Circuit · Fez → Atlas → Errachidia · 5 nights / 6 daysFez · Middle Atlas · Erg Chebbi · Errachidia

Fez – High Atlas – Errachidia.

A crossing that links the medieval medina of Fez with the cedars of the Atlas and the dunes of the Erg Chebbi.

Duration

5 nights / 6 days

Airports

In Fez · Out Errachidia

Highlights

Fez Medina · Cedar forests · Sidi Ali Lake · Erg Chebbi · Khamlia

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Trip description

Culture, mountain, lake and desert.

Explore the fascinating history of Fez, considered one of the best-preserved medinas in the world, with its medieval alleys, souks and historic mosques.

The journey continues to the natural setting of Aguelmame Sidi Ali, home to a former hunting and fishing lodge turned mountain boutique hotel.

An experience blending culture, nature, desert, oasis, Atlas mountains and Berber traditions.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration5 nights / 6 days

PlacesFez · Ifrane · Aguelmame Sidi Ali · Ziz Valley · Erfoud · Erg Chebbi · Merdani · Khamlia · Rissani · Errachidia

AirportsFez / Errachidia

TypeFez · High Atlas · Erg Chebbi · Errachidia

Experiences4x4 · camels · bivouac · Berber villages · gorges · oases

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

The whole route

Your journey on a single map.

Every stop connected — the full route, day by day, in a single image.

stops6

approximate km453

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City
Desert

Travel notes

Pack your bag

Handwritten notes from those who already did this route — what to pack to enjoy it surprise-free.

Versatile

Clothes for city, mountain & desert

Versatile layers: you'll mix medinas, the High Atlas and dunes in a single trip.
Comfortable, modest clothing for mosques and medersas (shoulders and knees covered).
A fleece or jumper for the cool Atlas and desert nights.
Comfortable, broken-in closed shoes: you'll walk a lot through medinas and kasbahs.

— Your Xaluca team

For the long days

The traveller's accessories

Sunglasses, SPF 50 and a cap: from city sun to Sahara sun.
A large scarf (cheche) for sun, wind and sand in the south.
Lip balm and moisturiser: the south is very dry.
A reusable bottle and headphones or a book for the drives.

— Your Xaluca team

Nights & logistics

The desert night & the transfers

A small bag for the night at the bivouac; your big suitcase rides in the vehicle.
A head torch and a power bank for the camp.
Something warm to sleep under the stars.
Cash in dirhams for tips, tea and purchases in the souks.

— Your Xaluca team

Tap a stage to read the details

Day 01
Arrival in Fez
Day route:Arrival → Fez
Highlights
- 01Fez el-Bali: the world's oldest medinaFounded in the 9th century, Fez el-Bali is the world's oldest active walled medina. UNESCO World Heritage, it shelters more than 9,000 alleys, dozens of mosques and Al Quaraouiyine University — the oldest continuously operating university in the world (859 AD).
- 02Fès-Saïs AirportFès-Saïs International Airport (FEZ), about 15 km from the centre, connects to Casablanca, Marrakech, Paris, Madrid, Brussels and other European capitals — a convenient entry point to start your journey from northern Morocco.
- 03Sleeping at a Fez riadFez riads are centuries-old palatial houses arranged around an inner courtyard with fountains and zellige tilework. Today turned into boutique hotels, they offer an intimate experience far removed from conventional hotels.
The day, in detail
Flight from your home airport to Fez. Reception at the airport and transfer to a Riad in the Medina or 4* Hotel. Dinner and overnight. Depending on your arrival time, the guided tour of Fez can be brought forward to this day — a first evening walk through the Medina, the best way to step into one of the Maghreb's most fascinating imperial cities.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Fez el-Bali

Founded in the 9th century, Fez el-Bali is the world's oldest active walled medina. UNESCO World Heritage, it shelters more than 9,000 alleys, dozens of mosques and Al Quaraouiyine University — the oldest continuously operating university in the world (859 AD).

Did you know

Fès-Saïs Airport

Fès-Saïs International Airport (FEZ), about 15 km from the centre, connects to Casablanca, Marrakech, Paris, Madrid, Brussels and other European capitals — a convenient entry point to start your journey from northern Morocco.

For the photo

Sleeping at a Fez riad

Fez riads are centuries-old palatial houses arranged around an inner courtyard with fountains and zellige tilework. Today turned into boutique hotels, they offer an intimate experience far removed from conventional hotels.

Day 01

Arrival in Fez

Flight from your home airport to Fez. Reception at the airport and transfer to a Riad in the Medina or 4* Hotel. Dinner and overnight. Depending on your arrival time, the guided tour of Fez can be brought forward to this day — a first evening walk through the Medina, the best way to step into one of the Maghreb's most fascinating imperial cities.

Cultural highlights

Fez el-Bali: the world's oldest medina

Founded in the 9th century, Fez el-Bali is the world's oldest active walled medina. UNESCO World Heritage, it shelters more than 9,000 alleys, dozens of mosques and Al Quaraouiyine University — the oldest continuously operating university in the world (859 AD).

Fès-Saïs Airport

Fès-Saïs International Airport (FEZ), about 15 km from the centre, connects to Casablanca, Marrakech, Paris, Madrid, Brussels and other European capitals — a convenient entry point to start your journey from northern Morocco.

Sleeping at a Fez riad

Fez riads are centuries-old palatial houses arranged around an inner courtyard with fountains and zellige tilework. Today turned into boutique hotels, they offer an intimate experience far removed from conventional hotels.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Fez medina is a fascinating maze. Seeing the Chouara tanneries from a terrace was breathtaking.

Iván S.

Valencia, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town

Day map

Day's landmarks

1 landmark

Trip progress

Day 01 / 06

17%

Place gallery

Fez

3 cards

Fez

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The spiritual capital of Morocco

Discover one of the most important imperial cities in the country, famous for its immense medina and extraordinary historical heritage.

Fez

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Travel to the heart of Moroccan history

Wander through medieval alleyways, visit historic madrasas, and contemplate the traditional tanneries that have made the city famous.

Fez

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An unparalleled cultural experience

Immerse yourself in centuries of history, craftsmanship, and tradition in one of the most fascinating cities of the Islamic world.

Day 02

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Chouara tanners

The famous coloured vats of the Chouara quarter have been in use since the 11th century with almost unchanged medieval techniques. Hides are treated with lime, salt, pigeon droppings and natural dyes before being exported worldwide.

Did you know

Ifrane, the Moroccan little Switzerland

Built by the French in the 1930s at 1,665 m altitude, Ifrane surprises with its pitched roofs, tree-lined streets and winter snow. It hosts the prestigious Al Akhawayn University and serves as a base for visiting the Atlas cedar forests.

For the photo

Aguelmame Sidi Ali and the Atlas cedars

Sidi Ali lake, formed in a volcanic crater at 2,080 m, is the deepest in Morocco. It is surrounded by an endemic forest of Atlas cedars (Cedrus atlantica) inhabited by the famous Barbary macaques — one of the world's few wild populations.

Day 02

Fez · Middle Atlas · Aguelmame Sidi Ali

Morning guided walking tour of the Fez Medina: souks, artisan workshops, mosques and historic palaces. We visit the Chouara tanners' quarter, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain and the blue gate of Bab Boujloud. In the afternoon departure by 4x4 with driver across the Middle Atlas: passing through Ifrane, Morocco's «little Switzerland», and the giant cedar forests where we may spot free-roaming Barbary macaques. Arrival at Aguelmame Sidi Ali, at 2,200 m altitude, beside Morocco's deepest natural lake. Dinner and overnight at Xaluca Lake Sidi Ali — a former hunting and fishing lodge turned mountain boutique hotel.

Cultural highlights

Chouara tanners

The famous coloured vats of the Chouara quarter have been in use since the 11th century with almost unchanged medieval techniques. Hides are treated with lime, salt, pigeon droppings and natural dyes before being exported worldwide.

Ifrane, the Moroccan little Switzerland

Built by the French in the 1930s at 1,665 m altitude, Ifrane surprises with its pitched roofs, tree-lined streets and winter snow. It hosts the prestigious Al Akhawayn University and serves as a base for visiting the Atlas cedar forests.

Aguelmame Sidi Ali and the Atlas cedars

Sidi Ali lake, formed in a volcanic crater at 2,080 m, is the deepest in Morocco. It is surrounded by an endemic forest of Atlas cedars (Cedrus atlantica) inhabited by the famous Barbary macaques — one of the world's few wild populations.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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Contact us

What travellers say about this day

The Fez medina is a fascinating maze. Seeing the Chouara tanneries from a terrace was breathtaking.

Andrés P.

Granada, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Market
Mountain

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 02 / 06

33%

Place gallery

Fez

3 cards

Fez

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The spiritual capital of Morocco

Discover one of the most important imperial cities in the country, famous for its immense medina and extraordinary historical heritage.

Fez

Need a hand?

Talk to an agent and find your ideal trip.

Book a call

Travel to the heart of Moroccan history

Wander through medieval alleyways, visit historic madrasas, and contemplate the traditional tanneries that have made the city famous.

Fez

Need a hand?

Talk to an agent and find your ideal trip.

Book a call

An unparalleled cultural experience

Immerse yourself in centuries of history, craftsmanship, and tradition in one of the most fascinating cities of the Islamic world.

SIDI ALI/Hotel Xaluca SPA Aguelmame Sidi Ali - Exteriores - LeoGerzon-241.jpg

Day 03

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Khenifra National Park

Created in 2008, this Middle Atlas park protects 84,000 hectares of cedars, oaks and holm oaks. It shelters Barbary macaques, red deer, wild boar and over 80 bird species — including the golden eagle.

Did you know

Ziz Valley

The Ziz river, born in the High Atlas and ending in the Algerian Sahara, crosses one of Morocco's most photogenic landscapes. Its ten million palm trees form the Tafilalet oasis — historic cradle of the Alawi dynasty.

For the photo

Erfoud, world capital of fossils

A city famous for its Devonian fossils — more than 360 million years old. The logistics base for all Erg Chebbi expeditions, known as «the Gate of the Desert».

Day 03

Aguelmame Sidi Ali · Ziz Valley · Erfoud

Free morning to enjoy the natural surroundings: lakeside walks, migratory bird watching, hikes in the Khenifra National Park or simply unwinding among the mountains. Lunch included at the hotel. In the afternoon we hit the 4x4 again heading south, crossing the High Atlas passes and descending into the spectacular Ziz Valley — a green ribbon of more than ten million palm trees set between rock walls. Arrival in Erfoud, «the Gate of the Desert». Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca, an emblematic hotel of southern Morocco.

Cultural highlights

Khenifra National Park

Created in 2008, this Middle Atlas park protects 84,000 hectares of cedars, oaks and holm oaks. It shelters Barbary macaques, red deer, wild boar and over 80 bird species — including the golden eagle.

Ziz Valley: the river that brought life to Tafilalet

The Ziz river, born in the High Atlas and ending in the Algerian Sahara, crosses one of Morocco's most photogenic landscapes. Its ten million palm trees form the Tafilalet oasis — historic cradle of the Alawi dynasty.

Erfoud, world capital of fossils

A city famous for its Devonian fossils — more than 360 million years old. The logistics base for all Erg Chebbi expeditions, known as «the Gate of the Desert».

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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Book a call with one of our specialists and we'll help you plan your trip in a personalised way, with no obligation.

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What travellers say about this day

The endless green palm grove of the Ziz valley, amid arid mountains, was a beautiful farewell to the south.

Óscar & Nuria

Pamplona, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Mountain
Valley
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

5 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 03 / 06

50%

Place gallery

Khenifra

3 cards

Khenifra

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The gateway to the Middle Atlas

Discover a city surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and landscapes of great ecological value.

Khenifra

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Explore nature and local culture

Wander through markets, mountainous surroundings, and natural spaces associated with Khenifra National Park.

Khenifra

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A green and peaceful Morocco

Experience a different ambiance among forests, fresh air, and Amazigh tradition.

Campamento La Belle Etoile - Generales - LeoGerzon-11.jpg

Day 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

The historic Dakar Rally tracks

Between Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi several tracks were used by the Dakar Rally during the Moroccan editions (until 2007). Many cross hamadas and dry wadis, making them iconic for 4x4 and adventure motorcycling.

Did you know

360-million-year-old fossils

The Erfoud and Merzouga marine fossil quarries date from the Devonian (approx. 360-380 million years ago), when the region lay under a shallow tropical sea.

For the photo

Erg Chebbi

One of the two great ergs of the Moroccan desert, its dunes can reach 150 metres in height, shaped from extremely fine sand carried by Saharan winds. The tallest dune sits near Hassi Labied and is one of the most photographed spots in the desert.

Day 04

Full desert – Erg Chebbi & bivouac

A day of Total Desert. We drive one of the historic Dakar Rally tracks, visiting villages and desert nomads. Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries — 360 million years old — and picnic in an authentic oasis. We continue to the great Erg Chebbi, the «desert of fine-sand dunes», where we swap the 4x4 for camels and ride into the heart of the dunes to witness an unforgettable sunset. We arrive on camelback at the Bivouac de Luxe and sleep in nomad-style jaimas. Dinner and overnight — spectacular under the stars.

Cultural highlights

The historic Dakar Rally tracks

Between Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi several tracks were used by the Dakar Rally during the Moroccan editions (until 2007). Many cross hamadas and dry wadis, making them iconic for 4x4 and adventure motorcycling. They are still used today for off-road training and competitions.

360-million-year-old fossils

The Erfoud and Merzouga marine fossil quarries date from the Devonian (approx. 360-380 million years ago), when the region lay under a shallow tropical sea. Ammonites, trilobites, goniatites and primitive fish all come from here — Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of authentic Devonian fossils.

Erg Chebbi: dunes over 150 metres

One of the two great ergs of the Moroccan desert, its dunes can reach 150 metres in height, shaped from extremely fine sand carried by Saharan winds. The tallest dune sits near Hassi Labied and is one of the most photographed spots in the desert.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Erg Chebbi dunes and the night at the camp were the best of the trip. The starry sky is simply indescribable.

Lucía F.

Cádiz, Spain

Verified traveller

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Berber village
Geology
Palm grove
Dunes
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 06

67%

Place gallery

Dakar Rally tracks

3 cards

Dakar Rally tracks

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The legendary routes of the desert

Discover the spectacular landscapes where some of the most mythical stages of the Dakar Rally in Morocco took place for years.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Adventure trails

Explore desert tracks, rocky plains, and routes that traverse some of the wildest landscapes of the Sahara.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Feel the spirit of Dakar

Experience the excitement of visiting historic sites associated with one of the most famous competitions in the world.

Day 05

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Khamlia

Founded by Sudanese communities generations ago, the village is internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups like Pigeons du Sable keep alive this tradition of hypnotic rhythms, metallic krakebs and drums.

Did you know

Rissani

The Rissani souk, busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the most important markets of the Ziz valley. Aït Atta nomads and remote-village dwellers gather to trade.

For the photo

Erg Chebbi

Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's most recognised natural phenomena: dunes top 100-150 metres, and dawn light casts deep shadows across the fine sand creating stripes of orange, gold and pink that shift by the minute.

Day 05

Sunrise – Khamlia – Rissani

«A date with the Sunrise»: we recommend an early walk to the top of the dunes for sunrise. Bedouin breakfast and drive around the Erg to the abandoned village of Merdani. We continue to Khamlia, a village of Sudanese origin, where its inhabitants offer traditional dances and mint tea. Later we head to Rissani's market (Tues, Thurs and Sun), unique in these latitudes, where desert tribes and nomads come to stock up — curious to see the famous «donkey parking». We climb to a natural viewpoint for a final desert farewell. Lunch at Des Dunes, Erfoud's most authentic Berber pizzeria. Return to Kasbah Xaluca with the rest of the day free: heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis, minigolf, optional hammam, massage or quad ride. Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca.

Hotel wellness

Heated pool
Hammam & Jacuzzi
Massages
Optional quads
Tennis & minigolf

Cultural highlights

Khamlia: ancestral Gnawa music in the desert

Founded by Sudanese communities generations ago, the village is internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups like Pigeons du Sable keep alive this tradition of hypnotic rhythms, metallic krakebs and drums.

Rissani: a unique and ancient southern market

The Rissani souk, busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the most important markets of the Ziz valley. Aït Atta nomads and remote-village dwellers gather to trade. Its famous «donkey parking» — where merchants tie up their animals during market day — is one of the most photographed quirks.

Erg Chebbi: sunrises over 100-metre dunes

Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's most recognised natural phenomena: dunes top 100-150 metres, and dawn light casts deep shadows across the fine sand creating stripes of orange, gold and pink that shift by the minute.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Rissani souk is pure Morocco: colours, aromas and freshly picked dates. A very authentic experience.

Sara & Diego

Madrid, Spain

Verified traveller

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Viewpoint
Berber village
Living culture
Market

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 05 / 06

83%

Place gallery

Sunrise over the dunes

3 cards

Sunrise over the dunes

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The awakening of the Sahara

Watch as the first light of day slowly illuminates the dunes and transforms the desert into a spectacle of colors.

Sunrise over the dunes

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Walking on golden sand

Traverse the crests of the dunes and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the early hours of the day.

Sunrise over the dunes

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An unforgettable moment

Experience one of the most magical moments of the trip by watching the sun rise over the Saharan horizon.

Day 06

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Ziz Valley

One of the largest oases in North Africa, famous for its endless palm groves and the production of the coveted Medjool date.

Did you know

Ziz Valley viewpoint

Spectacular panorama over oases, mountains and palm groves of southern Morocco — one of the mandatory stops before catching the return flight.

For the photo

Errachidia airport

The main air gateway for south-eastern Morocco, with daily flights via Casablanca to Europe.

Day 06

Ziz Valley · Errachidia · return

Transfer to Errachidia airport with a stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint — one of North Africa's largest oases. Flight Errachidia → Casablanca and connection to your home airport.

Cultural highlights

Ziz Valley

One of the largest oases in North Africa, famous for its endless palm groves and the production of the coveted Medjool date.

Ziz Valley viewpoint

Spectacular panorama over oases, mountains and palm groves of southern Morocco — one of the mandatory stops before catching the return flight.

Errachidia airport

The main air gateway for south-eastern Morocco, with daily flights via Casablanca to Europe.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

Have any questions about this trip?

Book a call with one of our specialists and we'll help you plan your trip in a personalised way, with no obligation.

Book an appointment

Contact us

What travellers say about this day

The endless green palm grove of the Ziz valley, amid arid mountains, was a beautiful farewell to the south.

Claudia R.

A Coruña, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Valley

Day map

Day's landmarks

2 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 06 / 06

100%

Place gallery

Errachidia

3 cards

Errachidia

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The eastern gateway to the Sahara

Discover a city surrounded by oases, mountains, and desert landscapes that acts as a gateway to the great routes of southern Morocco.

Errachidia

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Explore oases and traditions

Stroll through local markets, discover the surroundings, and learn about the daily life of this region in southeastern Morocco.

Errachidia

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A meeting with authentic Morocco

Enjoy tranquility, local hospitality, and the characteristic landscapes of the desert gates.

Postcards from the journey

Handwritten memories

What travellers like you wrote to us after this route.

A postcard from the crossingA country in one trip

Hello from the road,

This trip is like crossing several countries in one: we crossed the snowy Atlas, slept among the dunes of Erg Chebbi and climbed up to the cedar forests of Ifrane, where we met monkeys. Morocco changes landscape every few hours.

From one end of the country to the other,

Marcos

Xaluca ToursMARRUECOS

From the Atlas to the desert

A postcard from FezThe most alive medina

Dear family,

Today we got lost in the medina of Fez, the oldest and most labyrinthine in the world: thousands of alleys, copper craftsmen and the famous tanneries with their coloured vats. A boy led us up to a terrace to see them from above. Worth every step.

Amazed at every corner,

Carmen

Xaluca ToursFEZ

Medina of Fez

A postcard from MerzougaA pause in the desert

For anyone seeking adventure,

Halfway through the crossing we stopped to sleep in the desert. After so many miles, sitting in silence on a dune to watch the sun go down was the most beautiful moment of the trip. Crossing Morocco from south to north changes you a little inside.

With a backpack full of memories,

Hugo