GIFTS OF THE EARTH TOUR
Step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life to reconnect with the earth, the people of Nayarit, their timeless traditions, and yourself. Start your day in Bucerías and journey to Planeta Cacao in the peaceful town of Tondoroque. Here, you will immerse yourself in the history of cacao. Discover its deep roots in Mexican culture as you toast, grind, and create your own chocolate from scratch, while the rich aromas fill the air.
Your next stop will be with one of our local partners, each offering a unique window into the traditions, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the region. Depending on the day, you may explore the lush orchard of Adela and Alberto in San José del Valle, where they cultivate tropical fruits and flowers and share their knowledge of sustainable growing practices. You might also visit TUNA Artes Plásticas, the creative studio founded by visual artists Eduardo and Karla, where art becomes a space for exploration, learning, and expression. Slow down, connect with your hosts, and enjoy a hands-on experience that brings their passion and craft to life.
For our final stop, we arrive in the tranquil village of Tapachula and enter El Jardín Secreto, a family-owned restaurant steeped in tradition. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on lesson in the ancient art of tortilla making. A deeper connection to the traditions that nourish body and spirit naturally unfolds as you savor their delicious regional cuisine.
These interactive experiences bring ancient practices to life and are perfect for families and creative children of all ages.
Please note:
As our tours are designed around authentic, live interactions with local artisans, please note that the participating artisans may vary depending on their availability at the time of your visit.
Duration
6 hours (8:30am - 2:30pm)
Activity Level
Easy
Location
Bucerias, Valle de Banderas, and Tondoroque, Nayarit
Price
$130 USD per adult. Children 8 and under receive a 40% discount, and really little ones (ages 0-2) are welcome for free.
Includes
Cacao workshop + Orchard visit/painting workshop + Interactive lunch + Fair partner payments + Transportation + Guide and interpretation.
Availability
Please contact us at info@humanconnections.org or call us at +52 332 457 7948
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 Poctli Café, a restaurant in Bucerias located a block away from the CMQ Hospital and close to BanBajío. 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, among others: Entreamigos, Fundación Punta de Mita, Abuelos de Bucerías, 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 / From USA: (+1) 773 800 2811 / From Mexico: (+52) 332 457 7948 / (+52) 221 184 1476
