Rancho Mexicana Rides
The ranch with the personal touch, a hideaway in Mexico unchanged by time.

Open big sky country where you can gallop for miles and miles as far as you like. No fences - no trails - no nose to tail!

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.

We offer three options ranging from 7, 8 and 14 day trips for all riding levels from the novice occasional rider to the advanced equestrian:

RIDING AT RANCHO MEXICANA

'MEXICO LINDO'

 7 Days/ 6 Nights

The 'easy/relaxed' riding vacation - longer rides in the mornings (3-5hrs) - shorter rides (1-3hrs) in the afternoon.

Or if you like you may just relax in a hammock and read a book from our library, use the hot tub, enjoy a massage (optional), have a salsa lesson, go hiking or help the cook to prepare one of the fabulous Mexican dinners... 

Also included the drive and the visit of the Archeological site of Tula and the colorful Friday Market in Jilotepec.
... more details

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'COLORES DE MEXICO'

 8 Days/7 Nights

The more demanding vacation for the experienced rider - mostly all day rides (6 - 9 hrs).  Enjoy the ever changing countryside, canyons, mountains, creeks, haciendas, wild horses...

If ever you decide to stay back from one of the rides, you may join the activities mentioned in Mexico Lindo

... more details

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'VIVA MEXICO'

 14 Days/13 Nights

COMBINATION 'MEXICO LINDO' & 'COLORES DE MEXICO'

The ultimate riding vacation. Combine the above two tours, start on the easy rides and get used to the saddle again before you go on the all day rides... get to know everything the region has to offer...
... more details

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The horses will be saddled and unsaddled by our staff so we are sure to provide a comfortable ride also for the horses. We use Mexican tack and each horse has its personal tack.

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:  Depending riding package - all paces with many opportunities for long canters. For the less experienced riders we suggest the Mexico Lindo ride, but we can always separate the riding groups according to riding level.
Note:  Returns arrive in Mexico City at:
           8:30 am or 4:30 PM

Included:  Riding on all days; all lodgings at the ranch; international gourmet meals served three times daily; a kitchen open 24 hours, stocked with huge bowls of fresh fruit, snacks, freshly squeezed juices, bottled water, hot tea & coffee; wine with dinner; daily room service; drives to the weekly Market in Jilotepec and the archeological site of the Atlants of Tula (as programmed); use of Jacuzzi; satellite T.V.; 24 hr internet access; and service charges (gratuities optional)
Note: not included are laundry services and relaxing massages ($25 per hour).
 
Accommodating different rider levels – Any mixed group can be divided into various rides. We always provide personalized attention and will organize each day’s rides to meet our guest’s preferences. Often a morning sunrise ride is followed by a quiet afternoon at the ranch, in preparation for an evening sunset ride. During the sunset ride, horse and rider both enjoy the sun’s glorious display as it slips silently behind the mountain range.

        see Video (ADSL/Cable connection)
        see Video (Slow Connection)
      ------------------
        see slide show
        see slide show Dec '06

      --  Mexico Lindo Ride
      --  Colores de Mexico Ride  
      --  Viva Mexico Ride

Lodgings and facilities:

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.
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 king beds, private baths and tiled shower all open onto a fresh air courtyard with fountain and hot tub. 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 Classic Rooms
Cozy, small in Mexican Style decorated room in the Main House
Open to the courtyard and fountain

Patio Deluxe Rooms
Cozy, in Mexican Style decorated room in the Main House
Open to the courtyard and fountain
Sitting area inside the room

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.
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  $100 per Casita (Cabin) per night. Upgrade to the Deluxe Patio Room is $55 per room 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 - A cultural experience for everyone...
Some examples of the included activities...

Come with us to visit the archeological site of the famous Atlants of Tula (see photo above), thought to be the capital of the ancient Toltec people. Tula is about half an hour from the ranch. During the drive there you may also sit in the back of our pick up truck and enjoy the countryside in fresh air. You will have some time to explore the site and buy some souvenirs. On the way back we visit Tula's town square to experience the lively Mexican atmosphere or a Western clothes and tack shop.

Every village holds fiestas periodically. We will check dates and plan to attend if you are interested in experiencing this part of the rich Mexican culture...

On Friday mornings you have the opportunity to experience an incredible colorful spectacle...
The weekly local market in Jilotepec about half an hour from the ranch. Locals from many different villages come to town to sell their products... fresh vegetables and fruits, mountains of red and green chilly, tack, boots and sombreros...
On the way back we stop at some craft shops which sell beautiful handmade pottery and hand colored ceramics... more photos

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...

One of the most important occasions in Mexico is the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Mexican have a very unique way of celebrating the departed...

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 summer 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.

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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 you to stay at a hotel* close to the airport or book a personal transfer (Taxi one way US$ 100.) at any time of day or night
*Hotel Ramada Airport**:
(Rate approx. US$ 120.-/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. So you can join the included transportation to the ranch at 8:30 am in the morning when the tour starts and you can fully enjoy the first day or leave on the last drop down on the last day.
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/

FLIGHTS
Travelers from Europe... We suggest you book a flight with IBERIA** which leaves Madrid (connecting flights from every European town) after midnight and arrives in Mexico City at 6.30 am on the day the tour starts - so you don't have to pay an extra night, can join our pick up at 8:30 am and still have a first full day at the ranch.

For travelers from the USA...
We suggest to take a night flight 'red eye flight' from most cities, arrive early in the morning of the first tour day - so you don't have to pay an extra night, can join our pick up at 8:30 am and still have a first full day at the ranch.