El Quelite, La Noria, Copala, Panuco

All Day tour to El Quelite, La Noria, Copala, Panuco The best way to get to know the real Mexico is to go out into the countryside and see how little life has changed over the centuries. This tour takes in several of the principal towns in the area around Mazatlan and is important for those interested in the areas history. First stop on the ride is the town of El Quelite. This town offers an excellent opportunity to stroll down cobblestone streets to visit the Virgin of Guadalupe Church and enjoy the serenity of a small Mexican village. El Quelite is also renown for its cock fights and horse races, as well as being the world's center for the ancient Mayan sport of Ulama. This pueblo is also famous for its artisans and outdoor stalls with their handmade goods. There is an excellent restaurant with a large menu of local delicacies which allows you to refresh yourself before starting out on dirt roads to the next stop, La Noria. La Noria is famous for its leatherwork and handmade saddles. Here you will see an interesting wine-producing property known as "LA Vinata" which produces a very special extract from the blue Agave plant. From there, the tour proceeds to the town of Copala. Copala is a 500 year old town that has changed so little that you would think it has been caught in some kind of time warp. From there along a dirt road to the mining town of Panuco. Once famous for its gold and silver mines. Now the mines have long since closed but the town is a must see location nestled in the hillsides of the Sierra Madre Mountains.