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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
We had a great day with Mauricio with a visit to a honey farmer/seller and to a ranch to learn about both businesses and the people. Mauricio prepared us with an introduction about what we would experience. The vehicle was comfortable and we could see small towns and ranches/farmers easily. The honey farmer told us all about honey, farming and production. The trip to the ranch included a cattle drive down a road where the cowboy had to move the cattle down a side road to allow us to pass. The farmer/rancher couple shared information about their business and life. Mauricio was an excellent translator because he allowed direct discussion between guest and host with no additions by him except rare context additions. The hosts prepared a delicious meal and allowed us to help prepare salsa and tortillas.
Several years ago REI made #OptOutside one of its company "mottos". It encourages its clientele to literally go outside, get some fresh air and enjoy being in nature. I thought of a slightly different twist on #OptOutside during our recent Human Connections Tour. Human Connections and its Heartland Traditions Tour challenges us to leave the beaches and the urban vibes of the greater Puerto Vallarta area for a few hours and get acquainted with the agricultural life that has been a vital part of the region far far longer than its tourism. It was a joy to: 1) Meet and spend time with Adela, Alberto and their son, Emiliano; hear their stories about how Adela's interest in flowers grew into a vibrant family business of cut tropical flowers (so many heliconias now!!!), floral arrangements and seasonal tropical fruits (so, so delicious!); and walk the fields of their orchard to see the heliconia varieties and learn from Alberto about its irrigation system. 2) Visit and get to know Segis and Yadira and their beautifully situated working farm, Rancho Las Parotas. Every Sunday their farm becomes a restaurant where customers come for the views and delicious meals made of locally grown farm ingredients. Yadira and Segis prepared a yummy meal for us with my husband and son pitching in on salsa and tortilla preparations! I also want to give a shout out to Mauricio, our Human Connections' facilitator, translator, driver and now, friend. Through asking questions, listening, and sharing stories with Mauricio and the Human Connections local partners, we are reminded of our shared humanity, respect for one another's differences, and invaluable opportunities to learn and grow. Thank you to all at Human Connections!
$125
per personPricing
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Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, This tour takes place once a month regularly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. , Please advise Human Connections staff if any member of your group have any physical or dietery restriction, so we can costumize the experience for you.
If you've ever wondered about the life of an artist... If you've ever wanted an artist to share their passion for their craft... If you love hands-on experiences in the heartland of Mexico, that the whole family can enjoy... If you've ever dreamed of making chocolate starting with the cocoa bean... If you want to support local artists... ...this tour is for you. The team of people that makes these tour available are incredible. The Heartland Tour is the second event I've attended created by the Human Connections team. There isn't a more perfect name for this company! The love of Mexico, it's artisans, and it's traditions shine though during the conversations with local artists.
Very high quality responsible tourism event. Guide (Claudia) was excellent as she provided facilitation to communicate and share stories with local artisan and farm couple. This tour took about 6 hours and included all the amenities to comfortably travel to farmland areas east of Bucerias. Loved learning more about the Mexican heartland traditions! Thank you Human Connections!
If you want to have a great experience with real Mexico, Human Connections can, and does, definitely provide this! We wanted to spend time with families in the rural areas who have developed a business to provide for their families, and who, in partnership with Human Connections, are willing to open their homes and businesses to help tourists and students learn more about life in Mexico. The tour was educational, emotional, and loads of fun! we will definitely do more of these tours...
Location was easy to find. Well prepared with beverages and snacks. Appreciated the overview prior to the tour. Mariana was an excellent guide with a genuine passion for her work and an easy camaraderie with the hosts. The hosts were awesome - the explanation of their careers and dreams helped us gain a small understanding of what their daily life is like. The short workshops were a fun way to demonstrate an idea of what they do! Incredible lunch at the ranch - looking forward to making salsa at home! Excellent tour - will certainly return. Responsible tourism is a pleasure to be part of!
Wow, great trip...fun, informative, educating, relaxing, very well organized and timely! What a fantastic way to learn about locals and their crafts with unreal food at a ranch. Great job!
If you are wanting to experience real Mexico with real families, Human Connections is for you! We loved everything about our tour, from our guides and interesting presentation at the office, to the conversations and connections with our group of thirteen and especially to the tours we took in San Juan. Our first stop was to interact with Adela and Alberto at their tropical flower and fruit orchard. I love fruit and flowers and we were treated to a fabulous taste of the sweetest fruit and were wowed by gorgeous flowers. Alberto generously cut many of them for guests to take home and enjoy. Seeing the pride and passion on this couples’ faces as they shared their beautiful business was such a delight. We loved learning so much about their unique farming business, especially since we are farmers from the United States. Next stop was to the home of Marichuy, Teo and Suzy. Another real treat! Delicious chips and salsa awaited us in their home before hearing about their home artisan bread business, complete with demonstrations and hands on fun as we attempted to make our own bread. It may not have looked as good as theirs but it tasted great, warm from the clay oven that Teo made himself. The dough “starter” has been in the family for many years and the end results are beautiful and delicious. We were also fed a hearty and tasty meal featuring chiles rellanos. I give Human Connections the highest possible recommendation. This tour is a win for everyone. I am looking forward to going again to meet more business owners!
We always enjoy our time spent with the HC crew. This tour is an opportunity to give back to the local people of this paridise.We visited a couple who produce honey products at their home, complete with hives of non biting bees.Very intereting procedure.Next off up the road to the bakers house,lunch tour and making our own buns.Lots of fun and a good feeling afterwards. What more could one want.
We met at Human Connections in Bucerias for a Heartland Tradions Tour.We visited 2 families.Seven of us got into a van and we drove about 20 minutes to visit Francisco a ceramicist. He showed us how to make a bowl out of clay. It was hands on. We then drove another 20 minutes to have lunch. We met our hosts Segis and Yadira. We made our own tortillas and were served a great lunch. The hosts at both places were very gracious and appreciated our visit. Claudia was a great tour guide and a great driver!
