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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Mexico
Intro to Mexico
 Central MexicoChiapas Sierra Occidental
Extensions:
Sea of Cortez & Whales
Belize
Costa Rica
Honduras
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Mountains, Canyons & Coast Explorer of Chiapas
Chiapas
Mexico
This trip combines: adventure, adrenaline and nature exploration with relaxation in comfortable charming hotels and historic haciendas, as well as at a unique eco resort on a private island at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Chiapas, once part of Guatemala, is the southernmost state of Mexico and the stage of our new unique riding adventure. It is an area full of historic sites of pre-Columbian Mayan civilizations. Here we explore canyons, canter across dirt roads of large hacienda estates, ride through the forests of the highlands and on hidden steep trails that lead us through tropical vegetation down to the coast - ending up on the pristine beaches of the Pacific.
Our adventure leads us through the stunning highlands of Chiapas, where we pass through magnificent pine forests and indigenous communities where we have the chance to glimpse local life. We explore the majestic Canyon “Rio La Venta”, one of the most important natural areas of the region. After a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water of the waterfall “El Aguacero”, we spend time in a restored ancient hacienda, founded in 1902, and enjoy the hospitality of our hosts and the delicious local fare. The next day we enjoy long canters and gallops along old bridle paths until we arrive at the Tolan dam, where we can fish, take a boat trip or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Our journey then leads us through the biosphere reserve “La Sepultura”, a place of stunning natural beauty. We continue our ride on mountain trails through the “Sierra Madre de Chiapas”. Then a technical descent to the coast and a transfer horse and riders takes us to the seaside town of Puerto Arista. Here we find the perfect place for long canters on sandy beaches, always accompanied by a nice sea breeze! In order to reach the final destination of our tour, the Madresal Ecological Center, we have to take a boat transfer through the mangroves and across the lagoon. Madresal seems like a lost paradise in the Mexican Pacific and is a great location to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Here we have the opportunity to observe wildlife from a canoe through the Mangrove Forest and have time to relax on the sandy beach, before being transferred back to the Tuxtla Gutierez airport.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Chiapa de Corzo
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Airport:
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Tuxtla
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Transfer:
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Chiapa de Corzo
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, most meals, 6 riding days with English speaking guide, boat and canoe tour
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 9d / 8n | $1750 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Tuxtla to Chiapa de Corzo by shuttle (per car)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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$25
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There are good flight connections to Tuxtla via Mexico City, but there are also direct flights from Houston, TX.
United Airlines flies direct from Houston to Tuxtla on Wednesdays and from Tuxtla to Houston on Thursdays - working perfect with our trip dates.
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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03/14
- 03/22
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2013
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04/04
- 04/12
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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05/15
- 05/23
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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06/12
- 06/20
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/17
- 07/25
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/08
- 08/16
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2013
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09/10
- 09/18
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/16
- 10/24
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/13
- 11/21
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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12/04
- 12/12
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9d / 8n
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8 day trip, AP
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4
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Meals on Day 1, drinks at hotel in Tuxtla.
Day 1: Arrival
After arriving at the Tuxtla
Gutierrez airport (there are direct flights from Houston on Wednesdays), take a shuttle transfer (approx. $22 per car) to Chiapa de
Corzo and check into your hotel. Meals are on your own today.
Day 2: Cañón del Sumidero - San Cristóbal de las Casas
After breakfast we meet you and our week long adventure begins. We start with a spectacular boat ride along the Grijalva River. Our boat leaves from the Cahuaré Docks and takes us on a magnificent ride of 26 kilometers (approx. 3hrs) through the famous canyon“Cañón del Sumidero”. (If the weather is rainy, it is important to have a waterproof jacket, lightweight clothing or bathing suit at hand. In any case, please make sure to bring your sunglasses and your camera!).
The canyon’s creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, by a crack in the area’s crust and erosion by the Grijalva River, which was named after the Spanish conquistador Juan Grijalva. With its vertical walls reaching as high as 1,000 meters and with the river turning up to ninety degrees during the narrow passage runs, the Sumidero Canyon is one of the most impressive natural spectacles of Mexico! During the tour we will have the opportunity to observe tropical forests in their natural state as well as some animals such as monkeys, crocodiles and numerous species of birds. The boat tour ends at the Chicoasén Dam, one of the most important hydroelectric power stations in Mexico and Latin America.
After visiting the canyon, we will stop at the "El Campionario" restaurant for lunch and then transfer (approx. 50 min) to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The town is located in the Central Highlands region of Chiapas. Due to its high altitude of 2,100 meters, the temperatures are lower in San Cristóbal and it is colder than in the canyon, so you may need to change your clothes. We will stay at the Hotel Posada Los Morales, a charming Mexican-style hotel, which offers a magnificent view of the city. After we are settled in, we enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail followed by a special dinner.
San Cristobal de Las Casas, founded in 1528 by Diego de Mazariego, has maintained its beautiful Spanish colonial layout, with narrow cobblestone streets, roofs covered in red clay tile and wrought iron balconies with flowers. The facades of the buildings vary from Baroque to Neoclassical and Moorish, painted in various colors. After dinner you have time to explore the historic city center with its interesting sites like Central Plaza, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Arc del Carmen and the indigenous craft markets. Dive into the lively and safe streets of San Cristobal and appreciate the local culture and friendly people! Taste the excellent coffee of the region and visit the best amber and jade jewelry shops in Mexico.
At night, many bars and restaurants along the three main streets - Santo Domingo, Guadalupe and Del Carmen - offer live music. Here you can enjoy excellent wines and delicious Mexican food, as well as French, Italian and Argentinean cuisine. Overnight at the Hotel Posada los Morales (D).
Day 3: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Eco-Park “Arcotete - San Cristóbal de las Casas
After a traditional Mexican breakfast-buffet at the hotel, we are transferred to the riding center, which is located on the outskirts of San Cristobal. At the riding center we get to know our horses and equipment before heading out on our first 5-hour ride to the protected ecological reserve called “Arcotete”.
On our journey we will cross mountains and encounter interesting paths like narrow roads winding through magnificent pine and oak forests. We will also see several species of birds. We will ride through Tzotziles communities where we have the chance to glimpse the daily activities and work of the indigenous farmers.
Upon arrival at the Ecological Park Arcotete, we enjoy lunch and take a walk along wood paths towards a stone arch carved by the water of the river “Rio Amarillo”. Here we offer optional activities such as a canopy tour for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush. You can also take it easy and relax or walk along the river bank. Afterwards we ride back to the equestrian center, where a delicious Mexican-style BBQ is waiting for us, with smoked meat, chorizo and sausages and plenty of salad.
After the hearty meal we head back by car to the Hotel Posada Los Morales, where we have the rest of the day free to relax and explore the beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas.
Overnight at the Hotel Posada los Morales or similar (B, L,D)
.. Day 4 (from February to May): San Cristóbal de las Casas – Canyon “Rio La Venta” – Hacienda La Valdiviana
After savoring a delicious breakfast-buffet, we are transferred (approx. 1.5 hrs) to the “Valle de Cintalapa” until we reach the trailhead, the bridge “Las Flores”. Here our horses are already waiting for us and we start our 6-hr journey towards the magnificent “El Aguacero” waterfall.
During the ride we enjoy gallops along sandy river banks, entering the Canyon “Rio La Venta” with its majestic scenery. The canyon walls are abundantly covered with low-growing rainforest vegetation and they become higher and narrower as we pass through. Finally we reach the waterfall, where we have a delicious picnic lunch. Afterwards you have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear water of the 20-meter high waterfall - undoubtedly an unforgettable experience!
The Canyon “Rio La Venta” is one of the most important natural areas of the region, preserving vestiges of pre-Hispanic cultures that had trade routes from the center down to the south of Mexico. Along these routes there are numerous caves, which contain archaeological relics.
This is a place of incredible natural beauty, where we have the opportunity to observe numerous birds and flocks of parrots, feeding on the canyon walls before heading back to the bridge “Las Flores”. From there we will be transferred (approx. 40 min) to the ancient Hacienda “La Valdiviana”, which was founded in 1902. The charming hacienda provides a pool and also internet access, and it is the perfect place to rest your body after a day on horseback. Enjoy the hospitality and culinary skills of the owners, who will prepare a delicious dinner us.
Overnight at the Hacienda La Valdiviana (B, L,D)
.. Day 4 (from June to January): San Cristóbal de las Casas – “Sima de las Cotorras” - Hacienda La Valdiviana
After savoring a delicious breakfast-buffet, we are transferred (approx. 1.1 hrs.) to Ocozocoautla, until we reach the access road to the “Sima de las Cotorras”. Here horses are already waiting for us and we start our 5-hour journey of the day.
We enjoy gallops on dirt roads and ride through rural communities and cultivated agricultural landscape, getting to know the daily life of local farmers. We also bypass the rock “El Cerebro”, the so called “Brain”, which is a unique rock formation, consisting of eroded sandstone.
Finally we arrive at the famous “Sima de las Cotorras”, a gargantuan sinkhole (known as “sima”). Almost perfectly circular, the sinkhole is 160 meters across and a stomach-lurching 140 meters straight down – like a giant round hole cut into the limestone crust. At the bottom is a small forest, which seems like a lost rainforest due to its lushness in contrast to the dry surrounding environment. This place is a naturally protected summer nesting area for the sinkhole’s namesake residents: thousands of cotorras parrots, which translated means “chatterbox”. As the name indicates, the air is filled with the noises of several thousands of these restless parrots! Enjoy this natural spectacle and watch them flying gracefully in spirals out of the sinkhole to the surface. Nearly as impressive are a set of ancient cave paintings, such as painted handprints in red and black colors, as well as drawings of the moon and other figures of the cosmos.
After enjoying lunch in a restaurant nearby, we continue our ride for 1 hour until we are transferred to the ancient Hacienda “La Valdiviana”, which was founded in 1902. The charming hacienda provides a pool and also internet access, and it is the perfect place to rest your body after a day on horseback. Enjoy the hospitality and culinary skill of the owners, who will prepare a delicious dinner us.
Overnight at the Hacienda La Valdiviana (B, L,D)
Day 5: Hacienda La Valdiviana – Tolan dam - Hacienda La Valdiviana
We start the day with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits and local dishes before starting our 5-hr ride to the Tolan dam.
We enjoy long trots and gallops on smooth, sandy and flat roads and marvel at the valley and surrounding mountains. During the ride we will pass several hacienda ruins, and we will have the chance to observe different species of birds, such as bearded vultures, magpies and many more until we reach the agricultural community of Villa Morelos. Here we take a break and we will be invited by a local family to join them for lunch. We will have the opportunity to test our ability to prepare our own hand made tortillas and to try “taberna”, a traditional alcoholic beverage of Southern Mexico, which is made of palm trees and known for its invigorating properties. After the lunch break we continue our journey to the village of Rosendo Salazar, where the Tolan dam is located. Enjoy this peaceful place with its beautiful view of the mountain range “Sierra Madre de Chiapas”! Here you have the opportunity to go fishing, take a boat trip or enjoy swimming in the lake with the horses. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to the Hacienda La Valdiviana (approx. 30 min), where we will have dinner and spend the rest of the evening. Overnight at the Hacienda La Valdiviana (B, L,D)
Day 6: Hacienda La Valdiviana – Reserve “La Sepultura” – Puerto Arista
Breakfast will be prepared by our hosts, the Esponda family, whose flavors will certainly spoil your palate! Afterwards you will be transferred back to the Tolan dam, where our horses are waiting for us and ready to head towards the community of Colosio. During the 35-km ride to Colosio, which is located in the coastal plain of Chiapas, we will pass the biosphere reserve “La Sepultura”, undoubtedly a place of stunning natural beauty! We will also visit the remains of an old textile factory from the 1920s, which became important in the textile industry of Central America. Afterwards we climb up a dirt road, always surrounded by beautiful pine forests, until we reach the “Corzo Valley”, where we take a break. Strengthened by lunch, we leave the dirt roads behind and continue on mountain trails through the “Sierra Madre de Chiapas”. We will stop at the summit, where the breathtaking view of the mountains will be more than a reward for the effort of the climb. Depending on the weather conditions, you may even see the Pacific Ocean on the horizon!
Take a last look from the summit before we start our technical descent. The trails here are smaller and the slopes are steeper, so we have to dismount the horses and lead them through difficult terrain several times. The vista is stunning and you will have the chance to see different kinds of birds and animals that live in the surrounding highlands and low-growing forests. On the way we also pass by several sites of interest such as the “Jaguar stone” and waterfalls. We will cross a river and ride through a low-growing forest, on a path that was once used as the royal road to Chiapas.
We will take a lunch break en route and after arriving at the village of Colosio, we will visit a typical “cantina” in order to quench our thirst and try some tasty local snacks such as “Piguas”, which are prawns of the area. Later that day we will be driven (approx. 1h) to the seaside village of Puerto Arista. After checking into the Hotel Murano, which is located across from the beach, we have time for a first beach ride during sunset.
Overnight at Hotel Murano in Puerto Arista (B, L,D)
Day 7: Puerto Arista - Madresal Ecological Center
This mooring we
start with a 3-4 hour ride along soft and sandy beaches, enjoying long
canters and wonderful riding for 15 kilometers! We also have the
opportunity to swim with our horses in the ocean and enjoy the freedom
of the horses and the nice sea breeze – one of the best experiences for
true horse lovers!
Later we will have a delicious seafood lunch, before transferring to
“Madresal Ecological Center”, which is about 1 hour drive away from
Puerto Arista. In order to reach Madresal, we have to cross the estuary
by boat, giving us the opportunity to see the mangroves. Madresal is
undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Chiapas. A lost
paradise in the Mexican Pacific, it is a wonderful place surrounded by
nature and full of kind respectful people. It is overseen by the
community of Ponte Duro, which has built a restaurant and comfortable
“palapas” (open-sided dwellings with thatched roofs made of dried palm
leaves) where we sleep in a clean bed or in a hammock. Upon arrival, we have some time to relax on the beach, go for a swim,
meet local fishermen and learn about the local fishing traditions,
before we meet again for a delicious fresh fish dinner at the beach
restaurant.
During "Turtle Season" you can participate in the release of the
“Tortugas golfinas”, the most numerous species that spawns on the coasts
of Chiapas. Participating in the release of the baby turtles is a very emotional
experience. The ceremony is performed at night, facing the beach where
the baby turtles are freed and wished luck at sea. Only a small
percentage (less than 10%) will reach adulthood and return to the beach
where they hatched, in order to spawn (SEASON)
Overnight at Madresal Ecological Center (B, L,D)
Day 8: Madresal Ecological Center - Tuxtla
Today we get up early and after a quick breakfast we take a 2+ hr canoe tour to observe birds and crocodiles through the mangrove forest with wonderful opportunities to photograph wildlife. When we return, we have some time to relax on the beach. After a late lunch we transfer back to Tuxtla by later afternoon. We check into a local hotel and meet for a farewell dinner and if you like a dance at a local bar. (B,L)
Day 9:Tuxtla - Tuxtla Gutierrez airport
If you are booked on the direct flight to Houston on Continental (8:20 am), we will transfer you early morning (6 am) to the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport, where the adventure across Chiapas ends. If you are booked on a later flight, you can take your time, have breakfast at the hotel and depart on your own for your flight departure (shuttle is about $22 per car). (B)
Meeting:
Chiapa de Corzo
Airport:
Tuxtla
Transfer:
Chiapa de Corzo
There are good flight connections to Tuxtla via Mexico City, but there are also direct flights from Houston, TX.
United Airlines flies direct from Houston to Tuxtla on Wednesdays and from Tuxtla to Houston on Thursdays - working perfect with our trip dates.
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Tack:
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English Endurance, some Western and Charro
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Horses:
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Arab, Quarter and Thoroughbred mix
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Pace:
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Riding at all paces according to riding terrain. Some extended canters and some steep mountain riding.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Getting into the gaps and lanes of
Chiapas, leads us to know the culture and history, with a background of
natural landscapes of incomparable beauty. We enjoy native foods and
exotic flavors. Know and live with people closer to their daily lives,
to know customs and traditions.
Our Mexican partners are true horsemen. They raise their own horses, treat them with love and respect, train them to be resilient, working to overcome natural obstacles like rivers and slopes. This training provides us with sociable horses, used to perform in the outdoors. The ride will be on dirt roads and trails through the natural landscapes of Chiapas - through evergreen forests, tropical forests, across beaches and an exploration of the mangroves on the Pacific with its rich wildlife.
Our mission is to promote equestrian tourism within a framework of respect, providing quality services, with safety as the most important factor for our riders.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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/o. more
The climate in Chiapas varies a lot with the elevation of the location.
In the highlands temperatures are fairly constant year round, with variation depending on elevation. The north is dry with little rainfall, but the southern part of the state is more humid. On the coast temperatures are usually 10 to 15% higher than in the highlands ... so you will experience many different weather patterns.
The average temperature is 20°c (68°f), but temperatures may reach as high as 40°c (104°f) on the coast and as low as 0°c (32°f) in the highlands.
- 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 bandanna 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.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations will be in nice 3 star hotels, a private hacienda, cabins and a rustic and unique beach resort on a private island on the coast.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English Endurance, some Western and Charro
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|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Quarter and Thoroughbred mix
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Riding at all paces according to riding terrain. Some extended canters and some steep mountain riding.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Getting into the gaps and lanes of
Chiapas, leads us to know the culture and history, with a background of
natural landscapes of incomparable beauty. We enjoy native foods and
exotic flavors. Know and live with people closer to their daily lives,
to know customs and traditions.
Our Mexican partners are true horsemen. They raise their own horses, treat them with love and respect, train them to be resilient, working to overcome natural obstacles like rivers and slopes. This training provides us with sociable horses, used to perform in the outdoors. The ride will be on dirt roads and trails through the natural landscapes of Chiapas - through evergreen forests, tropical forests, across beaches and an exploration of the mangroves on the Pacific with its rich wildlife.
Our mission is to promote equestrian tourism within a framework of respect, providing quality services, with safety as the most important factor for our riders.
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
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Mountains, Canyons & Coast Explorer of Chiapas
Tour Code:
IT-MXCHIAP
9 days /
8 nights
~$1,750.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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