Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Options:

Bejewelled Riding Trip -- 3 to 5 hrs of riding per day

The location and topography of Valle de Bravo allows for an incredible variety of terrains where to ride. The variety of microclimates that can be found within this region enables visitors to see different vegetations and ecosystems that usually cannot be found near each other. Many trails, paths, dirt roads and old "Caminos Reales" cross the county in every direction giving horse and rider the opportunity to ride for hours enjoying the breathtaking countryside. We have selected the best trails and paths that run through the most beautiful pine and oak forests, meadows, valleys, villages, rivers, streams and agricultural land that can be seen while riding in this region. Endemic birds from Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains can be observed during the daily rides and while riding through small agricultural villages guests have the opportunity to see how local peasants live. The “Bejeweled Trails” chosen for this ride will always stay in the memories of those who visit and ride with us in Mexico.
--- see Day to Day Itinerary

Because of its topographic profile, located in the middle of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, Valle de Bravo has a variety of microclimates. Starting from 10,000 Ft. above sea level, where the mountain forest are composed of fir trees, the forest composition changes as you decend.  Part way down, pines and oak trees mix, and continue by the time you reach a 5,000 Ft. altitude,  the vegetation has become a caducifolia jungle, typical of the Mexican dry lands. This variety makes for interesting, and ever-changing scenery.

The weather in the town of Valle de Bravo is nearly perfect year round. Early in the morning the air is crisp, and sometimes a bit chilly, but the temperature rises with the sun, expect day time temperatures in the 80's (F). During the day, a cool breeze keeps the hot sun in check.   Short, afternoon rains in the wet season are common, but from November to May this is rare. Nights are cool to cold, with lows around 60F.

An incredible diversity of plant life is the most striking feature of Valle de Bravo. Lots of fruit trees grow in this area;  avocado, orange, lime, lemon, mandarin, plum, apple, pear, peach, berries,  Mexican guava, cherimoya, guanabana, jicama, mamey, zapote and chayote are among the common foods grown here. Together, with the most exhilarating and colorful variety of flowers, they shade the paths and trails we ride.

• A helmet is not mandatory on the trail rides but it is always a good idea to use one.
• A good hat or big cap can keep the shade on your face and protect it from the sun.
• Sunscreen may be needed also to protect lips, face, neck, arms, and hands.
• Short riding boots and half chaps can be lighter that long English or Western boots.
• Wide boots that can get caught in the stirrup are very dangerous!
• The boots should be comfortable for walking, especially during the visit to the butterflies.
• Riders can bring inside the saddlebags a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneackers.
• An extra pair of boots can be handy if for any reason you may have problems with the first ones.
• English riding pants, jodhpurs, or Western riding jeans, whatever you usually wear.
• A light jacket, easy to tie to the saddle in case some cold wind blows during the day.
• Another thick jacket or a sweater to be used early in the mornings or late at night.
• Long sleeves in your shirt or blouse can help against the sun and the spines.
• A bandana or big handkerchief is very useful as towel, cleaner, and against the dust.
• A pocket knife is always practical to have hanging from your belt.

• Six beautiful standard rooms all decorated in Mexican style, each with its own and exquisite particular decoration. Most of the bedrooms have their own brick or iron fireplace.
• Each bedroom has a big and comfortable bathroom, all decorated with hand-painted tiles. Some of the bathrooms have a Jacuzzi.
• The six bedrooms are distributed in different areas of the house. Two of the bedrooms are facing the central patio, two more have the view of the gardens, and the last two look out over the swimming pool.
• A private bungalow with one double room that faces the beautiful horse stalls.
• A library, a TV room, a billiard table and a small gym.
• Outside heated swimming pool (45 Ft. long) with integrated Jacuzzi (7X7 Ft.).
• Several patios, verandas, terraces, and gardens.
• 24 stalls, a dressage ring surrounded with bamboo, and a magnificent tack-room.

Meals
The variety of flavors of the Mexican kitchen is offered to the guests with hygienic procedures and the home made food gives them the opportunity to taste different dishes every day. Breakfast includes fresh fruit and juice, egg dishes, sweetbreads, coffee, tea, or milk. Lunch is a picnic on the trail after three hours riding. It includes fresh fruits, Mexican tortas and tacos, and a variety of cheeses, meats, cold sodas or beers brought along by a pack mule that also provides horse-shoes, first aids kit, medicines for the horses, and all what might be needed during the daily ride out in the forest.

Days and nights in Finca Enyhe include:

• Breakfast: continental or Mexican style.
• Lunch: some days served on the terraces of the finca and others as a picnic during the ride.
• Dinner: delicious Mexican style cuisine. Meals served with purified water, sodas, beer or wine.
• Alcoholic beverages: three drinks per person per day, not interchangeable.

Note: Special care for vegetarians and other special diet considerations are available with advanced notice.

Tack:		Mexican Charro, English and Western, Trail saddles with Sheep skin
Horses:		Trakkhener, Appendix, Quarter, Mexican Criollos
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low to Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 70
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders

Horses: A great variety of horses of different breeds, colors, heights and attitudes can be found among the string of horses. The outfitters are proud to say that their horses are very well kept and fed so riders can really enjoy riding them. The outfitters' staff, all of them gentle and polite wranglers, takes care of feeding, cleaning and saddling the horses every day so riders do not have to work unless they want to help, just for the pleasure of getting more acquainted with their mount. Riders are always carefully and patiently matched to the horse they will ride during the week according to their riding abilities and preferences. The outfitters are always open to change saddles or horses as many times as a rider may need it until he or she can feel comfortable on both, horse and saddle.

Tack: The tack offered goes from the Mexican Charro saddle to the Western saddle including very well kept English saddles with famous brands (Crosby, Stubben, etc.), all of them with a comfortable sheep-skin seat saver on top for the well being of the rider. Big saddlebags with rain gear inside are provided. Riders can carry their water bottles and personal items in them. Special leather strings by the sides of the saddles are helpful to the riders so they can easily tie their jackets or sweaters to them.

Guides: The rides are always lead by one of the bilingual hosts and owners. They know perfectly well all the area and choose the most beautiful paths of the region, thus making this ride a very special one. Their knowledge of the local fauna and flora enables riders to learn along the way, about the variety of birds and plants that this incredible region has. Every night after dinner and comfortably seated near the fireplace, stories about the old town as well as facts about Mexican history are told by the outfitters to those that want to know more about Mexico and its traditions.

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