You will have the chance to see up close the stone carvings and re-live thousands of years of ancient cultural traditions while exploring one of northern Mexico's most captivating archaeological sites.
This Mazatlan Shore Excursion begins when you meet with your friendly, English-speaking guide just off of your cruise ship pier in Mazatlan, Mexico. Board your air-conditioned transportation, kick back and relax for a scenic drive to the archeological site that will take approximately 45 minutes.
Accompanied by an experienced Mazatlan excursion expedition guide you will learn a multitude of interesting facts about the origin of these petroglyphs located on a beautiful beach just 35 miles north of Mazatlan. In fact, this is the only petroglyph site on a beachside location in the Americas. Once you arrive at the beautiful sandy beach, you will learn that this archaeological site comprises a unique mantle of volcanic rocks that feature over two hundred drawings carved by ancient nomadic cultures dated as far back as 2,000 years B.C., and these petroglyphs are treasured since they are an example of the most ancient cultural expressions in northern Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter.
The Las Labradas beach is located within one of Sinaloa's biggest natural protected areas, the Meseta de Cacaxtla, with over 50,000 hectares encompassing different ecosystems, particularly dry tropical forests and rich diversity of wildlife. This eco-tour is a great option for avid bird watchers, as well as nature and culture enthusiasts! You will enjoy a 1.5-hour guided walk through this gorgeous ecosystem.
Then, while exploring the Las Labradas site, your expedition guide will share with you interesting facts about their origin and the messages behind the petroglyphs, which depict animals, people, other elements of nature composing the visions, beliefs, and cosmogony of the native people from so many centuries past.
After exploring the site you will also have about an hour to enjoy this beautiful, isolated, pristine beach, take a splash, a long walk or simply relax. Then you can learn more about your surroundings and the culture through a 30-minute visit to the INAH museum which is filled with archeological information.
Finally, after a short 10-minute ride to La Chicayota town, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal that will consist of hand-made tortillas, beans, goat cheese, molcajete salsa, season fruit, water, and soft drinks directly from a local family table.
At the end of this excursion, your transportation will take you back to your Mazatlan cruise ship terminal.
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