May 1, 2024
Amazing experience with an amazing guide - I took a tour of the Nacapule Canyon with Mike as my guide both because of the great reviews on TripAdvisor and because he is a biologist. Let me say up front this is a hike that is mostly trail, but does includes clamoring up and down some boulders, so, you would be wise to wear shoes with tread on the soles and the hike is a bit challenging. That said, what an experience this was!! Despite the fact the wider area receives only about 10 inches / 30 cm of rain per year and essentially is desert, the Nacapule Canyon is a micro-climate which collects rain and actually has pools of water. Consequently, the flora includes palms and other deciduous plants which thrive in the canyon, but almost nowhere else. Mike, meanwhile, was awesome. Not only did he take the time to point out specific plants, but he explained what roles they play in the eco-system. One species of palm, for example, forms shirts as the palm fronds die and hang down covering the trunks. Those 'skirts' serve as the home for birds, bats, and other small animals. There were plants with flowers which sustain a particular species of hummingbird. There were pools of water which were some of the few places where Leopard Frogs live. And then, at the end of hike, Mike set up a table. covered it with a table cloth, and served ceviche and drinks !!! Mike was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. I simply can't say enough good things about him and the hike was amazing in the sense the flora and fauna of the Nacapule Canyon are such a contrast to the surrounding area. This simply was a great, great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 20, 2024
A great guide giving life to stark beauty - Michael supplied knowledge regarding everything we saw. His enthusiasm about the mechanations of mother nature energized us all. Great discussions of native plants, cacti, insects and local culture. Teasing a funnel spider out of it's home, by applying just the right vibrational frequency to the web, was the theatrical highlight! He was able to answer all questions thoroughly. The hike was moderately taxing and I would recommend hiking boots because of the loose rocks, but all in all folks in pretty fair condition should do ok. Great ceviche at the end. One of our favorite tours, mostly because Michael really gave life to the stark beauty.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 23, 2024
Great tour to learn about the canyons of the Sonora desert - Michael is super friendly and an infinite source of information about the local landscape, animals and plants.
He will be as excited about the tour as you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 20, 2024
Views, exercise, plants, education, and ceviche! - This is the best tour we’ve ever done. Michael is the best guide, the most knowledgeable, the most fun, the most adventurous. Although he speaks perfect English, he was willing to let us practice our Spanish with him. He was very patient.
You will explore hidden treasures of Mexican culture and geological significance. You’ll learn about plants and birds! And lastly, you’ll get your steps in ;)
Check this experience off on your bucket list when you visit or you’ll miss the best experience this place has to offer.
P.S. Look up his other adventure on a boat- we loved that one, too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 8, 2024
Best local guide you can find. You will not see these sites outside of a tour like this. - Michael is an expert guide and naturalist. His knowledge of plants, animals, and the geology of the landscape far exceeds this local area. He knows how all of the systems are interconnected and can explain them! The hike can be hot some times of the year, but it is worth the trek. It was sometimes a scramble, but my fit 70-year-old parents loved it! We had near-perfect weather in February for our hike. I would recommend starting in the morning if possible. Michael is very easy to communicate with. He is completely fluent in both English and Spanish and he will respond via the Viator booking messages in person to manage any questions or changes.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 1, 2024
Hiking with Michael - What a great day Michael was fantastic and took time to answer and talk about any and everything we wanted. We loved him so much that we did his boat island tour the following weekend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 21, 2023
Hiking with a Biologist - Our afternoon hiking with Michael was fantastic. He not only knows the biology of the area he shares the culture and history. He helped us connect to the area on several levels. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 8, 2023
The perfect guide! - Micheal was an amazing guide! Prior to even booking a trip he was very helpful with answering all our concerns and questions traveling to a new country. He gave great recommendations and communicated well with our group prior to the hike. His directions were perfect and he even drove us around in his personal vehicle and pointed out interesting views on the tour. He brought his own hiking carrier for our daughter to use and was great with her and patient as she hiked with us. We were able to go on private land thanks to his connections with the locals. And took us to places off the beaten path to look at plants and wildlife up close. Micheal was very knowledgeable and prepared with his ID books and knew the area well. After hiking to the hot springs he set up a table and chairs and provide yummy drinks, beer, and ceviche to top off this great experience! He also provided recommendations on where to snorkel in San Carlos. Highly recommend this trip and hope to be back someday for more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 3, 2023
So delightful! - Amazing hike to two off-the-beaten-path locations. Michael is a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge and so enthusiastic about and respectful of the local environment. We loved it so much, we’re doing a second hike with him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 28, 2022
Incredible tour- gorgeous oasis - This was an incredible experience. It was very memorable. Michael is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic- his love of the desert and people is clear. The places we saw were gorgeous. And sunset cerviche was the best meal ever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
