stories, their rivalries, their contradictions, and their distinct techniques as you tour some of their most important murals, many of which are now timeless and iconic art statements.

Discover the unique personalities of Mexican cantinas

Mexico City’s cantinas have as much personality as London pubs, Paris cafés, or New York bars. At lunchtime most of them serve botanas—delicious food at no extra charge, for those who keep ordering drinks. David will take you on a tour of two, three (or more) hand-picked cantinas, depending on how much you and your party would like to drink around lunchtime.

Mexico City off the beaten path

Mexico City has so much to offer visitors with world-renowned sites, neighborhoods, and historical landmarks.  But if you want to discover some lovely neighborhoods where tourists seldom set foot, David will take you to three of them, all hand-picked near the center of the capital, all of which are gentrifying (although slowly and imperfectly).

Custom-designed tour

If you’re unsure of which places to visit first, or last, or together on the same tour day, David offers custom-designed tours that will be crafted around your party size, interests, and available time. The tours ensure you get the most from your visit to the capital without cramming so that you can truly experience and absorb what each place has to offer.  You can use the form below to request a custom-designed tour.

Custom-designed tour prices

Every tour is hand-crafted based on your interests, party size, and time available.  Tours typically last five to six hours.

• Custom tour prices typically range between US$165 and US$375 per person, based on a party of two to six people touring together.
• Single traveler tours can be arranged by request; however, party size cannot exceed six people in these purposely small, highly customized tours.
• Typical expenses for food, drinks and sundries are about US$30 per person, and will vary depending on the type of food establishment you choose to eat at, and how much you drink.

Your day tour price includes

The tour price includes:

• A personal consultation with David to create a carefully crafted walking tour of the capital, designed and formed around your party’s interests, party size, and available time;
• You will be met personally by David at your accommodations, or some other mutually-agreed meeting point;
• David will take you on the fully escorted and highly customized tour that is designed around your party’s interests and will accompany you back to where you are staying five to six hours later.

Your day tour price excludes

The following things are not included in your tour price

• Local transport and transfers (Uber/Didi)
• Entry fees to sites, museums, archaeology centers, etc.
• Food purchased at street stalls, markets, fondas, restaurants, etc.
• Drinks, including any alcoholic drinks, you may consume on the tour
• Tips for the waiting staff, drivers, and guide.

Make a request for your walking tour of Mexico City

Complete the tour info request form below and David will contact you to talk about the custom requirements for your party and create a custom quote based on your interests, party size and time available.

Mexico for leisure

Your leisure time is precious and Mexico offers abundant choice, whether you want to enjoy one of its many alluring beach destinations, explore the rich history and culture of its colonial cities, and big cities, discover our shared heritage at its ancient cities and pyramids, absorb the country’s breath-taking outdoors —or a combination of these— Mexico offers you vibrancy and color with experiences that are likely to exceed your expectations.

Mexico for your lifestyle

When you plan to live, work or retire here, Mexico offers choices that can facilitate your lifestyle plans.  A formal estimate conducted in 2015 revealed that over one million foreign residents call Mexico ‘home’—they too, are welcome.

Welcome to Mexico

Mexperience offers you an abundance of local knowledge, resources and assistance services to realize your lifestyle plans, and enjoy your leisure time.

Welcome to Mexico.

In essence, a Temazcal is a sweat lodge, although ancient cultures across Mesoamerica combined this with ceremonial rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification (for example, after battles or sports events) and for healing, well-being, and childbirth.

The ancient practice of a Temazcal has become more accessible in recent times, primarily in places across Mexico’s central and southern highlands, Chiapas, and the Yucatán.  A Temazcal steam bath and ceremony can be readily experienced at some spas and boutique hotels across Mexico that offer ceremonies, as well in certain towns that specialize in sharing traditions of ancient indigenous cultures with their visitors—for example, Tepoztlán.

Traditional symbolism and ceremony

At its heart, the ceremony symbolizes death and rebirth with the Temazcal itself representing the womb of the mother.  A Temazcal ritual is more than a simple steam bath: it’s a ceremony that envelops physical, mental, and spiritual elements, led by a Temazcalero or Temazcalera who guide the proceedings according to ancient customs.

The Temazcal ceremony blends the physical benefits of a steam bath with ancient traditional rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification and healing.  A Temazcal thus opens a space for personal reflection and contemplation, and some also use the practice as part of an effort to overcome some personal difficulty they may be passing through.

While some spas and hotels have a Temazcal dome installed at the property, most traditional Temazcal ceremonies are conducted elsewhere, and hotels that offer a Temazcal experience will work with their preferred Temazcaleros locally and arrange for their guests to be transported to and from the venue where the Temazcal ceremony takes place.

The Temazcal dome

The dome-shaped structure used to conduct the ritual will accommodate anywhere from a handful to a couple of dozen or more participants, depending on its size.  Typically, a stone or wood ledge provides seating for the participants, who sit around the inside perimeter of the dome during the ritual.  The exact specifications vary: a Temazcal situated at a fancy property may be constructed in stone, elegantly decked out, with steam piped-in instead of using hot stones; whereas the most rustic domes may be constructed on bare earth using bamboo and blankets with participants sitting on the ground. Most Temazcal domes strike a balance that blends tradition with practical comfort.

The rituals are always led by the Temazcalero, who acts as the guide for those taking part and conducts the proceedings using his or her own personal style according to the ancient traditions; this makes every ceremony as unique as the person guiding it. The guide will carry-in volcanic stones, heated on an outdoor fire, and settle them carefully into the middle of the dome.  (Colloquially the stones are called Abuelitos, a reference to this culture that honors the wisdom of the ancestors.)  The the doorway is sealed, and afterward the guide begins to pour a mixture of fresh water and herbs onto the hot stones creating the steam infusion that becomes the focal point of the ritual.

A holistic healing ceremony

As the ceremony unfolds, songs and prayers will be led by the Temazcalero, and individuals may be given an opportunity to speak about themselves if they wish to.

Herbs used in a Temazcal ritual —some of which may be medicinal— can include artemisa, eucalyptus, calendula, and echinacea.  Resin from the Copal tree may be placed onto the hot stones to release an aromatic fragrance into the dome.  Aloe may be offered to rub on the body for refreshment.

Each ceremony is unique, and every participant’s experience of the ceremony will be unique, too.  For some, a Temazcal is an enjoyable and entertaining steam bath; for others it can become an emotional experience that helps to release stress or anxiety as part of a healing exercise; a few may experience it as a very spiritual event that also encompasses purification and thanksgiving.

The benefits of participating in a Temazcal ceremony

People who participate in a Temazcal talk afterwards about the benefits they feel after the ritual, which include:

Cleansing and purification: the heat and steam cause your body to sweat profusely, helping to dispel toxins and cleanse your skin’s pores.

Help with your breathing and respiratory system: the mixture of steam and medicinal herbs can help to relieve symptoms associated with colds, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.

Improved blood flow and muscular system: the ritual helps to improve your blood circulation aiding the flush-out of toxins, helping to address matters related to circulation issues, that in turn helps your muscular system including sprains, bruises, and muscle aches.

Helps to reduce stress and anxiety: The ritual intends to help your body and mind release stress and nervous tension.  People who have experienced a Temazcal also report being able to rest and sleep much better afterwards.

Tips for enjoying your Temazcal experience in Mexico

Taking part in a traditional Temazcal ritual is enjoyable, supports your well-being, and gives you direct insights into a unique and ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial culture.  Here are some tips to get the most from your Temazcal experience in Mexico:

Attending prepared: if you’re not used to a steam bath, then the experience can feel quite intense at first; if you’re accustomed to the heat and intensity of a steam room, the Temazcal ritual will add unfamiliar layers to an activity you’re already familiar with.  To get the most from the Temazcal ceremony, approach the event in a relaxed way and be prepared to go with the flow of the ritual.  If you have any medical conditions that may be aggravated by the steam bath and herbs, talk with your guide beforehand for advice.

Holistic healing: every Temazcal ritual is unique; the primary physical intention is to sweat, eliminate toxins from the body, and promote blood circulation; although ceremonies also encapsulate elements of mind and spirit which participants may find beneficial to their overall wellbeing.

Dressing for a Temazcal: a light bathing suit is ideal for attending a Temazcal ceremony; you want to leave as much of your skin exposed to the air as practical.  Men can wear bathing suit shorts; women may wear a bathing suit, sarongs, or light beach dresses.  Shoes are not worn inside the dome: sandals are ideal footwear when attending a Temazcal ceremony, and some people choose to go in barefoot.

Food and drink: attend the ceremony well hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water in the hours leading up to the event, but don’t eat too much and don’t drink alcohol beforehand.  A Temazcal can become an uncomfortable experience on a full stomach, and/or if you are inebriated.

Follow your guide’s instructions: the guide will lead you through the Temazcal rituals which are based on ancient Mesoamerican traditions.  The guide will also be there to assist you should you not feel well, or if you need to leave the dome.

Don’t panic: the experience inside the dome can become quite intense through a combination of the enclosed space, the proximity of others sitting next to you, the hot steam mixed with medicinal herbs, and the guide’s songs and prayers.  If you begin to feel unwell, don’t panic; try to relax, regulate your breathing with a tranquil rhythm, and go with the flow of ceremony.

If you need to leave the ritual: the guide will usually brief participants on what to do in the event you feel the need to leave at once; don’t be afraid to communicate clearly with others inside the dome and with the guide so that you can leave quickly and safely if you need to.

Don’t shy away from the cold shower: it’s traditional to take a cold shower or have cold water poured over you when you leave the sultry, vapor-filled, dome.  This shock-effect (your body will be very hot and sweating) helps to raise your energy levels and improves your body’s immune system.  The cold water treatment is optional and recommended if your general health is good enough to take the shock.

How to get to Copper Canyon using air travel

The train line has two termini: on the west side at Los Mochis, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast; and on the east side at Chihuahua City.

• The majority of visitors to the Copper Canyon fly to Los Mochis, and begin the train ride there, or at El Fuerte.
• Some travelers begin their journey in Chihuahua City
• Our travel associate also offers custom tours starting from Mazatlán.

How to get to Los Mochis, Mazatlán, and Chihuahua

If you have arranged an organized tour of the Copper Canyon, your tour operator will be at the airport to greet you and provide immediate transport to your local accommodations before your train journey begins.

Clicking on the links below will open the FlightConnections website that shows you flight routes to and from each location.

• You can take flights to/from Los Mochis from various Mexican cities
• Flights to/from Mazatlán are available from various Mexican cities as well as several international destinations (some international flights might be seasonal)
• You can get flights to/from Chihuahua City from various Mexican cities as well as some international destinations.

Preparing for your visit to an archaeology site in Mexico

Many of the archaeology sites are situated in remote areas which may also be exposed to the elements.  Preparing for your visit and considering what you take with you on the day can help to make your visit more enjoyable, avoid inconveniences, and prevent accidents.

Opening days and times

Except for the country’s most popular archaeology sites which are open 365 days a year, sites and museums across Mexico are closed on Mondays.  Archaeology sites open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Chichen Itzá and Uxmal offer an after-dark ‘light and sound’ show which begins around 8 or 9 p.m.—check locally for details.

Entry fees

INAH is Mexico’s government institution responsible for the management of the country’s museums and archaeological treasures, and charges a set fee of between $75 and $100 pesos (US$4.25-$5.55) for entry to all archaeology sites and museums nationwide, depending on the ‘category’ of the site. (There are three categories.)

Some states, notably in the Yucatán region, levy additional charges for entry.

If you are a foreign resident in Mexico, you might be granted access for no charge or at a discount, depending on the policy of the site or museum. You must present your Mexican residency card at the entrance to qualify.

Entry to museums and archaeology sites is free to Mexican nationals and legal foreign residents on Sundays. (Thus, Sunday is always the most crowded day of the week at these places.)

Sun protection

Mexico’s sun is intense year-round, and it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s UV rays when you visit archaeology sites.  Some locations, like Palenque in the state of Chiapas, offer some natural shade from the sun through the presence of trees and other natural foliage on-site; however, most sites are exposed and offer little or no shade from the sun.

We recommend you take a suitable hat to wear, and use sun block or wear long sleeves and pants (dress light to avoid overheating).  Some people take umbrellas (parasols) with them, which can be very effective when you’re walking on the ground, but it’s best not to have these open when ascending or descending from buildings and structures. (See ‘Steep Climbs’ below for more details about the risks.)

Drinking water

Take drinking water with you to stay hydrated on your visit; this is especially important in jungle regions and exposed areas, where a combination of the heat, humidity, and/or elevation can quickly dehydrate your body and put your health at risk.  If you forget to take water, you can purchase bottles from the local stores, market stalls, or ambulant vendors near the site.

Appropriate footwear for walking and climbing

Most archaeology sites are situated in Mexico’s rural wilderness, with uneven ground, rocky paths, and ancient structures which are characterized by steep, narrow steps and pathways which can be awkward to negotiate.

Flip-flops and other loose footwear are not recommended: the accidents that occur every year at Mexico’s archaeology parks are often due to visitors wearing inadequate footwear causing injury through slips and falls.

Protect your feet and mitigate the risks of slips, sprains and falls by using good quality footwear that will deliver a decent grip on rough terrain, and protect your ankles in the event of a slip.

Robust footwear is especially important if you’re climbing structures—if you slip and fall on steep narrow steps you could become seriously injured; falls from high structures can also be fatal.  During the rainy season, when the structures can become drenched in rain, steps and pathways can become extremely slippery.

Steep climbs

Some of the archaeology sites allow visitors to climb the pyramids and other structures.  This opportunity provides good exercise and, when you get to the top of a tall structure, you’re also rewarded with extraordinary views across the site and across the local landscape.

Precautions when ascending and descending

When you climb the ancient structures, we recommend to take some sensible precautions as described below—and which might seem obvious, but every year accidents happen when people ignore these tips:

• Keep in mind that the climbs up are usually steep, and the steps leading up to the top are often narrow.
• You will need to be physically fit to be able to climb the stone structures, and you should ensure that you’re wearing adequate footwear (see above) to mitigate your risks of slips and falls. Inappropriate footwear is the most common cause of accidents.
• Be mindful of your body’s balance when ascending and descending structures, especially on acute stairwells. Items you carry that may hang from your body (e.g. backpacks) can alter your center of gravity, especially if they are heavy, and may cause you to fall.
• Keep your hands and arms free. When climbing, store away phones, cameras, or any other gadget or item you might be carrying and focus instead on your balance and footing as you ascend/descend.
• Use ropes and handrails where these are provided.
• If you carry a parasol for sun protection keep it shut when you ascend and descend any structure; an open parasol blocks yours and others’ views including your footing, and a sudden wind can be potentially lethal if you’re holding an open parasol and it causes you to fall.

Insect repellent

Mosquitoes, wasps, and a plethora of other bugs make their home in the areas where many of the archaeological sites are situated.  How affected you may be by these will depend on the location and the season; however, the irritations caused by insects can be mitigated by wearing long-sleeve shirts and trousers, and/or applying insect repellent to your skin.

If you forgot to pack repellent, repelente de insectos is readily available from local pharmacies and supermarkets: you can buy the synthetic ingredient brands, e.g. “Off,” as well as natural-ingredient brands often called “Citronella”—relating to the citrus oils they use in the formula.  See this article for practical advice about dealing mosquitoes.

Avoiding the crowds

The most popular archaeology sites become crowded from about 11 a.m. each day—when the day-tour buses arrive.  If you want to experience a popular  archaeology site amidst a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, arrive early—doors open at 8 a.m.

Some sites, like Chichen Itzá and Uxmal have hotels/inns situated adjacent to the park—an ideal base for an overnight stay with ready access to the site long before the crowds arrive.

Mind the wildlife

You may see local wildlife roaming throughout the sites —iguanas are particularly prevalent in the Yucatán— other species can include monkeys, snakes, and exotic birds.  They usually keep away from humans, and they too should be left to their own devices: don’t feed, touch, or disturb any wildlife you may encounter, some of which are protected species.

Archaeological artifacts

It’s highly illegal to remove any artifacts, trinkets, or objects from Mexican archaeology sites, and from the country itself. Don’t risk trying to collect genuine archaeological pieces on your visit.  If you’re caught, the fines are stiff and jail sentences can be imposed in more serious cases.

Ambulant vendors and market stalls

Some of the more popular sites have ambulant vendors roaming the areas outside (sometimes inside) the site itself, selling a range of souvenirs as well as other practical items like bottled water, parasols, and sun cream.  Take some cash with you as the local vendors and market stalls don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Cameras and video equipment

You can take cameras and smart phones with you for use inside archaeological sites and museums; although if you want to take a tripod or professional video equipment, you will need to apply and pay for a special permit, that you request at INAH, or via a Mexican consulate if you are applying from abroad.  See Mexico Essentials: Video and Photography for details.

Use of drones at archaeology sites

The latest travel accessory for some visitors is a drone—to fly and take video and/or pictures from the sky above.  INAH prohibits the use of drones at all archaeology sites across Mexico and has signs posted to warn visitors about this regulation.  If you have a drone, don’t take it to the archaeology site as using it there may result in its confiscation.

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At one time, the stadium was also home to four Mexico City teams, although two (Necaxa and Atlante) moved to other cities, and a third (Cruz Azul) has its own stadium elsewhere in the capital.  That leaves just America, nicknamed las Aguilas — the Eagles — playing its home games there.

There are only two kinds of soccer fans in Mexico – those who support America and those who cheer on whoever is playing against America, regardless of which their favorite team is.

Among reasons given for hating America (apart from the head-scratching, “because it’s owned by Televisa,” the TV company), are that referees favor America in their decisions on the field. In years past, it was also claimed that other teams owned by Televisa let America win their games. This was frequently shown on the field to be nonsense, and now the point is moot, anyway, as Televisa no longer owns other first-division teams.

Among the liberal classes, the team of choice is often Pumas of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), who incidentally are having a good season in 2018. Admitting to one of these that you support America can be met with eyebrows raised in a look of incredulity, as much as to say, “really, you ought to know better.” They suppose you must also watch soap operas.

Anyway, going to the Aztec Stadium is an exhilarating experience, particularly for a big match when there are likely to be anything from 60,000 to 80,000 spectators.

Some words of practical advice. Get tickets before you go to the stadium, unless you plan to be there with plenty of time in hand. If you just show up an hour or so before a game, you will only be able to get tickets from touts for at least 50% more than the list price for regular matches, and double or more if it’s a “clásico,” such as America–Guadalajara or America–Pumas. Buying from touts also risks being sold fake tickets which are checked and refused at the entry gate.  Lines at the stadium’s box office — taquilla — are long, ticket availability limited, and service painfully slow, even for games with relatively few spectators, so you are quite likely to miss the first part of the match. Ticketmaster with its additional service charge is probably the best option for buying tickets.