One of the most valuable aspects of gaining your TEFL Certification and/or Teaching in Mexico is the
opportunity to really live the culture of this beautiful land. An important part of our TEFL program is
that we provide our students with just such an opportunity. In addition to the wide variety of cultural
events that take place here in the historical downtown area, which are absolutely free of charge, we
organize field trips to certain areas of special interest. Flexibility is a key feature in our program.
Years of experience have taught us that not all students enjoy the same activities outside the classroom.
There is a small additional charge for these excursions to cover the cost of transportation and the tour guide.
ITTO does not receive any part of this fee. Though the arrangements for the excursions are made by us, students
are asked to pay all fees directly to the service provider. Excursions are organized in and out of the city,
enabling students to compare the enthusiasm and bustle of modern Mexico with the most provincial countryside.
Students are responsible for their own meals on the excursions.
Guadalajara - Tlaquepaque
We visit historical, cultural and traditional places. Los Arcos de Guadalajara, Hospicio Cabañas
(Humankind Patrimony), Minerva Fountain, Republic Square, Niños Heroes Monument, the Cathedral,
Expiatorio Plaza, El Palacio de Gobierno, the famous Degollado Theatre, and picturesque San Pedro Tlaquepaque
with its typical arts and crafts of the region. The tour takes approximately 5 hours and is available Monday
through Saturday. US $15: Departure at 9:30 a.m.
Lake Chapala and Ajijíc
Lake Chapala, the largest lake in the country, is located 30 miles Southeast of Guadalajara. A visit to its towns
and villages along the shore is a truly memorable experience. The town of Chapala boasts a beautiful church and pier.
Chulavista is a beautiful American residential colony. Ajijic is an old rustic town with craft shops, hand made
rugs, clothing, leather goods, and silver jewelry. One hour for lunch.The tour takes approximately 6 hours and is
available for Monday Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. US $20: Departure at 9:30 a.m.
Tequila
We will take you to the land of Tequila which is 30 miles West of Guadalajara. Learn the History of Mexico´s
national drink; its planting, harvest, distillation, aging process, and its taste. We visit the ranch "El Indio"
where you can see the cultivation of the plant that is used to make tequila, the blue agave. After experiencing
the Mexican ranch, we will then take you to to the processing plant where the distilling process will be explained.
You will also see the aging warehouses. Souvenirs and samples are available. Do not miss this unique experience.
The tour takes approximately 6 hours and is available for Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. US $20: Departure
at 9:30 a.m
Posing in a field of fully grown agave plants. Tequila, Jalisco
Tequila Express
The Chamber of Commerce of Guadalajara, Ferrocarril Mexicano and the Jalisco State Goverment have organized a
unique train tour on weekends. Such tour has been named: "Tequila Express".
The trip begins at 10:30 AM at the train station, located at Av. Washington and Calz. Independencia. Once there,
passengers are received with live mariachi music, once they check in, they are assigned a wagon.
They board the train at 11:00. During the trip to the town of Amatitán (1h, 30'), snacks and complimentary
drinks are offered while the mariachi bands play Mexican music. A tour guide, meanwhile, explains the history of
Hacienda San José del Refugio (home place of "Tequila Herradura").
The stewardesses and security guards make the trip more enjoyable, the train features Red Cross paramedics and
private security. The staff will gladly listen to any complaints, suggestions or comments from the passengers,
doing a follow up to such observations.
Once the train arrives at its destination, passengers board a bus that takes them to Hacienda San José
del Refugio. A tour guide shows the premises. After that, the guests visit the tequila production area, passing by
the steam ovens, where the agave pines are cooked, then they go to the old distillery (circa 1800), where people can
see all the tools and instruments of the time that were used to produce tequila, included a device pulled by a mule.
The tour includes a visit to the museum where a video is shown; the video depicts everyday work at the hacienda. At
the end of the tour, people have a buffet lunch made up with Mexican dishes; at the same time, a live show of folk
dances, charro tricks, and impersonators is presented to the guests. Live mariachi music is playing all the time and
there is even a dance contest where the couple who wins gets a free gift from the host.
People can sing and dance in a real Mexican atmosphere, surrounded by gardens, trees, plants and live animals.
The tour costs $70.00 USD (aprox.) for adults, and $35.00 USD (aprox.) for children under 12. Kids under 5 travel
free of charge.
ITTO will be happy to order your prepaid tickets or they can be purchased at the Historic Downtown Chamber of
Commerce, only a few blocks from our school.
Historic Downtown Chamber of Commerce Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00p.m. For further
Chamber of Commerce information, call: (52) 33 3880-9099 and/or (52)33 3122-7920
Magdalena, Jalisco - Mining zone
Live a different experience, visit the mine, "La Lupita", in the heart of the San Simon mining zone located
only 9km from Magdalena, Jalisco one and a half hour from Guadalajara. Come and we'll take you into the
fascinating and mysterious world that encompasses this precious gem.
The journey includes a visit to the mine where you can find your own opal inside, a visit to the workshops
where we can help you polish your opal, and information, an orientation and details so you can understand,
distinguish and value the different qualities of opals. Then a break will be taken and visit the gift museum
where you can appreciate photographs of the different mines in the region and winning pieces from the National
Craft Competition, shop for silver and gold jewellery, buy obsidian turtles with opal shells, animal figurines
in opal quarry, loose stones and many other interesting things that have been prepared for you.
Venture to discover and explore the magical and mysterious world that surrounds this extraordinary gem.
"THE NATIONAL STONE" COSTS: Costs are from $ 220 pesos per hour with a maximum of 4 people for an excursion.
WE OFFER:
- Magdalena-Mine-Magdalena Transportation
- The guarantee that what you find is yours
- Helpful instruction to polish your stone
- Certification of your unique stone The best attention with English spoken
::: Go Back
Why TEFL in Mexico
