GIFTS OF THE EARTH TOUR

Journey from Bucerías to Valle de Banderas for an interactive workshop with a master ceramicist, Francisco. Learn his story of ingenuity and persistence, create your own piece of pottery, and be mesmerized with his skill at the pottery wheel. Then, travel to Tondoroque to toast and grind cacao, making your own chocolate while learning its historical and cultural significance. Join in the preparation of a delicious and meaningful meal before heading back to Bucerías. These interactive experiences bring ancient practices to life and are perfect for families and creative children of all ages.

Duration

5 hours (9:30am - 2:30pm)

Activity Level

Easy

Location

Bucerias, Valle de Banderas, and Tondoroque, Nayarit

Price

$115 USD per adult. Children 10 and under receive a 40% discount, and really little ones (ages 0-2) are welcome for free.

Includes

Pottery workshop + Cacao workshop + Interactive lunch + Fair partner payments + Transportation + Guide and interpretation.

Availability

Typically on Fridays. Please click "Book Now" to see our tour calendar.

What to Bring

Water bottle, comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection, and Mexican cash if you feel like purchasing items from our partners.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pick me up from my hotel?

The transportation during our tours is only to and from our meeting point in Bucerías. We are currently unable to do pick-ups and drop-offs at hotels or other accommodations. We can, however, help you call a taxi at the end of the tour.

Where does this tour begin?

The meeting point for our tours is at Ixi'Meek, a vegan restaurant in Bucerias located a block away from the CMQ Hospital. See the location here.

Can I pay in cash?

Yes you can! We ask that you please notify our team (info@humanconnections.org) if you’d like to pay in cash. We accept US dollars or pesos considering the exchange rate on the day of payment.

Is this tour a good fit for families?

Absolutely! The Gifts of the Earth Tour is particularly good for families with children, as the experiences are very interactive. We would recommend this tour for children ages 6 and up. Our guide will tailor the tour to make it engaging, meaningful, and interesting for children and adults alike. See our TripAdvisor page for feedback from families.

I have a dietary restriction, can I still eat on the tour?

Yes, just make sure to let us know in your reservation your dietary needs or restrictions, and we will notify our partners beforehand to make sure you still get to enjoy a delicious meal.

How much walking does the tour entail?

Very little! An air-conditioned van is provided as transportation. Our tours are fit for people of all ages and activity levels, and can be customized to meet most physical restrictions. Should you require special assistance, please contact us at info@humanconnections.org.

Can I bring donations?

Human Connections does not accept in-kind donations for the families we visit during tours. Our tours are meant to be educational, create conversation, and financially and emotionally empower the families with whom we work. We hope you will leave with new ideas about charity, need, and responsible travel.

That said, we collaborate with some incredible local organizations that, among other things, ethically channel in-kind donations to local people. Human Connections is more than happy to accept your in-kind donations in our Bucerías office and bring them to these partners, which include Entreamigos and Ahora es Tiempo de Dar. We also encourage you to visit these organizations directly.

I’ve already been on a tour. How can I make sure to see different families this time?

This is a new tour route we launched in 2023 with our repeat guests in mind. If you've already met Francisco or gone to Planeta Cacao, we invite you to check out our Bucerias Cultural Tour routes here. A customized tour is also possible if you have a group of 6 or more adults. Don't hesitate to email us (info@humanconnections.org) for more details.

Can I buy a gift card to give a tour to someone else?

Yes! Click here to purchase gift cards for our tours.

What other questions do you have?

Contact us for more questions:

E-mail: info@humanconnections.org / Call from the US: 773-800-2811 / Call from Mexico: 332-457-7948