Tours

Tours


Authentic, guided cultural/eco tours and retreats into the interior of Mexico with destinations to Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Our escorted tours are designed to immerse you in the cultural and artistic traditions of rural Mexico. We explore the mysteries of Mexico's indigenous ruins such as the rain forest shrouded site at Palenque, and the Zapotec capital of Monte Alban. 

We go into artisan homes and enjoy demonstrations such as the creation of the world famous black Oaxaca pottery from the Zapotec village of San Bartolo Coyotepec. We offer excursions that include boat tours of lakes and waterways such as Lago Patzcuaro in Michoacan and Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas.  Other eco enjoyments include national treasures, rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. 

Whether exploring ancient ruins, visiting artisan villages and colorful markets, relaxing in a hammock, or enjoying excellent cuisine, our tours are full of the wonders and inspiration of the back roads of Mexico. Rustica Tours takes you beyond the guidebooks and introduces you to the land, villages, and people that carry on rich cultural traditions many thousands of years old.

Join us for a journey off the beaten path and into the 
tranquility of old Mexico!


Oaxaca (7 Days): Let us show you the beauty of this rugged, ancient land, and immerse you in the cultural and artistic traditions of the Zapotec and Mixtec people of south Mexico. There is much to see in this wild and wonderful land from major archaeological sites to tiny rural villages. While in Oaxaca, we visit the home of Zapotec potter, Reyna Simon Lopez, who produces black Oaxaca pottery. 

Her village, San Bartolo Coyotepec, is famous for black pottery. We visit villages, producing woodcarvings, pottery, textiles, and world-class Zapotec rugs. We also visit the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban and the Mixtec ruins at Mitla. There is a Friday market in Ocotlan de Morelos that dates back to Pre-Hispanic times. 

Evenings are spent in the colonial center of Oaxaca where a leisurely stroll through cobbled streets is a fascinating tour into the heart and soul of the city's numerous shops, markets, galleries and restaurants. Oaxaca is also famous for its progressive and innovative art scene. It is always a pleasure to relax at the Zocalo, sipping a cool drink and watching the evening go by.


Chiapas (7 days): A majestic land and a nature lover’s paradise. Seemingly stopped in time the hills and volcanic peaks provide dramatic backdrops for the rivers, cascades, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Shrouded by the lush jungle landscape is the unique colonial atmosphere of San Cristobal de las Casas and the energetic capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. 

This incredible tour includes boat tours of Sumidero Canyon and swimming in the rolling cascades of Agua Azul (blue water). The dramatic Rio Misol-Ha, a 110 foot waterfall that drops into a pool surrounded by lush green jungle is a must see. We also visit traditional Mayan artisan villages such as the textile village of San Juan Chamula, pottery villages such as Amatenango Del Valle and colorful Mayan markets such as the one in Ocosingo. 

We will visit some of Mexico's most magical, mysterious archeological sites. In the dense jungle we find the outstanding Maya architecture of Palenque, the Yaxchilan ruins located on the banks of the picturesque Usumacinta River, and the Bonampak site, not discovered until 1946. 

The abundant jungle wildlife such as Toucans, Howler Monkeys, and ocelots enhance the pleasure of visiting these ancient treasures. This tour is an eco-paradise but is balanced with visits to museums, galleries, and colonial cities. All tours are personalized and crafted with respect to the needs of each group.


Michoacan (7 Days): Another one of Mexico's colonial gems, Morelia, in the state Michoacan, rests on gentle rolling hills. A 'World Heritage Artistic sight' with an elevation of over 6300 feet. We will enjoy the Plaza de los Martires, one of Mexico's most beautiful squares. On the east side is The Cathedral. This incredible church took over 100 years to build and is one of Mexico's most beautiful. 

We will also visit the Monarch butterfly sanctuary to observe the tens of millions of monarch butterflies that migrate here annually. This migration has taken place for about 40,000 years. Other stops include the mask making village of Tocuaro and the copperware workshops of Santa Clara del Cobre. In the town of Patzcuaro, the heart of Purépecha Indian country, there is a lively Friday market. We will also lodge a couple of nights at nearby Lake Patzcuaro where the Tarascan Indians have lived for many thousands of years. 

Along the eastern shore we will visit the archeological ruins of Tzintzuntzan, the "Purépecha Kingdom". There are a number of interesting villages along the shores of the lake, and taking the 20-minute boat ride out to the island of Janitzo for shopping and restaurants is always a joy. All tours are personalized and crafted with respect to the needs of each group.

History, Adventure & Education: When you choose our tours, you don't just get the sense of history, adventure, and education that come along with all our tours. You also become relaxed in the timeless atmosphere that 
defines this land... Mexico.

Please Contact Us for Your 2008/2009 Mexico travel Plans

OAXACA - Available anytime. Rainy season is from mid May to mid September. This means there is a chance for rain, evening showers.

MICHOACAN - Available anytime. Prime time is November through mid March for visiting the winter Monarch hibernation.

CHIAPAS/RUTA MAYA - Available anytime. Rainy season is from mid May to mid September. This means there is a chance for rain, evening showers.

Tour Inclusions:

• All airport/hotel transfers (airfare not included)
• Gratuities
• Accommodations at three and four star hotels and bed and breakfasts.
• Breakfast and lunch daily.
• Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle.
• Admission fees to sights and excursions.
• Professionally guided tour
• Travelers wishing to join a mixed group can email dates and destinations of interest. Rustica Tours & Imports enjoys coordinating with all travelers seeking a rewarding experience 'down Mexico way'.

Per client price based on double occupancy
4 - 8 travelers 1,795.00 per client

Thinking About Taking A Tour Of Mexico’s Secret Hide-Away? 
Call Us Today At 512-923-5204!


 
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Rustica Tours and Imports

Phone: 512-923-5204
Email:
rustica@austin.rr.com

Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.

~eo