Rancho Mexicana -
      Colores de Mexico Ride

Only 50 miles north of Mexico City, the riding at this ranch, surrounded by three waterfalls at an elevation of 7.500 ft, is unlimited. There are no boundaries or fences throughout the magnificent countryside. Discover unsurpassed hospitality, scenery and equestrian riding in the heart of Mexico…
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.
Rides include two half day rides and all day trips, 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.

NEW PACKAGES
IT-MXRLC02
Rates include accommodations, all meals, wine with dinner, 6 riding days with 5 to 8 hrs of riding
8 days/ 7 nights  $ 1,050  
Single room if requested  +$260
Non riders $850
Individual and shorter stays are $175 per night
2008 Dates  
07/12-07/19    07/19-07/26    07/26-08/02
08/02-08/09    08/09-08/16    08/16-08/23
08/23-08/30    08/30-09/06    09/06-09/13
09/13-09/20    09/20-09/27    09/27-10/04
10/04-10/11    10/11-10/18    10/18-10/25
10/25-11/01    11/01-11/08    11/08-11/15
11/15-11/22    11/22-11/29    11/29-12/06
12/06-12/13    12/13-12/20    12/20-12/27
12/27-01/03
2009 Dates  
01/03-01/10    01/10-01/17
.. add 20% for  Christmas & New Year's dates
       availability & reservation   

HT SPECIAL  $75 OFF
for limited time only with min of 2 people !
Kids under 17 years:
20% Off with 1 adult  in same room
50% Off with 2 adults in same room

Meeting:  State of Mexico / Hidalgo
Airport:    Mexico City
Transfer: Transfer from Mexico City airport $65 return on Saturdays at 4:30 PM. Transfers at other times and other days are $125 per car (up to 5) each way - all transfers to be paid locally in cash.
Regular returns arrive at the airport at 10:30 AM the next Saturday.
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". Less experienced riders will go out with a separate guide at a slower pace or can also stay back at the ranch to relax or participate in one of the optional excursions by car.
Tack:        Mexican Charro
Horses:    Quarter and Criollos mix
Max Riders: 8 per group
Pace:  All paces with many opportunities for long canters. Less experienced riders at slower pace with a separate guide.
The ranch has 24 hour WiFi internet access
Lodging Upgrades: 
Casita: $250 per week ($50 per night)
--  per room charges, not per person

Lodgings:
Built in 2003 by Swiss owner and operator Ursula, the amenities sport a European flare. Three table service gourmet meals, prepared with fresh local ingredients and designed to individual guest preferences are served daily in the rustic dining room. Outside dining under the big oak tree or picnic stops during a ride are also guest favorites.  ... see lodging details

Sample Itinerary 
Day 1:   Arrival Day. Airport pick up is at 4:30 pm. Your first, tasty, Mexican Tequila awaits you upon arrival at the ranch. Salud! Settle in and have a nice Mexican dinner with local wines. 
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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.
Day 5: 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 6: 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 7:  Today let’s “saddle up” for the morning 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.
Now you have the chance to swim with horses before we take a last afternoon ride, depending on your 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'.
Day 8:  Departure after breakfast - arriving back in Mexico City around 10:30 AM.

                 Itinerary subject to change!  

        see Video (ADSL/Cable connection)
        see Video (Slow Connection)

Lodgings and facilities:
Built in 2003 by Swiss owner and operator Ursula, the amenities sport a European flare. A rich breakfast buffet awaits you every morning on the veranda with a beautiful view across the valley. For lunch outside dining under the big oak tree or picnic stops during a ride are guest favorites. A four course dinner and wine is served every evening in the rustic dining room . All meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients and designed to individual guest preferences. The kitchen is open 24 hours, encouraging a late night snack or early morning mug of coffee and a well stocked bar is located in the great room for unlimited guest use.
Four clean, well-appointed rooms with private baths and tiled shower all open onto a fresh air courtyard There are two separate cottages with sitting rooms and a porch providing more privacy Several hammocks strung between trees overlooking the waterfalls are sure proof that here is something for everyone!
The Swiss Management combined with Mexican Hospitality guarantee a well organized and unforgettable equestrian vacation!!
A hot tub is located in the front veranda.

Patio Rooms
Cozy, in Mexican Style decorated, room in the Main Main House
Open to the colorful Mexican courtyard

Casa Luna & Casa Sol
Are two free standing cabins for maximum privacy and additional space with their own shaded porch.
Sitting area inside
Desk and Internet connection in the room Sitting area on the veranda

All rooms are available with either one king size or two generous twin beds (on request. Rooms are made up daily. We also offer laundry services (extra).
Our rates are the rates for the standard rooms. If you like to stay in one of the Deluxe Casitas, there is a charge of  $250 per Casita  per week (or $50 per night) - of course only on availability basis at time of booking.

Meals
Hot Mexican chili pepper... but don't worry, we will adapt to your taste preferences.
If you have special dietary requests (i.e. vegetarian, diabetic, Atkins) just tell us in advance and we will accommodate your needs.
There is seating in the dining room, outdoors on the patio or under the trees, where you may watch the sunset and listen to the rushing waters.
You are welcome to hang out and chat in the kitchen. Many guests have enjoyed watching and learning as meals are prepared. Fresh fruit drinks and cool purified water are always available there.
Breakfast and lunch rides to scenic areas are regular events. Don't worry if you are a non-rider, we'll take you to the picnic spots!
According to ranch tradition the meals are served family style, with plenty of second and third helpings and lots of good conversation.
Home cooked meals are served three times a day, and often include fresh eggs from our own chickens and Nopales cactus from our own back yard.

Other Activities
Mexico has a lot to offer and being here means participating whenever possible. Just having a drink in a local store let's you have a glimpse at how the locals live.
Local Fiestas
Every village holds fiestas periodically. There are many Saints to be celebrated, many Mexican holidays and often also the unexpected illegal horse race in the middle of nowhere or a Charro or Peales event in one of the small villages in the region.
We will check dates and plan to attend if you are interested in experiencing this part of the rich Mexican culture...
Evening Entertainment
Every evening we have an enjoyable four course dinner with occasional live Mexican or International music. Colorful folkloric events may also be presented on special occasions here at the ranch including traditional dance and music. You may even be invited for an impromptu Salsa lesson...
Do you play an instrument? Why don't you bring it along?
Relax
If you don't feel like riding just relax in one of our hammocks, play billiard, dart or one of the many games we offer. Take a drink at the bar and learn to prepare a Margarita or Piña Colada on your own.
Use the hot tub, read one of the books from our library, take a massage (optional) or take a stroll along the river and visit the surrounding 'Cascadas' (waterfalls).
Hot Tub
Nothing better then to chill out in the whirlpool, enjoying a drink from the bar and listening to the relaxing sound of music in the background.
Massages
Give yourself the luxury of a relaxing massage and experience a renewal of energies.
Relaxation Massage    (60 minutes) US$30
 Relaxation Massage   (30 minutes) US$ 20
Foot Reflex Massage (20 minutes) US$ 15

Riding Lessons
Private riding lessons (50 minutes) US$ 40
If you booked as a 'Non Rider' you may join one of the outings on a horse (per hour) US$ 20

 

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
We offer half and full day sightseeing excursions (optional) during your stay, so the non rider*, beginner, novice rider or even the expert rider may enjoy a day off, getting to know more of the cultural Mexico. These trips can be booked during your stay at the ranch.
.... details

Climate
Thanks to its special geographical situation in a valley at an altitude of 7'500 feet above sea level and protected by high mountains, the weather conditions are very tempered and the sun shines almost every day.
The average daily temperature all year round is of aprox. 70ºF. Only depending on the season the nights get more or less cool.
Our ranch is open and operating year round. Guests often ask... "which is the best time of the year to visit?" The only way to answer that question is...

EVERY SEASON
HAS IT'S HIGHLIGHTS

SPRING - March - May
Changes take place. The local farmers start to prepare their fields for the corn crops. The plough makes it's way through the acres drawn by oxen or horses.
Imagine passing by farmers working the fields in the way they have done for generations. Go back in time to a glorious past.

SUMMER - June - August
Known as the 'rainy season', which is (unfortunately for the farmers here) not really the case at our place. Due to the geographical situation (we are in a valley at an altitude of 7500 ft) the clouds can't gather as much as in other regions of Mexico. But we do get the occasional shower (downpour) of an hour or two in the evenings or at night (last rainy season - total of 180 days - we had a total of approx 20 individual 'days' with 1-2 hrs of rain here).  Just enough to allow all of the usually dormant plants to bloom, creating spectacular vistas of vibrant color, with cosmos flowers everywhere.. see pictures on the left. This is for me the most beautiful time of the season. The nights are cool and in the morning a bright sunny blue sky awaits you for another perfect ride.
Imagine cantering through millions of cosmos flowers, like floating through a sea of blossoms, the horses almost hidden in the fields covered with pink.

AUTUMN - September - November
Until the dry season begins at the end of October there are still flowers everywhere. Now harvest arrives... The local farmers usually let the corn dry until the end of November and then take it in, using it primarily to feed their animals during winter. They grind part of the crop to make the meal for the famous tortilla.
Imagine listening to the wind whispering through the dry, high standing golden corn fields, while you cross between them into the sunset.

WINTER - December - February
The driest season with practically no rain at all. This means that the fields are very dry, painted a golden color against a brilliant blue sky, spotted with green cactus and mesquite bushes the exception.
Imagine late afternoon, as you ride through fields set afire by the setting sun. A spectacular image you will never forget.

It's easy to get here. The closest airport is Mexico City International Airport 'Benito Juarez', a very modern and and safety oriented airport.
The ranch is located only an hour and a half north of this airport and on tour arrival and departure days pick ups and drop downs are included at certain times.
If you have a late arrival or an early departure we recommend to stay at a hotel* close to the airport or book a personal transfer (one way US$ 125) at any time of day or night
*Hotel Ramada Airport**:
(Rate approx. US$ 140.-/room)
www.ramadamexico.com
This hotel is located just across the aiport and has pick up and drop down every 15 min at exit (PUERTA) 4 + 6. You can then join the included transportation to the ranch on Saturday at 4:30 pm.
If you want to enjoy some of the nightlife in Mexico City, we suggest you stay at a local hotel in the "Zona Rosa". Here you will find many good restaurants and shops and plenty of nightlife. To catch the transfer, you will need to go back to the airport.
Here we recommend the
Best Western Royal Zona Rosa Hotel - http://www.hotelroyalzr.com/