Day 1: Mountain Coffee Plantations and Tobacco Traditions
The day begins heading toward the mountains of Huicicila, where the landscape shifts and the air begins to smell of coffee. Surrounded by lush plantations at Cumbres de Huicicila, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast before diving into a tour to learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted in this unique microclimate. The experience continues with a professional coffee tasting paired with local tobacco, exploring aromas and flavors that reflect the soul of the territory. As a memento, you’ll craft an artisanal bracelet using natural coffee beans.
The route then moves to the Pueblo Mágico of Compostela, where you’ll uncover the history of tobacco and its vital role in the regional economy. A master cigar roller (torcedor) will share the ancient art of hand-rolling cigars, guiding you step-by-step to create your very own.
Later, at Esme Restaurant, the journey turns culinary with a workshop to prepare the traditional coffee tamale—a unique local recipe that fuses regional gastronomy with the beans grown in the nearby mountains. After the workshop, enjoy a relaxed meal featuring regional specialties.
Before saying goodbye, there is time to stroll through Compostela’s Historic Center, wander across the main plaza, and visit the Parish of the Lord of Mercy (Señor de la Misericordia), one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Between quiet streets and small local shops, the journey concludes with a return trip to Tepic, closing a day filled with the finest aromas and traditions.
