|
|
|
|
|
La Sierra Relaxed Cavalcade
Sierra Occidental
Mexico
The Relaxed Ride is a horseback riding vacation that has been designed for horse lovers who may be not so fit riders, or for good riders that do not want to stay so many hours on the saddle.
This is a program that combines outdoors trail rides in the morning with free afternoons. This way riders can perform and improve their riding skills at the same time they get fit to make longer rides.
This program gives riders several free hours every day so they can relax and enjoy the facilities in Finca Enyhe, including the outdoor heated swimming pool with Jacuzzi, the billiards table, and the small gym. They can also take advantage of this free time and practice one of the multiple activities that are available in town such as: golf, tennis, water skiing, sailing, delta flying, mountain bikes, trekking, bird watching, etc. Cultural activities are also available in town. The local museum always has modern painting exhibitions and several places offer lessons for dancing, music, painting and languages.
Beginning October 2011:
The "Relaxed Ride" is offered most weeks from mid October until the end of June - from Sunday to Sunday.
Riders booked in the "Relaxed Ride" during the same week planned for a "Classic Cavalcade" will be able to share several activities with riders booked in this other program during that same week.
Some weeks are set aside to also include cooking classes - typical and original Mexican recipes.
Riding Summary
SUNDAY:
Arrival, register and set up in bedrooms.
Lunch served in the terraces of Finca Enyhe.
Relax and enjoy the facilities in Finca Enyhe.
MONDAY TO SATURDAY:
Monday: Get to know mount and tack inside the arena.
Monday to Saturday:
Outdoors riding in the mornings (3 hours).
Lunch served in the terraces of Finca Enyhe.
Afternoons on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Enjoy the facilities in Finca Enyhe.
Discover the town of Valle de Bravo.
Optional two hours rides.
Afternoon on Tuesday: Trip by car to visit the Monarch Butterflies.
Afternoon on Thursday: Boat trip around the lake.
Saturday: Farewell dinner in town restaurant.
SUNDAY:
Transfer by car back to Mexico City.
... trips before October end on Saturday morning
|
Riding and Cooking Classes Center-based ride
|
|
Meeting:
|
Hotel lobby
|
|
Airport:
|
Mexico City
|
|
Transfer:
|
Transfer from either Hotel Marriott Reforma in Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriot in Toluca
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
Video
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
6 nights accommodations, gourmet meals daily with limited selection of wine and beer, 5 riding days (2 to 4 hours of riding per day), transfer from the designated hotel in Mexico City or Toluca
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP - 6 riding days + the monarch butterflies | 8d / 7n | $2100 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $375 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP - 6 riding days | 8d / 7n | $1900 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $375 |
| D | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP - 6 riding days + cooking fiesta | 8d / 7n | $2250 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $375 |
Group Leader stays FREE with group of 6+
Rates Note:
If you are traveling alone, we will waive the single supplement if you are willing to be paired up with another single rider.
Transfer Option:
|
2012
|
Transfer from Mexico City Hotel or Toluca in the morning of Day 1 included. Return transfer arrives in Mexico City at approx 12 noon.
|
TWO TRANSFER OPTIONS
As of Oct 2011, you can transfer from either the Marriott hotel in Mexico City (10:30 am - lobby) or the Marriott hotel in Toluca (11:30 am - lobby).
Return transfer arrives back to Mexico City at approx. 10:30 am to the Marriott. A taxi to the airport is ~$25.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2012
|
03/18
- 03/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
03/25
- 04/01
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| D |
2012
|
04/01
- 04/08
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
04/08
- 04/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
04/15
- 04/22
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
04/22
- 04/29
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
04/29
- 05/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
05/06
- 05/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
05/13
- 05/20
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2012
|
05/20
- 05/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| D |
2012
|
05/27
- 06/03
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2012
|
06/03
- 06/10
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2012
|
06/10
- 06/17
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2012
|
06/17
- 06/24
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/14
- 10/21
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
10/21
- 10/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| D |
2012
|
10/28
- 11/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
11/04
- 11/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
11/11
- 11/18
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
11/18
- 11/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
11/25
- 12/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
12/02
- 12/09
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
12/09
- 12/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
12/16
- 12/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
12/23
- 12/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| A |
2012
|
12/30
- 01/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP - 6 riding da...
|
2
/8
|
Sold Out
|
|
All "D" departure dates include cooking classes!
|
Rates do not include:
Farwell dinner in restaurant in Valle de Bravo, laundry services, gratuities, massage sessions
Pre-trip: Riders should arrive in Mexico City or Toluca to be ready for pick up on Sunday morning at 10:30 am (11:30 am in Toluca).
Sunday: Riders will be picked up at the lobby of any of the two hotels suggested according to the schedules detailed for each hotel. The transfer by car to Valle de Bravo will take approximately two and a half hours. Register and get set in one of the magnificent bedrooms in Finca Enyhe. Afterwards a short briefing about what will happen during the week is programmed. You will have lunch and a free afternoon to relax and enjoy "Finca Enyhe".
Monday: A delicious Mexican breakfast will be served early in the morning. Riders will get to know their mount and try the tack inside the arena. Once all riders are ready enjoy a beautiful two hours ride. The route goes through forests and agricultural valleys. After the ride, lunch will be served in the terraces of the finca. In the afternoon you can relax and enjoy the facilities inside the property. If you prefer, have a two hour evening ride. For guests that like other kind of experiences they can try one of the multiple activities offered in town. During dinner guests will be able to enjoy the excellent Mexican and international cuisine and accompany it with red or white wines.
Tuesday: Today you will ride in one of the most beautiful and biggest ranch properties in the area, "Rancho Santa Rosa". You will have the opportunity to see the numerous horse paddocks full of foals and pregnant mares and if you get lucky watch the training of jumping horses. Riders come back to Finca Enyhe just in time to have another delicious lunch served in one of the terraces of the property. From November to March a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is scheduled as an afternoon activity. Riders will be taken by car to the place where the authorized guides will take them on their local horses to see the amazing views of millions of butterflies laying on the fir trees.
Wednesday: By now everybody will be fit and confident on his or her mount for another three hours ride through pine and oak forests, peaceful meadows, and clear water streams; all covered by an unforgettable variety of colorful flowers. Riders come back on time to have another delicious lunch in Finca Enyhe. You will be able to make a two hours evening ride or if you prefer, explore the colonial town of Valle de Bravo, relax next to the swimming pool with a margarita in hand and why not, have an invigorating and restoring massage in the privacy of your bedroom!
Thursday: After breakfast the horses will be waiting for the riders to take them to another enjoyable ride. As always lunch will be at the finca . In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing boat trip around the lak, from the boat you will have the opportunity to see "La Peña" a historic rock where the Aztecs came to make human sacrifices.
Friday: Today’s ride includes spectacular views of the main lake and town. Lunch will be served on the terraces of the finca. If you are adventurous enough why not try a tandem flight !
Saturday: After breakfast the horses will be waiting again for the riders to take them to another enjoyable ride. As always lunch will be in one of the terraces. In the afternoon enjoy resting or visit the shops in town. If you like to have dinner in town, we can
recommend an excellent local restaurant to you (not included) - or we
meet again for dinner at the finca.
Sunday: Breakfast will be served a little earlier,
at 7:00 AM. Transfer back to Mexico City is at 8:00 AM. Estimate time
of arrival is around 10:00 AM - drop off at the Hotel Marriott Reforma.
If you are departing today, please take taxi to the airport (~$25)
Meeting:
Hotel lobby
Airport:
Mexico City
Transfer:
Transfer from either Hotel Marriott Reforma in Mexico City or Hotel Courtyard Marriot in Toluca
Distance:
2 hrs
TWO TRANSFER OPTIONS
As of Oct 2011, you can transfer from either the Marriott hotel in Mexico City (10:30 am - lobby) or the Marriott hotel in Toluca (11:30 am - lobby).
Return transfer arrives back to Mexico City at approx. 10:30 am to the Marriott. A taxi to the airport is ~$25.
|
Tack:
|
|
Mexican Charro, English and Western, Trail saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Trakkhener, Appendix, Quarter, Thoroughbred, Criollos
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some trots and canters.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 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.
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
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.
*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

Accommodation is in Finca Enyhe, a "Five Star" hacienda style house in the outskirts of the beautiful colonial town of Valle de Bravo. Located five blocks away from the main square it has the benefits of both the town and the countryside. The house has a central "patio" with water fountain that invites to reflection and meditation. Four verandas with columns and arches surround the "patio" where multicolored hammocks are always waiting for the guests to lay down and enjoy this wonderful atmosphere.

A big and enchanting garden surrounds the house; it is very well kept and has a great variety of flowers, plants and trees. In one of the corners of the garden the swimming pool drops its water to a line of paradise bird flowers whilst on the other side a magnificent wisteria hangs on a pergola giving shade to a one piece log table with benches where delicious lunches are served.

Facilities:
- 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.

Having eaten and rested the riders get mounted again and continue riding for two or three more hours. Horses stay for the night out in the woods attended by the wranglers while the riders are taken back by car to the town of Valle de Bravo. Some riders may like to mingle around the town and afterwards calmly walk back to Finca Enyhe. Some others may prefer to enjoy a spectacular sunset while drinking a Margarita or Tequila by the side of the swimming pool. Everyday, at seven thirty, all riders have a delicious typical Mexican meal in the magnificent dinner room. During dinner a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes are served accompanied by red and white wine.

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
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Trakkhener, Appendix, Quarter, Thoroughbred, Criollos
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some trots and canters.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 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
| 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.
|
|
|
|
La Sierra Relaxed Cavalcade
Tour Code:
IT-MXIR02
7 days /
6 nights
~$0.00
Dates :
Oct to May
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :

Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Mexican Charro, English and Western, ...
Horses:
Trakkhener, Appendix, Quarter, Thoroug...
Pace:
Moderate with some trots and canters.
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Mexico City
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
|