Real de Catorce

The Incredible City

3 DAYS (1 Meal)                              $179 PER PERSON

High in the Sierra Madres, at an altitude of approximately 9,000', sits a silent jewel of a town which for 150 years supplied Spanish conquistadors with silver. Now the population - once 35,000 - has dwindled to approximately 1,200 and the colonial mansions, fountains and cobble stone streets remain frozen in time. Perhaps the mystery and intrigue lie in its inaccessibility for the incredible city can only be reached by a narrow mile long tunnel, wide enough for only one vehicle at a time.  This is Jo’s favorite 3 day tour. Come and visit the town once inhabited by luxury-loving Spaniards, adventurous bandits and still descended upon once a year by the Huichol Indians in their search of sacred peyote, a cactus which, when chewed, will cause hallucinations. Since we spend two nights in Matehuala, Jo’s tour will allow you more time to enjoy Real. 

DAY 1 - Departing from the Rio Grande Valley, our route takes us West towards Monterrey before we detour through ranch and farm land into the citrus belt surrounding Montemorelos.   Drive through the picturesque Santa Rosa Canyon where we pause to enjoy awe inspiring vistas.  Continue on to the High Plains where we spend the next two nights.  Relax at this well known mid-way stop.   Overnight at the Las Palmas Midway Inn  in Matehuala.  

DAY 2 - Natural, rugged beauty surrounds us today as we journey out to Real de Catorce.  When we reach the tunnel entrance, we must transfer to smaller vehicles to carry us into the town. Let your imagination take over as we view spectacular buildings from by-gone days.  Visit the Cathedral, the Casa de Moneda (the old mint), the cemetery, from where you can view four states, and a beautiful, old Palenque (Spanish for cock-fighting ring) where outdoor theater in the round is often performed. 

Enjoy an  included lunch in Real before returning to our hotel.  Then explore the surrounding area.  Tonight enjoy the music of a local group - a Go...With Jo! special entertainment.  Overnight at the Las Palmas Midway Inn in Matehuala.   L 

DAY 3 - Right after breakfast, we depart for Saltillo, known as the Adobe City.  Tour the  baroque Santiago Cathedral, the Plaza de Independencia  and the State Capital Building.  Saltillo’s special handicraft is the production of sarapes.  Perhaps you will want to buy one as a keepsake of your visit to the small factory where they are woven.  Be sure and taste Saltillo’s famous “pan de pulque”, a bread leavened with a mild alcoholic beverage produced from the maguey cactus. 

Continue through Monterrey and over the new divided highway - the Autopista - to the border and the Rio Grande Valley.  Arrival at the border is estimated at 6:30p.m.

PRICE PER PERSON                                       DEPARTURE DATES

Single    - $225                                                        February 2, 17, 2004

Double   - $179                                                                     March 1, 22, 2004

Triple     - $169                                                                      July 3, 2004

September 4, 2004

Departs from Brownsville at 6:00a.m.; from Harlingen at 6:30a.m.; from Weslaco at 7:00a.m.; from McAllen at 7:30a.m.; and from Mission at 8:00a.m.

Currently there is NO CHARGE for the Mexican Visa on land tours of 7 days or less!