|
Join us in rural Mexico unchanged
by time... ride past farmers plowing with oxen,
longhorn cattle, goats and sheep free-grazing on
rocky terrain... cross flowing rivers with tumbling
waterfalls, see egrets and ducks roosting
on tranquil lakes as the horses splash along the
water's edge.
The countryside changes quickly as we begin the
climb beyond the small villages into the mountains
where the landscape is filled with cactus and
tequila plants... you will be able to dismount and
explore the ruins of an 18th century hacienda, as
well as enjoy a picnic on the plateau of the summit…
The fourteen day ride ’Viva Mexico’ is
designed for the intermediate rider. Rides are a bit
slower and relaxing during the first week with
sightseeing and picks up speed and duration of the
rides on
all day trips during the second week. Lunch breaks with picnics in the
shadows of the trees beside the waterfalls, short
hikes to visit canyons, observe wild horses still
grazing open land, or swim in a naturally heated
stream. Climb the mountains on horseback for a
breathtaking 360º view of the countryside. There are
many opportunities to canter or gallop across the
open fields prior to entering canyons, crossing
rivers or climbing rocks.
 IT-MXRLC03
Rates are ‘all inclusive’
meals, wine with dinner, daily 4 to 7
hrs
of riding, 24 hr internet access, airport
transfers
14 days/ 13 nights $ 2,300 Single
+$480
2008 DATES
01/13-01/26 02/03-02/16 02/24-03/08
03/16-03/29 04/06-04/19 04/27-05/10
05/18-05/31 06/15-06/28 07/13-07/26
08/10-08/23 09/07-09/20 09/28-10/11
10/19-11/01 11/09-11/22 12/21-01/03
.. add 20% for Christmas & New Year's dates
availability & reservation
Meeting: Hidalgo
Airport: Mexico City
Transfer: Transfers
are included
at set times: 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM
Level:
Rides can be catered to any riding level - we
suggest an intermediate level to enjoy all
excursions, advanced riders can enjoy special
"Loping Rides"
Tack:
Mexican Charro
Horses:
Quarter and Criollos
mix
Max
Riders: 12
Min Age: 12
Pace:
All paces with many opportunities for long
canters. Less experienced riders will go with a
separate guide.
Note: Returns arrive in Mexico City
at:
8:30 am or
4:30 pm
Lodging
Upgrades:
Deluxe Patio room: $55 per night
Casita: $100 per night
-- per room charges, not per person
Included: see details on our
Rancho
Mexicana intro page.
Accommodating different rider levels
– Any mixed group can be divided into various rides.
Lodgings:
Built in 2003 by Swiss owner and operator Ursula,
the amenities sport a European flare. ... see
lodging
details
Itinerary
Day 1 Morning
arrivals will be able, after a short introduction,
to ride in the afternoon on this very first day.
At an easy pace we will explore the countryside
close to the ranch. Riding through the village of
‘El Colorado’ we will be able to observe how the
locals live. Across the wide, open country we arrive
at the ‘Bordo de San Bartolo’ a little lake in the
middle of nowhere! On our ride back in the sunset we
will cross the river ‘Rio Rosas’ and upon arrival
you will enjoy your first good Mexican Tequila from
horseback! Late arrivals will be attended at any
time. Often these arrivals are able to go for an
extra morning ride on the day of departure.
Day 2 to 7: see
Mexico Lindo Ride
Day 7 to 14: see
Colores de Mexico Ride
|
see Video
(ADSL/Cable connection)
see Video
(Slow Connection)
--
Ranch details
--
Mexico Lindo Ride
--
Colores de Mexico
Ride
|
|
Complete Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Day: This trip includes pick up
from the airport at 8:30 am and at 4:30 pm** Morning
arrivals will be able, after a nice lunch under the
shady old oak tree, to do the following afternoon
ride on this very first day... Explore the
countryside close to the ranch at an easy pace.
While riding through the village of ‘El Colorado’
enjoy to observe how the locals live. Across wide,
open country we arrive at the ‘Bordo de San Bartolo’
a little lake in the middle of nowhere! Back to the
ranch crossing the river ‘Rio Rosas’. Enjoy your
first good Mexican Tequila from horseback!
Day 2: Today’s morning ride will take us
along the hill of San Agustin. We pass by the local
graveyard where always at the beginning of November
big celebrations del ‘Dia de Los Muertos’ day of the
dead, are going on. We follow then the river into
our village center of San Agustin Buenavista. The
church of our village was built in 1701. After
crossing the village we will again join the river on
our way back to ranch.
The horses will cross the flowing ‘Rio Rosas’, pick
up an easy canter along the old water channel to
then climb sunset hill. Up there you will have a
breathtaking view of the ranch and it's
surroundings. Then amble back to the ranch with
another easy canter or walk.
If you feel like it you may take your first salsa
lesson or learn at the bar to mix a Margarita, Piña
Colada or even a Piña Colada without alcohol before
a lovely dinner.
Day 3: After a rich Mexican breakfast we ride
north through the village of Vista Hermosa which
translates into ‘beautiful view’ from there a steep
climb takes us up the Cerro del Ahorcado ‘the hanged
mans hill’, with a 360º view of the pink church of
Heroes de Carranza and the Lake District. A canter
beneath the eucalyptus tree rows takes us down to
the lake where the horses love to splash along the
shore.
Enjoy the barbeque under the big oak tree.
After a short siesta we will be crossing the ‘Rio
Rosas’ and take an easy canter between the corn or
flower fields. Pass by the race track where once a
month there are held some ‘illegal’ horse races.
From there we follow the the old Spanish plastered
stone road towards el ‘Bordo Viejo’ and cross some
Mexican countryside as you know it from the movies.
On the way back to the ranch we will cross some
rocky terrain which the horses manage without any
problems.
Once at the ranch we get ready for an entertaining
and unforgettable evening. The theme tonight is
‘Noche Rosa Mexicana’ the Pink Mexican Night. If you
like to coordinate to the table deco, wear something
pink! However, it is not really necessary, as at any
dinner, you may dress casual. This night is filled
with music and Mexican folklore, yet another memory
of Mexican life to take home…
Day 4: Today we will head to the old Hacienda
of Tandeje. Built in 1685 the walls still try to
tell us of the past. A cobbled stone path takes us
to the enchanted forest of old oak trees heavy with
Spanish moss, roots growing between the rocks
overflowed by a river at the base of the waterfall
are a few of the sights along the route. On the way
back we will pass by ‘El Huizachal’ the old part of
San Agustin Buenavista, the old Lienzo Charro
‘charro ring’ a place where they once had
festivities with horses. Behind the lienzo we have a
beautiful view of two of the three Cascadas
(waterfalls) which are located next to the ranch.
This afternoon we will drive to the archeological
site of the Atlantes of Tula where you will be able
to admire the giant stone figures once you climbed
the steep stairs up to the temple. Along the walkway
to the main square of the site there are many little
stalls with art and handicraft from all over Mexico.
After the Atlantes we will visit the town center of
Tula where you may visit the colorful Zocalo (main
square) and mix with the locals or go shopping to a
Mexican tack or Western store.
Back at the ranch relax in the Patio with a
refreshing ‘Cerveza’ (beer) or a tasty Margarita
before enjoying a nice gourmet dinner.
Day 5: Passing through Mexican countryside
taken out of a movie, crossing old overgrown train
rails hidden between cactus, we will ride to ‘Los
Organos’ a place forgotten in time. The trail leads
us down into the canyon along rivers, where wild
horses roam. We visit the ‘Peregrinos Petrificados’
a big rock formation in the middle of nowhere where
it is told that they are Pilgrims turned into stone
because they did not want to complete their
pilgrimage. Picnic along the river as goats graze
near-by. Here the river is mixed with a warm well so
it is quite nice for a swim while the horses are
resting.
Homeward bound the horses climb up the canyon and
then we pass through the village of Heroes de
Carranza with its pink church from 1697. Across the
wide open country back to the ranch.
Why not relax in the hot tub enjoying your favorite
drink listening to Mexican music in the background
as dinner is prepared for you.
Day 6: Friday is market day in the town of
Jilotepec. Approximately a 30 minute drive from the
ranch you will have the possibility to discover the
biggest weekly market in the region where all the
people from the surrounding villages bring their
goods to sell. All types of live animals, colorful
vegetables, tasty fruits, fashionable sombreros,
fine leather boots, tack for horse and rider and
great mounds of chili peppers are everywhere. On the
way back to the ranch we stop at a place where they
offer colorful pottery and hand painted Mexican
ceramic.
Back to the ranch for lunch and a let’s “saddle up”
for the afternoon ride.
Get your swimming trunks! This afternoon you will
swim with the horses. A 30 minute ride takes us to
the lake. The saddle comes off and you will learn to
ride and then swim bareback on your horse. It will
be a once in a lifetime experience and the horses
also love this adventure.
After the swimming and a short break to dry the
horses, the ride takes us to the old hacienda of 'La
Goleta' and then back to the ranch just in time for
dinner with today’s special Romantic Country
night... which will bring back memories of times
long gone.
Day 7 Today's ride takes you to the neighbor
village along the canyon of the 'Rio Rosas'. Enjoy
the lively village while passing through and have
one last easy canter through the open countryside on
the way back to the ranch.
Day 8: Now the group is complete
and the first ride will take us along the canyon to
the village of ‘Xochitlan de Las Flores’. Sunday is
a leisurely way of living in the village and a visit
takes you to their beautiful old church... a trip
back in time. After a nice canter or gallop you will
enjoy lunch back at the ranch. Now it is also time
to evaluate the riding abilities and if necessary,
split the group.
Back on the horses we take you on another route down
to the river. After the crossing there is a steep
climb up the rocks. A lovely ride through crops and
little ponds leads us to the the sunset hill. There
we enjoy a long gallop around it, with a final
canter to its top where you will enjoy the stunning
view of the beautiful countryside which is ready to
embrace you during the rides to come.
A canter or gallop will take us back into the
sunset. Horse and rider both will enjoy the sun’s
glorious display as it slips silently behind the
mountain range.
Day 9: A tasty Mexican breakfast and... we
are off, following the old, stone paved 'Camino
Real' the route which the royals used to travel from
one Hacienda to the other. We stop for refreshments
at the Hacienda of San Antonio and then follow the
road to the old village of San Miguel de Las Piedras.
A beautiful little village built into the canyon,
it's ways paved with river stones. After leaving the
village we stop in the shade of the trees along the
river where we will enjoy our picnic. If you like
you may take a dip in the water. Refreshed again we
follow the canyon, pass by giant rocks and climb up
the steep tracks to the top of the canyon. On the
way back we cross authentic Mexican countryside and
finish the day with a nice canter or gallop.
Day 10: Today after leaving the ranch we will
canter across an open plain. The first hours take us
into a shady valley full with old oak trees covered
with Spanish moss. We climb to the little sanctuary
of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the colored virgin of
Mexico. After following the river we ride through
the village of El Divisadero. Now we are crossing
the road into the open country. Nice canter and
gallops take us through the vast cornfields.
Crossing our district town of San Francisco
Soyaniquilpan de Juarez 'San Pancho' we arrive at a
colorful Mexican Fonda - small restaurant- ‘La
Mesita Campestre’ where we will have lunch, tasting
true local cuisine. After this break the horses are
fresh again for another gallop across open fields on
the way back. Before arriving at the ranch we pass
our village of San Agustin Buenavista with its
church finished by 1701. Back at the ranch get ready
to enter a magical world filled with Mexican Colors,
Mexican Ballads and Mexican Dance... a night to
remember.
Day 11: Heading out north we will pass little
villages on the way to the Lake District. Passing
along some of the lakes we arrive to Santa Maria
Macua, a beautiful village built into the mountains.
Experience the Mexican way of life. Leaving the
village we climb up into the mountains and have our
picnic on the mountains ridge from where you may
admire the mighty canyons and it's typical Mexican
landscape from above.
The way back takes us through Heroes Carranza, a
dreamy little village with an enchanting old church.
Here you will take a refreshment before cantering or
galloping back to the ranch.
Day 121: The longest ride will take you today
to the Cathedral of Canalejas. Through open fields
we pass the village of Zaragoza, from there we
canter cross country to arrive at the wells of
Mexicaltongo next to the village of El Tejon. Then
the route takes us up through the hills of Jilotepec
over to Canalejas where we climb the little mountain
with its Cathedral on the top.
After the visit of this beautiful Cathedral where
many weddings are held we ride down into the village
of Canalejas where we will enjoy the real Mexican
Tacos at a place well known by us. On the way back
through ever-changing countryside you will have
several opportunities for a relaxed canter or a
speedy gallop.
Day 13: Market day in Jilotepec...
Approximately a 30 minute drive from the ranch you
will have the possibility to discover the biggest
weekly market in the region where all the people
from the surrounding villages bring their goods to
sell. All types of live animals, colorful
vegetables, tasty fruits, fashionable sombreros,
fine leather boots, tack for horse and rider and
great mounds of chili peppers are everywhere. On the
way back to the ranch we stop at a place where they
offer colorful pottery and hand painted Mexican
ceramic.
Back to the ranch for lunch and a let’s “saddle up”
for the afternoon ride, which takes us 2,000 feet up
the mountains. The countryside changes quickly as
the sure-footed horses begin the climb beyond the
small villages into the mountains where the
landscape is filled with cactus and tequila plants.
A rich ‘Arrachera’ beef prepared the Mexican way
awaits you back at the rancho, where we will be
joined by the people who went to the Friday Market.
Now you have the chance to swim with horses before
we take a last afternoon ride, depending on you
likings, galloping across open plains and through
the fields or visiting the old hacienda of San
Agustin after crossing the beautiful antique bridge
‘Puente del Muité'.
As an alternative to the swimming with the horses
and the farewell ride you may visit the
Archeological site of Tula and its Atlants... see
Day 4 at 'MEXICO LINDO'
Our romantic night 'HASTA LA VISTA' helps to deepen
all the impressions caught over the last days and to
seal the new friendships made.
Day 14: Departure Day: Today is the final
day for everybody... either you catch the early
transfer which drops you off at the airport at 8:30 am
or you spend the last morning at the ranch and go
for the final ride tailored to your taste. After
lunch join the transportation which drops you off at
the airport at 4:30 pm.
Itinerary subject to
change!
|
