Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

Day 1:  Arrival Day. Airport pick up is at 1 pm. Your first, tasty, Mexican Tequila, or soda awaits you upon arrival at the ranch. Salud! Settle in and have a nice Mexican dinner with lovely wines.  



Day 2: The first ride will take us along the hills to the village of ‘San Agustin Buenavista’. The village has a relaxed vibe on Sundays, and we stop to visit their beautiful old church, a trip that takes you back in time. After a nice canter or gallop you will enjoy lunch back at the ranch. Over lunch we discuss and evaluate the riding abilities of the group and if necessary, split into two groups.  The afternoon ride takes you on another route down to the river. After 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 the hill, with a final canter to its peak where you can enjoy the stunning view of the countryside which you will explore in the coming days.  Horse and rider both will enjoy the sun’s glorious display as it slips silently behind the mountain range during the ride back to the ranch.



Day 3: After a tasty Mexican breakfast, 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 stone path to the old village of San Miguel de Las Piedras, a beautiful little village built into the canyon. 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, we continue following the canyon, pass by giant rocks and climb up the steep tracks to the top of the canyon. On the way back we cross the 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 of old oak trees covered with Spanish moss. We climb to the little sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Riding along the river we takes us through the village of El Divisadero.  Once past the village, we are cross into the open country. Exhilarating canters and gallops take us through the vast cornfields. Pause for lunch and enjoy some great local cuisine. After this break the horses are fresh again and ready for another gallop across open fields on the way back. Before arriving at the ranch we pass the village of San Agustin Buenavista and admire its church, built in 1701.



Day 5: Heading out north we will pass quaint little villages on the way to the Lake District.  A beautiful ride takes us alongside the lakes, and in no time we arrive in Santa Maria Macua, a beautiful village built into the mountains.  Explore the traditional village before departing to climb into the mountains for our lunchtime picnic on the mountains ridge.  Admire the mighty canyons and the Mexican landscape as you savor the delicious food.

The return trip takes us through Heroes Carranza, a dreamy little village with an enchanting old church. Here we can stop for refreshments 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:  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day at the ranch. Say goodbye to your horses and then we head for Mexico City - arriving at Benito Juarez Intl. Airport Terminal 1 at approximately 12:30 noon.



                 Itinerary subject to change!

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 aprox 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.

All year round at midday we have temperatures of approx. 24º centigrade / 76 Fahrenheit. In the mornings and in the evenings it is good to have some long sleeved shirts or sweaters to take on the rides. It is always good to pack something of both so you can’t get wrong. Don’t forget your swimming trunks, if you like to use the hot tub or swim with the horses (depending on the weather).

For riding we recommend jeans and short boots. Training shoes are not really apt for riding as you may not be comfortable and get stuck in the stirrups. In any case you may buy short leather boots in the markets around here for about US$ 25.- to US$ 35.- depending on the size.

A pair of bicycle pants underneath your jeans can be helpful for beginners or guest which have not been riding for a long time (to help prevent rubs).

We do not provide riding helmets, if you want to use one you will have to bring it along. Most people here use only simple sombreros against the sun (you may also get them at the market) as it can be really hot beneath the black helmets… but this is your decision.

The sun on 7500 feet of altitude is very strong. We highly recommend a sun cream with high protection factor which you should use daily. The hotel is fumigated against mosquitoes and there are normally not many around.

Laundry: We do offer laundry services – ask for the actual rates.

Also provided in every room:  a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, towels, bathrobe and drinking water.

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



The kitchen is always open, encouraging a late night snack or early morning mug of coffee and a well stocked bar is located in the great room for guest use on a trust bar system.

The Swiss Management combined with Mexican Hospitality guarantee a well organized and unforgettable equestrian vacation!!

Patio Classic and Deluxe Rooms
These spacious Mexican Style decorated rooms are situated in the Main House open to the colorful Mexican courtyard.  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.

'El Pueblito' Rooms
'El Pueblito' means Mexican village. These newly decorated rooms are nestled between the Main House and the Corral. They surround a central terrace with cactus garden and miniature waterfall, all adding to a traditional atmosphere.



Casitas: Casa Luna & Casa Sol
Two free standing casitas 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, not included. Also provided in every room:  A hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, towels and drinking water.

Our packages include lodging in the Patio or El Pueblito rooms. If you like to stay in one of the Deluxe Casitas, there is an extra charge for the upgrade.

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.

Sun Terrace and Jacuzzi

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Rides can be catered to any riding level - we suggest an intermediate level to enjoy all excursions, advanced riders can enjoy special "Loping Rides". These riding options offer some of the fastest paced riding in North America.

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, Crillo.
Pace:		All paces with fast canters and gallops - separate rides for less experienced riders | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 270
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 12 riders

Rides can be catered to any riding level - we suggest an intermediate level to enjoy all excursions, advanced riders can enjoy special "Loping Rides". These riding options offer some of the fastest paced riding in North America.

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.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart .
Passport Note
(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/onward ticket and proof of financial means. (b) Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a Blue Tourist Card for touristic purposes from their airline on direct flights, at port of entry, or from the Mexican Consulate before travelling, for 180 days, except nationals of Australia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can stay for up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the consulate regarding visa requirements as they may need to apply for a Non Immigrant Business Visitor carnet (FM3). (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements