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Colonial Villages and Haciendas Trail
Central Mexico
Mexico
Enjoy a unique horseback trip that takes you through the heart of Mexico’s colonial heritage, while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the central highlands.
Our journey begins in Guanajuato, a city of history where the cry of rebellion against the Spanish was raised and the struggle for Mexico’s Independence began. Along with its picturesque setting and unusual beauty, Guanajuato is full of historical buildings and magnificent architecture, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. This colonial gem is the perfect starting point for discovering unique haciendas and beautiful colonial villages of the central highlands.
In the following days the ride leads us through ancient routes, as we pass by mountains, forests, areas of great biodiversity as well as agricultural landscape - always accompanied by gentle birdsong and the sounds of our loyal horses. Our ride also leads us to the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo, which is recognized as the ‘Cradle of National Independence,’ and to the ‘Sanctuary of Atotonilco’, a majestic church complex from the 18th century that was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. We spend the last two nights of our journey in the picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende, where you can dive into a vibrant and lively community of artists and musicians.
Overnights are at colonial haciendas and boutique hotels, ranging from authentic and comfortable haciendas to a luxurious country retreat, where we can rest our body and soul from a day on horseback. Enjoy the delicious Mexican cuisine full of fresh and local ingredients that will excite your senses.
This unique riding trip combines the Mexican culture and traditions, beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine and stunning landscape – an experience you will never forget!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Guanajuato
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Airport:
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Guanajuato International Airport (BJX)
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Transfer:
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Leon
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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 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals including luxurious picnics, 6 riding days with English speaking guide
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip Guanajuato to San Miguel, AP | 8d / 7n | $1865 |
| Single supplement | $550 |
| Non Rider Discount | ($750) |
| Small group supplement (2-3 riders only) +20% | $0 |
Group Leader: 20% OFF with group of 5-6. 30% OFF for groups of 7+
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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03/19
- 03/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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04/22
- 04/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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06/10
- 06/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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07/08
- 07/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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08/05
- 08/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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09/13
- 09/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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10/07
- 10/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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11/11
- 11/18
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip Guanajuato to San...
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4
/10
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Reserve
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For groups of 6 we can arrange additional departure dates.
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Rates do not include:
Spa services. Laundry. Gratuities. Beverages with dinners
Day 1: Arrival Day – Guanajuato
Riders arrive at the airport of Leon - ‘Del Bajío International (BJX)’ or bus station, from where you will be picked up and transferred to a hotel located in the heart of the historic city center of Guanajuato.
Guanajuato is a charming city nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato and is considered the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico, with beautiful buildings that contain the elements of the two main cultures that created them, Native and Hispanic. During the private transfer to your hotel, you will have the chance to glimpse this picturesque town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Because of the extremely hilly terrain, only one main road enters the city and another ones leaves. The main street into the city, called Belaunzarán, now runs for three km in underground tunnels, and follows the original course of the Guanajuato River.
After checking into the hotel, we meet the rest of the group and enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail on the terrace right in the middle of the historic town center. During the reception you will get to know the riders as well as your host and the staff of the upcoming trip. Here you have the opportunity to discuss the tour program with your guide. The late afternoon is free to explore the town center. The streets and alleys of the city are filled with mostly colonial era buildings, restaurants, bars, cafes with terraces and small plazas. Buildings have been constructed of sandstone in pink and green, adobe and other stone, filling the streets with shades of pink, green, ochre and red. The most famous alley is the Callejón del Beso. Located on the slopes of the Cerro del Gallo hill in a neighborhood that dates back to the 18th century, it is only 168 cm wide in places with balconies that nearly touch each other. Folklore states that couples that kiss on the third step (painted in red) are guaranteed seven years of happiness together. Pay one of the locals a few dollars to tell you the romantic story of Doña Carmen and Don Luis … while you kiss on the steps. In the evening we gather together to enjoy the welcome dinner at a nice restaurant in the ‘Jardín de la Unión’ – a small park in the city center where every night regional music groups, such as Mariachi or traditional bands, delight walkers with the traditional music of Mexico.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Santa Fe or similar.
Meals included: Dinner.
Day 2: Guanajuato – Santa Rosa
After a nice breakfast, we have a short transfer to the horse and start our riding tour towards the town of Santa Rosa, located in the heart of the central highlands. At an altitude of 2850 meters, this beautiful trail leads us through an ‘ancient highway’. 500 years ago, during the Spanish colonial era, this trail was used to transport gold and silver. On our way we pass by old gold and silver mines as well as the beautiful rural communities of Peñafiel, Monte San Nicolás and Peregrina. Along the way we will see the ‘Cristo Rey del Cubilete’, a sculpture that stands 75 feet tall on the top of Cubilete Mountain portraying Christ with his arms extended. The monument is considered the geographic center of Mexico and it will be our witness and patron throughout the day. In the afternoon we leave the horses behind and drive back in a comfortable SUV to our hotel in Guanajuato, where we have time to settle in and relax. Later, against the backdrop of the majestic dining room with its ancient Spanish armor and impressive chandeliers, we enjoy a typical Mexican dinner with its rich variety of flavors, colors, smells and textures. After dinner there is still time to explore again the town and it many entertainments throughout.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Santa Fe or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 27 kilometers.
Terrain: mountainous.
Day 3: Santa Rosa – Hacienda las Trancas
After breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred back to the trail where our horses are waiting for us. We continue our journey through the central highlands, an area of great biodiversity. We pass majestic mountains; ride through oak, pine and arbutus forests, always accompanied by gentle birdsong until we reach our next destination, the ‘Hacienda de San Joaquín de las Trancas’.
The history of ‘Hacienda las Trancas’, which was founded in 1709, reads like a romantic mystery novel. The more we learn, the more we are intrigued. It is filled with stories of passion, revenge, hidden treasure, secret tunnels, murder, love and betrayal. It has housed the likes of Father Miguel Hidalgo, who hid his weapons here with the consent of Count Canal before the Spanish Revolution. A century later, when Pancho Villa decided to camp out here during the unexpected war in Dolores Hidalgo, the then-owners decided to accommodate him instead of fighting him. The doors were opened wide and the hacienda was spared. Thanks to this the farm was saved and preserved intact to this day.
In the we enjoy a delicious dinner with fresh and local natural ingredients that highlight the local cuisine and excite our senses. From the dining area we can see the gardens lit up by fireflies and smell the fresh scent of flowers.
Accommodation: Hacienda Las Trancas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 35 kilometers.
Terrain: mountainous.
Day 4: Hacienda Las Trancas – Dolores Hidalgo – Hacienda el Gallinero
In the morning we enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Doña Yolanda. It is served on her beautiful terrace surrounded by pink stone arches, which allow us to enjoy the harmony of this magical place.
After breakfast we continue our journey on horseback in the direction of the city of Dolores Hidalgo, which is recognized by decree of the local and federal government as the Cradle of National Independence. Once, the city was a small town known simply as Dolores when Father Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous cry for the independence of Mexico here on September 16, 1810, in front of his parish church. The so called ‘Grito de Dolores’ was the initial call to take up arms against the colonial regime and the Spanish crown. After Mexico achieved independence, the town was renamed Dolores Hidalgo in his honor.
During a brief tour of the historic city center, we visit some of the most emblematic buildings of the war of Mexican Independence.
After the city tour, we continue the ride to our next destination, the beautiful and unique Hacienda “El Gallinero”. Built in the 17th century, this authentic hacienda is located on a private 45 acre Nature Reserve, where you have the opportunity to watch wildlife or just stroll under the 300 year old trees. “El Gallinero” is a place of adventure and relaxation - tranquil beauty and modern comfort.
We enjoy dinner in the majestic dining-hall of the Hacienda. If you are interested our hosts will show us some antique 300 year old maps of the colonial era with the ancient routes we are riding on during this trip.
Accommodation: Hacienda El Gallinero.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 23 kilometers.
Terrain: flat.
Day 5: Hacienda El Gallinero – Atotonilco
After a tasty breakfast at the hacienda, accompanied by a delicious Mexican gourmet coffee, we continue our adventure towards the town of Atotonilco. Our way leads us through the valley of the cactus and passing by the historic ‘Hacienda de la Erre’, which played a fundamental role during Mexico’s war of Independence.
We enjoy a picnic-lunch in a picturesque village on the outskirts of the old chapel of the community of Barrón. Then we continue towards the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a church complex built in the 18th century. You will have time to marvel at the church with its imposing walls, a living shrine, which remain in use today. This invaluable architectural treasure is known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and consists of the nave, sacristy and more than 6 adjoining chapels and several dressing rooms, spaces illustrated with murals and easel paintings, altars and sculptures. This majestic sanctuary was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.
In the evening we will check into Hotel Nirvana, a luxurious country retreat on the banks of the Rio Laja, nestled among century old mesquite, acacias and cacti. The architecture is in perfect oneness with nature: adobe, palm, stone, earth and water. Its services are targeted to ensure the holistic well-being of body and mind. The Spa facilities, pool and yoga classes provide a perfect place to rest body and soul after a day on horseback.
Our host and chef, Juan Carlos (a graduate chef from ‘The Culinary Institute of America’) ensures that you will have a wonderful, relaxing and unforgettable stay at the Hotel Nirvana.
Accommodation: Hotel Nirvana.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 32 kilometers.
Terrain: flat.
Day 6: Atotonilco – San Miguel de Allende
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we head towards the city of San Miguel de Allende.
We ride on ancient roads that have been used for more than 200 years during Mexico’s war of Independence and the Mexican revolution. We pass through a typical Mexican landscape, where agave (which is used for the production of Tequila) and corn are cultivated. We also pass through less typical countryside, featuring a unique combination of semi-desert and wetlands.
There is no doubt that today’s journey is filled with impressions of rural life. Enjoy the beautiful tranquility and peacefulness with every step of our horses until we arrive at our destination, the small town of San Miguel de Allende!
Its Baroque/Neoclassical colonial structures were "discovered" by foreign artists who moved in during the 50s and began art and cultural institutes such as the Instituto Allende and the Escuela de Bellas Artes. This gave the town a reputation, attracting artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros. The main attraction of the town is its well-preserved historic center, filled with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries – this is where our hotel for the next two nights is located. The historic center and the nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco were declared World Heritage Sites in 2008. San Miguel is one of the most intriguing and romatic places in Mexico.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada San Francisco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 28 kilometers.
Terrain: flat with some hilly parts.
Day 7: San Miguel de Allende
This is a day to enjoy horseback riding around this magical place and visiting some of the most representative sites of the area. The riders will have the opportunity to explore this historic city founded in 1542, which has become an attractive destination for tourists from Mexico and abroad.
We will be accommodated in the same central hotel as yesterday, so no need to pack today - just relax and enjoy. Almost 90% of San Miguel's attractions are within walking distance. The streets are cobbled and narrow - some were nothing but goat tracks before they were paved - and many have fallen into disrepair. Curbs are often a high step away from the road. It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes. San Miguel has plenty to see. You could spend a whole day just exploring the buildings, walking randomly along its streets and exploring some of the facades and architecture that have made San Miguel famous. Painters and cameramen have captured sites like La Parroquia and El Mirador countless times, and whole books have captured the beauty of the doorways along the street. Even Hollywood has taken notice of San Miguel, filming movies like "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" and "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself" almost entirely here.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada San Francisco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: 16 kilometers.
Terrain: flat.
Day 8: Departure Day - Guanajuato
You will be transferred back to the airport or bus station in Guanajuato before 12:00 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Guanajuato
Airport:
Guanajuato International Airport (BJX)
Train station:
Guanajuato bus station
Transfer:
Leon
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Tack:
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Charra, Western. English on request
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Horses:
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American Quarter, Appendix and Mexican Criollo
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Pace:
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All paces with trots and canters. 6 to 8 hrs a day. Approx 100 miles. Suitable for riders with a firm seat, that is confident and in control at all paces. 65% Easy- 30% intermediate - 5% complex
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
240lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Required level for riders:
Intermediate - A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
Difficulty of terrain:
65% Easy- 30% intermediate – 5% complex
Physical effort required:
85% Easy- 15% Moderate
On the trail:
6 days (journeys from 6-8 hours a day)
Distance to cover on the trail:
150 km. approx.
Tack:
Western & Charras (Mexican). Some English saddles are available on request
Horses:
Quarter horses, Appendix & Mexican Criollo
Pace:
Moderate riding pace according to terrain with several trots and canters
Included:
Private transfers as show on program
Specialized guides & staff
Support vehicle for luggage and non riders
Meals as indicated in program
7 night’s accommodations, at hotels described or similar, in double occupancy.
Saddlebags for personal equipment, like camera and for lunch
Luxuriously picnics: Red and white wine & Tequila, only during the picnics
Not included:
Spa services, telephone calls and internet, laundry service, gratuities, alcoholic beverages other than during lunch
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
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.
For
riding we recommend jodhpurs or jeans and short boots with half chaps. 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 for about US$ 25.- to US$ 35.- depending on the size.
We do
not provide riding helmets, if you want to use one (recommended) you will have to
bring it along. In any case we recommend a hat shielding against the sun.
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.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
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riding pants/ jodhpurs:
Light weight, stretchy pants that are cool but protect from rubs work best. |
| Short riding boots/ narrow hiking boots and half chaps (boots should be comfortable for walking) |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| A hat with brim for sun protection |
| Long sleeves in your shirt or blouse |
| A light jacket |
| A bandana is very useful against the dust |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Another thick jacket or a sweater |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Bathing suit (optional) |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Adapter for electric appliances if you come from Europe |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun Block |
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
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Charra, Western. English on request
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Horses:
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American Quarter, Appendix and Mexican Criollo
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Pace:
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All paces with trots and canters. 6 to 8 hrs a day. Approx 100 miles. Suitable for riders with a firm seat, that is confident and in control at all paces. 65% Easy- 30% intermediate - 5% complex
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Weight:
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Max
240lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Required level for riders:
Intermediate - A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
Difficulty of terrain:
65% Easy- 30% intermediate – 5% complex
Physical effort required:
85% Easy- 15% Moderate
On the trail:
6 days (journeys from 6-8 hours a day)
Distance to cover on the trail:
150 km. approx.
Tack:
Western & Charras (Mexican). Some English saddles are available on request
Horses:
Quarter horses, Appendix & Mexican Criollo
Pace:
Moderate riding pace according to terrain with several trots and canters
Included:
Private transfers as show on program
Specialized guides & staff
Support vehicle for luggage and non riders
Meals as indicated in program
7 night’s accommodations, at hotels described or similar, in double occupancy.
Saddlebags for personal equipment, like camera and for lunch
Luxuriously picnics: Red and white wine & Tequila, only during the picnics
Not included:
Spa services, telephone calls and internet, laundry service, gratuities, alcoholic beverages other than during lunch
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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Colonial Villages and Haciendas Trail
Tour Code:
IT-MXIR05
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,865.00
Dates :
Jan to June, Nov-Dec
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Charra, Western. English on request
Horses:
American Quarter, Appendix and Mexican...
Pace:
All paces with trots and canters. 6 to...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Guanajuato International Airport (BJX)
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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