Central Highlands Explorer

Introduction
Central Mexico Mexico
Discover the beautiful region of the Central Highlands of Mexico from the saddle!

This program includes full day rides to off the beaten paths destinations in the Central Highlands. Learn about the way of life of local people while riding through beautiful landscapes, far away from the crowds!

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a mostly stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night, except for 2 nights spent at a different location.

Description
Most nights are spent in a traditional rancho/hacienda. The property has been in the hands of the same family for the past 140 years. It offers a nice view over the surrounding landscape.
The rooms are simple but comfortable and all feature a private bathroom with hair dryer. there is no Wi-Fi available at the ranch. 

During this tour, you will also spend 2 nights in a small hotel close to the city of Nopala. The rooms all come equipped with a private bathroom and a TV. There is also a small outdoor pool (not heated) where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement does not apply if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex, unless we are unable to find you a room companion.



Meals
All meals are included in your package from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

Dietary Restrictions
We know that most people do not eat as much chili as we do in Mexico, so do not worry, we will adapt to your taste.
If you are allergic to any food or have dietary restrictions, let us know and we will do our best to cater to you.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
We believe that the best way a horse could live is in great open spaces and that is why when they are not at work, they can live as a herd in different fields around the ranch.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that riding activities offered depend on weather conditions as well as the water level of the dam and the river.

Day 1: Arrival
We will be waiting for you at the airport, so as soon as you arrive we will drive you to the rancho. Once you arrive, our staff will welcome you with a drink and take care of your luggage, while we give you a tour of the place.
Depending on the time of your arrival we will take you to meet the horses and you can start riding them or if you prefer, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room or the common area.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 2: Ride to Nopala
After breakfast at the ranch, we go for our first full riding day. We ride across the extinct volcanic landscape of the region, with cliffs, hills and mountains. Our destination for the day is the city of Nopala. This small town features a colonial architecture, including a lovely central plaza, bordered by portals with pink quarry arches. Each Monday, there is a small market where you can get plenty of souvenirs. 
Tonight, we sleep in a small hotel, just outside the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala

Day 3: Cerro de Nopala & Hacienda El Astillero Valley
We start the day with breakfast at Casa de La Abuela, a small traditional restaurant one block away from the city center, while the horses are being prepared. Today, we will ride up to Cerro de Nopala, on our way to the beautiful valley of Hacienda El Astillero and Cerro Coatepec. We will enjoy some snacks and refreshment beverages before riding back to the Hotel near Nopala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala

Day 4: Back to Rancho
This morning, we start our ride back to the Rancho, exploring a different route. 
On the way, we will stop to visit a blown glass craft workshop in the town of Maravillas. We will also ride across a hill covered with small oak trees. Finally, we follow a Porfirian railroad track that brings us back to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 5: La Joya Mountain Ride
Today's ride brings us to the top of La Joya mountain, with great views over surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains. At the top, we take a lunch break. Our ride back to the rancho leads us through forests and scarped cliffs.
Just before reaching the rancho, we will cross some open plains with endless trails to canter and gallop.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 6: Cerrito Pelón
We will ride for about 4 hours as you must be tired from the previous day. We first ride across a huge plain and go up and down a small cerrito, before arriving to San Sebastian de Juarez.
On the way back, we ride under a cliff up to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 7: Maravillas Ride
We ride near some cliffs on the way to Rancho San Isidro, before heading to the small town of San Bartolo and Rancho Nuevo´s dam. Today's destination is the town of Maravillas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 8: Departure
If you have an early flight to catch – we will serve you breakfast before it’s time to go and one of our drivers will drive you to the airport upon request.
In case your flight leaves at night, you will have time to do one last trail near the Rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Central Highlands Explorer

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Mexico City
Airport: Mexico City or Queretaro
Transfer: Mexico City or Queretaro

Climate:
                                                    Tula area