Tour Company Started in Jalisco

A much needed new tour company has started this week in Jalisco, Mexico. Called Tequila Magical Mystery Tour, it gives travelers an alternative hands on experience in the tequila valley. The tour takes travelers to Guachimontones, the largest pyramids in Western Mexico, and obsidian workshop, and the the huge well know Hacienda El Carmen for a sumptuous lunch, tequila tasting and live entertainment. The tour concept is based on interactive experiences in each of the activities.

(PRWEB) December 10, 2006 -- A much needed new tour company has started this week in Jalisco, Mexico. Called Tequila Magical Mystery Tour, it gives travelers an alternative hands on experience in the tequila valley. The tour takes travelers to Guachimontones, largest pyramids in Western Mexico, and obsidian workshop, and the the huge well know Hacienda El Carmen for a sumptuous lunch, tequila tasting and live entertainment. The tour concept is based on interactive experiences in each of the activities.

In the shadow of the Volcano of Tequila.

The valley of Tequila dominated by the volcano of tequila, has recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site encompasses not only the town of Tequila, but also the largest pyramids in Western Mexico, Guachimontones, and the 17th century Hacienda El Carmen, now a five star hotel resort and spa.

Perhaps more striking than the towering volcanoes surrounding the valley are the blue agave fields from which the now world-renowned beverage of Tequila is made. Most of the fields in the valley show off the tall bright green of sugar cane fields creating a designer contrast of shades of agave blues and bright greens. Looking closer, the volcanoes still leave their blackened mounds of obsidian and quartz lava in their wake. Not too far in the distance the deep blue of Vega lake and its deep green water lilies paint a final backdrop.

This very lava is now skillfully carved into prehispanic and modern sculptures by a few local artisans that have combined the skills of the Caxcan Indians who inhabited the area around 100 BC-200 AD with modern diamond cutting tools and polishers. The result are gorgeous souvenirs offered at unusually low prices.

Hacienda El Carmen has opened its doors as befits the long tradition of haciendas to travelers visiting the area. The 17th century pilgrims passing by may have found hospitality, but never like this. Twenty-four luxury suites surround the huge shady patios and gardens enlivened by peacocks and a family of ducks merrily enjoying the lovely pond. The stable of first class horses is still there and available for the recreation of its guests. The high ceilinged chapel with original paintings and artifacts is still used at times by visits of the local Holy Virgen of Miracles and its pilgrims.

One feature that highlights a visit to Hacienda El Carmen is certainly the wonderful spa and its extensive menú of spa treatments: chocolate wraps, aromatherapy massages and herbal treatments from its own gardens and orchards. A six hole practice golf course and exercise trail complete a visitor's exercise needs if the horse excursions and many hiking trails in and around the volcanoes and cane fields aren't enough exercise. Hacienda El Carmen is still a working ranch with more than 400 acres of corn and cane fields being worked adding an atmosphere of authenticity to what is more than a hotel.

These modern features of comfort are so skillfully combined into the restored hacienda that the atmosphere of stepping into the 17th century is never disturbed. Even the Temazcal, a native steam bath with healing rituals offered to its guests blends into the ruins of the former laborers' quarters.

Hacienda El Carmen prides itself and on its mix of internacional and tradicional Mexican cuisine with not only with creative blends of tastes, but also beautifully presented either in the antique filled formal dining room or lovely patio.

Following the more recent trend of the experienced traveler looking for experiences instead of passive observation, Hacienda El Carmen has begun an alliance with Jalisco Magical Mystery Tours.

Magical Mystery Tours transports vivtors in a well equipped 15 passenger van from Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, to the valley of the volcanoes. First stop is the small but well designed cultural center in the tiny town of Teuchitlan dominated by view of the Volcano of Tequila and the Vega lake. The bus climbs up to the pyramids of Guachimontones passing donkeys, horses and cattle grazing between the blue agave fields. Once at the top the graceful round pyramids beckons visitors to enter their magical space. Following the philosophy of Magical Mystery Tours, the native guide engages visitors in the dances to the Four Elements, takes vistitors to the highest pyramids and teaches visitors to blow the conch shell used as a communication between the many ritual sites scattered in this area, and invites visitors to play the ball game which ended in death for the losing team.

A visit to the home and workshop of a local obsidian carver along with a pottery sculptor provides a welcome respite in his shady garden. Visitors can try their hand at polishing the many kinds of obsidian given to us by the lava of the volcanoes or reproduce a 1st century clay sculpture.

Your Magical Mystery bus then transports travelers into the 17th century with a visit and tour of Hacienda El Carmen. Travelers are welcomed with a cool eucalyptus scented cloth and immediately served the fruit drink of the day, spiced with, what else? Tequila, of course.

A three-course luncheon is served in the lovely patio is accompanied by Hacienda El Carmen's own singing waiters and guitarists. After recharging one's batteries with this feast, travelers are treated to a complete tour of the hacienda and its grounds.

The cozy wooden bar lifted from the local railroad station before it was destroyed and transported to El Carmen welcomes travelers to more than a tequila tasting. From wooden barrels, travelers are served not just several kinds of tequila, but more unusual local beverages made from many kinds of local plants.

Savvy travelers can elect to stay at El Carmen, and most never want to leave. The prices are more than reasonable and the experience and service unmatched by any hotel in the area. For those limited by time, by the end of the day Magical Mystery Tour gives you the feeling of floating you back to the 20th century on the 55 minute ride back to Guadalajara, having truly visited a magical world and discovered a few of its mysteries.