A visitor's personal experience

When the proposed tour had to be cancelled due to illness of some of the intended participants, we felt what had been proposed sounded so excitingly different that we really wanted to experience what had been offered and so, we headed off knowing that due to time constraints of public transport and insufficient knowledge of the area involved, we would not be able to see all the tour had offered.

Even though we took an extra day, we saw nothing that was offered on Day Four, nor did we visit the National Park, waterfall or weaving establishment, however what we experienced, using the Mex-ECO information as a guideline, were days full of unsurpassed architecture, totally different cultures, stimulating arts, crafts and cuisine and yes, even the challenge of a horseback ride, my husband not having been on a horse since 1954!

We regretted nothing we did, saw or achieved and only wish it could have been more, with Mex-ECO Tours.

We stayed in the same accommodation as used by the Tour in Morelia and Pátzcuaro, both were very comfortable, warm at night and with helpful staff, plus a great breakfast provided with the room in Morelia!
Accommodation in Pátzcuaro was different, maybe “cottage-y” but fitted in so well with the very old colonial town, the room was warm, appealing and had beautiful wide verandas outside for sitting IF one had the time.

Apart from the trip from Angauan on horseback to the buried village and remains of the church, just a couple of other memories to share.
The walk around the Old Square in the heart of Morelia, the magnificent cathedral and then in a step back in time, sitting in  a long narrow water bus as we skimmed across Lake Pátzcuaro, seeing the island of Janitzio looming in the distance at some two hundred meters above the lake level, the highest lake in Mexico, watching a group of fishermen with their very traditional nets, performing as if choreographed as they dipped and elevated them out of the lake and learning that many people on that small rocky outcrop of land have never left the island though I doubt that anyone could be buried there it looked so rocky.

Another moment of awe came on the return boat trip when many of the young inhabitants boarded to come to the mainland, the women resplendent in their intricately hand embroidered and colourful outer garments setting the tone of perhaps one hundred years ago whilst their husbands in their latest “gear’ constantly used cell phones…contrasts!

A few hours spent in Quiroga was fascinating as well as historically rich and sadly a drive by the craft markets in Tzintzuntzan  by bus made us wish we had time to spend there.

Our thanks to Ruth and Dan at Mex-ECO Tours for their advice and encouragement to enable us to check out this area so rich in culture so different in traditions and so welcoming to all who take the time to visit. 

Anette Embery

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