ABOUT US
Helen West, the founder of Cortez Tours, held her first job as a tour guide job as a high school student in Sitka, Alaska. That summer job —and the skills she gained from it — propelled her into a career in education, local government, and final as a small business owner.
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Cortez Tours is founded on all the elements that originalyl enthralled Helen about guiding: that stories have the power to unite and connect people, and that through stories, we can come to a common understanding. Our local guides tell true stories rooted in history and science (we admit, sometimes our stories are a little embellished) and through those stories connect guests with each other and those that came before us. We hope that everyone leaves Cortez Tours with a little more understanding of how we — as individuals — are connected to eachother, history, andf the natural world, and feeling a little more hopeful for the future of humanity.
OUR TOURS
Cortez Tours weaves fascinating history, exciting folk lore, and information about southwest Colorado into every walking tour. Tours are offered year-round, and can be crafted to fit any guests accesibility needs. Well-behaved, leashed pets are also welcome to join the adventure!
OUR GUIDES
Cortez Tours is proud to offer walking tours led by local guides. Our guides highlight their favorite local stories and always have great recommendations on what to do in the Cortez area.
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Is the entrance fee to Mesa Verde National Park included in the tour price?No, the entrance fee to Mesa Verde National Park is not included in the tour price. Cortez Tours operates exclusively in Cortez, Colorado, which is about 12 miles from the Mesa Verde National Park entrance. However, we do offer detailed information and tips for visiting the park on our website.
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Are dogs allowed on the tours?Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on most tours. Please inform Cortez Tours ahead of time so the guides can notify other guests. Other friendly, furry friends are also invited! Please ensure your pets are on a leash and cleaned up after.
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What time do the tours start?Tour start times vary with the sunrise and sunset. Please check your email for the exact start time of your tour. Generally, sunrise tours start 30-40 minutes before the scheduled sunrise, which is around 5:30 AM in the summer. For the Wild West Ghost Tour, start times are typically around 7:00 PM.
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How long do the tours last?All Cortez Tours walking tours last between 90 to 120 minutes and cover a distance of 1 to 2.5 miles. The exact duration may vary depending on the specific tour and group pace.
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What should I do if I'm running late?If you are running late, please text your guide at 970-516-7646, especially if you are more than 5 minutes late. For sunrise tours, please note that the tour cannot wait too long as the sun waits for no one! For other tours, we will do our best to accommodate you, but please be mindful of the group's schedule.