Tour guide recommendation

[Barbara]

I started to write this on the thread about seeing the Monarch Butterflies, but I think it is better as a separate, general post.
If you want an excellent tour guide to go anywhere in Mexico, I highly recommend Eric Miranda. You might know him and his wife Cristina Montes from the Artcalli store on Calle Positos. Eric has years of experience working as a tour guide with groups of all ages and sizes all over Mexico. He has extensive knowledge about Mexican history, culture, nature, birds, insects, plants, and food, and he is the nicest guy to travel with! I'm planning a 4-day trip to the Huasteca Potosina, Las Pozas, and Sierra Gorda with him next month.
If you're interested in arranging a trip with Eric, contact him at mundomexico1@hotmail.com His prices are very reasonable, and you won't find a more knowledgeable, kind, patient, fun, reliable person to travel with. Leave the driving and planning to Eric, and you'll have a blast, and will probably spend less money than trying to go on your own.
There's still time to see the butterflies. I went last week and it was amazing!
We went to Sierra Chincua which is a lot less "touristy" than Rosario, and easier to get to than Cerro Pelon.
We stayed in Tlalpujahua, the small publeo magico town which makes glass Christmas ornaments.
The best part of this trip was going with Eric. We stayed at a small hotel in Tlalpujahua which is owned by his family. We spent a few hours walking around his hometown, and learned a lot about the local history and legends. Eric took over the kitchen at the hotel and cooked a delicious dinner and breakfast for us. The next day he paced the trip to see the butterflies perfectly. One of my friends is confined to a wheelchair, but Eric got him on a horse with a separate guide to reach the butterfly colony. Eric stayed with me and my friends as we walked, and he was there when I needed help walking down some of the more difficult parts of the trails. Afterwards he took us to a place within the sanctuary for a delicious lunch. It was an awesome trip, and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Mexico through Eric's eyes.

[Wyntopia1]

I absolutely agree with Barbara on this recommendation. Both Eric and Cristina are great tour guides and simply wonderful people. In addition, Christina is really knowledgable about Mexican art and a great resource.

Sam Wyngaard