1 of 10
Perry Mack
2 of 10
Perry Mack
3 of 10
Perry Mack
4 of 10
Perry Mack
5 of 10
Perry Mack
6 of 10
Perry Mack
7 of 10
Perry Mack
8 of 10
Perry Mack
9 of 10
Perry Mack
10 of 10
Perry Mack
Words by Perry and Cindy Mack
Do you know what Sonoran desert dust tastes like? You will if you smile as wide as we did while out with Veraneando Adventure.
Our tale begins, as many tales in Mexico do, with a bottle of tequila. We had spent the better part of two months exploring the coastal region of Mazatlan. That is to say, everywhere the tourists go. After repeatedly sampling the four varieties of Mr. Lionso’s tequila - white agave, almond, coffee and snake (yes, the kind that slithers), our helpful bartender suggested we get off the coast for a little adventure by taking a day to go ziplining or on an ATV tour with Veraneando Adventure.
With just enough tequila in us to make semi-rational decisions, we decided to do both, with a tequila factory tour thrown in, as well.
The van picked us up at our condo at 9 am, then we had a quick stop at Mr. Lionso’s to get our tickets. After enjoying a free beverage (beer or tequila anyone?), the day was shaping up nicely. Along with our fellow adventurers, who ranged in age from 16 to 65, we then left for the 40-minute drive (55 km/34 mi) east to the village of Verano. We soon left the flat coastal region and slowly rose into the rolling hills. The scrub brush, leafless trees, cacti under a blazing blue sky soon let us know we were in desert country.
The morning was spent ziplining - but that's another story for another day, and then we got to enjoy a truly spectacular lunch. Not in an "I'm at a luxury New Years' Eve Party" sort of way but in a '"wow, this is delicious and I can't believe how much food and how many dishes they're serving" way. I mashed cooked peppers, tomatoes, garlic and spices into fresh salsa at the table as the server stopped with a cheese and tequila dish that, after a brief warning, he lit on fire. I yelled Opa! in a culturally-challenged moment and dove into lunch as though the country was going to sell out of fajitas, chips, tortillas, and salsa.
If there is such a thing as a stereotypical Mexican pueblo (town) I’d like to think that Verano is it. Brightly coloured stucco homes beneath tile roofs sat quietly next to dry gravel lanes while horses waited for their riders to return, often under the shade of lane side trees. The church steeple pointed toward the heavens in a gaily coloured bright light blue watching over people, pets, and palm trees.
Reluctant to leave lunch, but unable to indulge ourselves any further, our group made our way to the ATV's. Operating ATV's is very simple - there is no clutch, the lead guide tells you what gear to be in, and they are extremely stable.
We traveled through trafficless pueblos on the way to trails through dry leafless forests. The trails were easy to navigate, almost to the point of being monotonous, but the leisurely ride did allow us to view the surrounding terrain, agave fields, and a landscape of lighter shades of brown without having to concentrate. In the distance, we could see the crops that make the region the breadbasket of Mexico.
We forded a small stream and crossed a river on a log bridge, which like a wooden roller coaster, was a great deal safer than it seemed. We stopped in another pueblo for a beverage break on the route and as always, I was astounded by how affordable Mexico is for citizens of the USA and Canada. A soda was only 15 pesos, about a dollar, while a Pacifico Cerveza (beer) was about the same.
One tip we can offer is to bring a bandana. Depending on the heat and aridity it can be a dusty ride. Bandanas are Perry's favourite accessory while outdoors- they can keep the sweat out your eyes, the wind off your neck, soaked in water it can cool you, and when wrapped on an injury it can slow bleeding. On a dusty motorcycle, horseback, or ATV ride they can also keep the dust out of your nose and the grit out of your teeth.
Hot, dusty, sweaty and happy after an hour-long adventure ( the perfect length of time) we returned driving through the streets of Veranos. We washed some of the dust off our faces in the restaurant restrooms and had another complimentary beverage (or two) before heading ‘home’ in the air-conditioned bus.
As an aside, we always tipped the staff (restaurant and tours) 20% of our bill or what we think the bill might be, if the service was good, and with one or two exceptions it always was. It's like paying it forward. We were grateful for the kind smiles and good service and had an incredible experience because the people before us showed their appreciation.
We’re both comfortable on dirt bikes and ATV's but not experts by any means, so you don't require any special skill or aptitude to take this tour. You will find friends, adventure, and get another perspective (outside the tourist zones) on the land that makes up the southern region of Sinaloa.
Ziplining, ATV and Tequila Factory Tour - Price - $140 USD/person - includes lunch and I can’t remember how many drinks.
More info: veraneandoadventure.com