Flip Flop Nomad Tours
Flip Flop Nomad Tours
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursTaxis & ShuttlesWalking ToursBeer Tastings & ToursFishing Charters & ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursWine Tours & Tastings Bus ToursDay Trips
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
Based in Melaque, Jalisco, we offer cultural and historical tours around Mexico. Our departure points include Melaque, Manzanillo and their neighboring towns, as well as Guadalajara and the Chapala area.
We also offer various travel services and are happy to help and offer any advice you may require during your stay in Mexico.
Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Flip Flop Nomad Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
65 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Michael M
1 contribution
Dec 2019
My family of six recently went on the Orchid Tour offered by Flip Flop Nomads. Everything about the tour was enjoyable, to everyone in our party, which included people from their twenties to their seventies.
Dan and his driver, Carlos, showed up at our house exactly on time, and we were on the road promptly. On our drive, Dan entertained us with wonderfully informative stories about local agriculture, cultural history, and recent events in the area that put us all in the right mood. When we arrived at viveplants, near Santiago, we were immediately impressed, not just by the magnificent orchid farm, but by the obvious devotion of the staff to their work. Don Fidel, in particular, was an encyclopedia of knowledge about orchids, not just as commercial products but also their history and meaning across many cultures. Our tour was leisurely, but never slow, and at tea-time towards the end, we were delighted by the opportunities to ask questions and bring home small momentos. We learned a great deal about orchids, but we also came to understand the kind of affection these beautiful flowers bring out in both professionals and everyday flower lovers.
By this time, all of us on the tour had bonded nicely and we chatted away merrily over a lovely breakfast at Mi Abuela’s on the way back to Melaque. Throughout, Dan was the consummate host: alert and responsive to the interests of each individual, forthcoming in sharing his extensive knowledge of Mexico and our immediate surroundings, and agreeable in a way that made everyone comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area; we went to an orchid farm, but we also came away with a greater appreciation for Mexico in general.
Dr. Michael Mendelson
Dan and his driver, Carlos, showed up at our house exactly on time, and we were on the road promptly. On our drive, Dan entertained us with wonderfully informative stories about local agriculture, cultural history, and recent events in the area that put us all in the right mood. When we arrived at viveplants, near Santiago, we were immediately impressed, not just by the magnificent orchid farm, but by the obvious devotion of the staff to their work. Don Fidel, in particular, was an encyclopedia of knowledge about orchids, not just as commercial products but also their history and meaning across many cultures. Our tour was leisurely, but never slow, and at tea-time towards the end, we were delighted by the opportunities to ask questions and bring home small momentos. We learned a great deal about orchids, but we also came to understand the kind of affection these beautiful flowers bring out in both professionals and everyday flower lovers.
By this time, all of us on the tour had bonded nicely and we chatted away merrily over a lovely breakfast at Mi Abuela’s on the way back to Melaque. Throughout, Dan was the consummate host: alert and responsive to the interests of each individual, forthcoming in sharing his extensive knowledge of Mexico and our immediate surroundings, and agreeable in a way that made everyone comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area; we went to an orchid farm, but we also came away with a greater appreciation for Mexico in general.
Dr. Michael Mendelson
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that we were able to show you the amazing installations at viveplants, Elsa & Fidel are wonderful hosts and always eager to share their vast knowledge of orchids.
We are also glad that you enjoyed what is a local home-cooked style breakfast that is so often missed by tourists and we are happy to share with you all.
And finally thank you for your kind words about me (Dan), I am always learning more about this wonderful country that has allowed me to call it home and learn some of its wonders and customs over the last 16 years.
We look forward to travelling with you again soon!
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
intrepidtraveller256
Calgary, Canada8 contributions
Feb 2020
We just returned from the four night/five day trip to see the Monarchs. It has been many years since my last organized tour - I am definitely an independent intrepid traveller type and was worried that it might be a lot of shuffling around in groups following a guide with a flag. I must say from the quality of the bus and the fact that Flip Flop limited the numbers so we had ample room, to the beautiful accommodations in Morelia and Pazcuale, to the choices of towns and craftsman we visited, I was blown away. Dan worked really hard to ensure every person on the tour was included if they wanted to and left alone if not. I appreciated the amount of free time to explore on my own. Although the Monarchs were the reason for taking this tour, and they were spectacular, it was the colonial cities, the landscapes and the beauty of the craftsmanship of the artisans I will remember. There is no way I could have seen or done half of this itinerary on my own. Great value and more importantly, great memories!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing us to share with you this wonderful spectacle of nature and also what is one of our favourite parts of Mexico. We are glad that you enjoyed your time and the small insight into some of the wonderful traditions and crafts of Michoacan. We hope to travel with you again soon.
Written February 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan S
Greentown, PA33 contributions
Feb 2022
we visited Copper Canyon, Chihuahua, Mexico for 7 days in a small group of 13 flying to Los Mochis then taking the famed Chepe Express train from El Fuerte and visiting Cerocahui, The Urique Canyon, Divisadero, and Creel, returning by the Chepe Express to El Fuerte again over the next five days. We stayed in 3 excellent hotels with the Hotel Mirador in Divisadero with its spectacular views and balconies being an unforgettable experience.
The sheer scale of the mountain ranges and vertical drops of the canyons were awesome - highlighted by a 30 minute ride that takes you from the top of the canyon where there was light snow and pine forest to the valley bottom where there are oranges, grapefruits and other tropical fruit. Wear layers !
Taking a cable car across the canyon or a series of zip lines is a special moment.
The pace of the trip was about right, its a big place but there was plenty of time to have lunch, do some shopping and exercise. It was a great group of people that shared dinner together, drank plenty of wine and generally looked after each other.
Daniel, the trip leader and Alejandro, our guide, are both very knowledgable and enthusiastic ...and have empathy with the indigenous people and their customs as well as supporting eco based tourism to a remote and sparsely populated region that is cautiously opening its doors.
Highly recommended.
The sheer scale of the mountain ranges and vertical drops of the canyons were awesome - highlighted by a 30 minute ride that takes you from the top of the canyon where there was light snow and pine forest to the valley bottom where there are oranges, grapefruits and other tropical fruit. Wear layers !
Taking a cable car across the canyon or a series of zip lines is a special moment.
The pace of the trip was about right, its a big place but there was plenty of time to have lunch, do some shopping and exercise. It was a great group of people that shared dinner together, drank plenty of wine and generally looked after each other.
Daniel, the trip leader and Alejandro, our guide, are both very knowledgable and enthusiastic ...and have empathy with the indigenous people and their customs as well as supporting eco based tourism to a remote and sparsely populated region that is cautiously opening its doors.
Highly recommended.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Alan, it is a truly spectacular trip to the Copper Canyon and I am glad you enjoyed it so much.
Written March 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CharmMike
1 contribution
Feb 2023
We absolutely loved our five day FlipFlop tour to Morelia, Michoacan and surrounding "Magic Cities" featuring artisans of copper, wood, clay, iron, and stitchery and even some ancient ruins. It was the perfect Valentine's Day at the Monarch Butterfly refuge, professionally guided by Dan and Ramond, and we even rode horses! The butterflies were magnificent and fully performing that day. It was magical. After a full day of butterflies and viewing artisan masterpieces, we returned to our beautiful historical hotel for a quick rest and then dinner and a walking tour of Patzcuaro. The next three days we travelled to the cities of Capula, Santa Clara de Cobra, Tzintzuntzan, Tlaquepaque where we met the artisans of clay, and copper and watched demonstrations of their crafts. All in all the tour was filled with wonderful experiences and historical information. Dan is a master of guiding and teaching Mexican history, making everyday a meaningful experience. I highly recommend this particular tour and all other tours offered by Dan and Flip Flop Namad Tours.
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am always happy to share my learned knowledge of my adopted country. You and Mike were a pleasure to travel with and I hope to do it again in the not too distant future.
Written February 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
B S
Nanaimo, Canada35 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We had a fantastic time! This three day two night tour offered so much more than we expected. From the moment we got on the bus to the end of our adventure, we experienced and saw things that we would never have found on our own. The restaurant locations that Dan had chosen for lunch offered delicious cuisine, ambiance and scenery. All our stops along the tour were interesting and entertaining. I do not drink alcohol but I really enjoyed our visit to Ron Classica rum distillery. They went out of their way to include those of us not imbibing and make us feel comfortable.
For the horse show parade Dan had tables reserved and dinner ended up being included for free! What a pleasant surprise! The parade was everything I expected and more. We stayed right to the end at 11:00-11:30PM.
The horse show was our main reason for this trip but I have to admit all the places we visited were interesting and we learned a lot about the region, both on and off the bus.
Our Colima guide whose name was Jupiter was extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I hope if you take this tour he is your guide.
For the horse show parade Dan had tables reserved and dinner ended up being included for free! What a pleasant surprise! The parade was everything I expected and more. We stayed right to the end at 11:00-11:30PM.
The horse show was our main reason for this trip but I have to admit all the places we visited were interesting and we learned a lot about the region, both on and off the bus.
Our Colima guide whose name was Jupiter was extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I hope if you take this tour he is your guide.
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for such a great review. I am glad you had a fantastic time and we gave you the experience you deserve! I will pass on the your comments to Jupiter gladly as he is a fantastic guide and we hope to keep working together for many years to come.
I hope to travel with you again soon.
Written February 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise L
Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
I just returned from a five day trip to Michoacán and Guadalajara Mexico with Dan from Flip Flop Tours. Dan was a fantastic host with so much knowledge of the area. His attention to detail in organizing tours is second to none. Our first class bus and driver, the hotel rooms, the daily experience of traditional Mexican cultual, and a mix of shopping was excellent. We had so much fun I would highly recommend Flip Flop tours for your next Mexican experience
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thrilled that you had a such a wonderful week - I certainly enjoyed myself and had a great time getting to know you all! My shopping skills were well exercised too!
Thank you again and we look forward to hopefully travelling with you sometime in the future.
Written January 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elizabeth h
Whitehorse, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2023
I had been looking forward to the Flip Flop Nomad Tours Monarch butterfly tour: it not only met expectations but exceeded them.
Dan is an experienced and knowledgeable guide, whose patience with the diverse crew that any bus tour presents was remarkable.
In addition to the amazing experience that is the Rosario Monarch refuge , this tour provides time for visits to , and insights into, various artisanal traditions like catrina making, traditional copper foundry, beautiful galleries in Telaquepaque (sp).
Above all, the butterflies!
Follow the advice: take the horse up!
Dan is an experienced and knowledgeable guide, whose patience with the diverse crew that any bus tour presents was remarkable.
In addition to the amazing experience that is the Rosario Monarch refuge , this tour provides time for visits to , and insights into, various artisanal traditions like catrina making, traditional copper foundry, beautiful galleries in Telaquepaque (sp).
Above all, the butterflies!
Follow the advice: take the horse up!
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is an amazing sight to behold for sure Elizabeth, and I am glad that I am able to share this amazing experience with other people. Thank you for your kind words, and i hope to travel with you again in the near future.
Written February 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendyeknudson
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
I just did the 5 day Flip flop Nomads butterfly tour with some friends. The trip was very well paced, the hotels were charming and clean - with great restaurant suggestions from Dan ,our host. It takes experience to create an itinerary that offers enough planned experiences balanced with free time to explore independently, and the tour covered it perfectly. We saw many monarch butterflies at the Sierra Chincua sanctuary .The copper workshop at Santa Clara del Cobre was fascinating, and informative, learning about the process of going from recycled copper wire to creating beautiful art deepened my appreciation for the finished product. The city of Pátzcuaro is charming and steeped in the history of Spanish colonialism. We walked around the round ceremonial pyramids at Tzintzuntzan. We had a beautiful bus , a very calm and competent driver, informative documentaries to watch to help pass the travel time. Mexico is a big country!
This tour more than met my expectations , and I look forward to my next opportunity to do a trip with Flip flop nomads .
This tour more than met my expectations , and I look forward to my next opportunity to do a trip with Flip flop nomads .
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful words Wendy. I am glad you enjoyed the trip and were happy with your time spent in Michoacan. I look forward to travelling with you again soon.
Written January 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma D
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We just returned from a wonderful 3 day tour of Colima and area. Dan did a great job of organizing as usual. The horse parade is an amazing sight and Colima is beautiful. We really enjoyed some of the other things on the itinerary such as the visit to the mask maker in Suchitlán and the visit to the Hacienda de Nogueras.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Emma! Happy to hear you both had a great time on the tour and as always, it was a pleasure to travel with you both.
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle B
Calgary, Canada6 contributions
Feb 2023
We took a 5 day bus tour with Flip Flop Tours to Michoacan State in Mexico and visited the amazing event of the annual Monarch Butterfly migration from Canada/USA to Mexico at the El Rosario Butterfly Reserve. We also visited Santa Clara Capula, the birthplace of the Mexican clay Catrina; Santa Clara and watched a live copper demonstration; next was the archaeological site at "Yácatas of Tzintzuntzan"; Pátzcuaro & Tlaquepaque. Our tour coordinator Dan was absolutely amazing! Dan speaks fluent English & Spanish. He never stopped pointing out interesting facts along our trip, had tips and tricks for every stop before we arrived and went above and beyond to look out for everyone.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Michelle, i love Michoacan and always have a fun time there. And you are right it is like multiple tours in one! I look forward to travelling with you both again soon.
Written February 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
do you have one day tours
Written February 23, 2020
Hi Jacquelyn, Thank you for the enquiry, we do indeed have day trips. Currently we have 4 different ones:
Cuzalapa Coffee tour
Orchids & Brunch
Manzanillo Botanical Gardens & Sea Turtles
A Day at the Ranch.
The info for all of them can be found on our website or drop us an email for dates and availability
Written February 25, 2020
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