In the Land of Tequila: Horseback Riding in Jalisco Haciendas Central Mexico Mexico Traditional Mexico in Jalisco. Historic haciendas in the land of Tequila, Charreria, and Charros. This tour is a fabled gateway to start your true Mexican experience in the Lagos de Moreno region (North East of Jalisco) which has been deemed as a Pueblo Mágico; a magic town because of its unique cultural, historical, and natural heritage. In this tour, you will ride across historic haciendas, and along sections of the old Camino Real de Tierra Adentro also known as the Silver Route ("The Royal Road of the Interior Land", a 2,560-kilometre-long trade route between Mexico City and San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, used from 1598 to 1882).  You will canter across sandy trails, hills, and mountains; through alfalfa and corn crops, and reach the spectacular Canyon of Alcazar with its peculiar rock formations. Interact with the local cowboys and participate in their working activities. Of course: all this comes with true Mexican hospitality. And if you want to extend your trip, we suggest a visit to nearby Lagos de Moreno, Guadalajara (Jalisco's capital city - only a 2-hour drive away), the Tequila region (3-hour drive) or even the resort town of Puerto Vallarta (7-hour drive). Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Lagos de Moreno Airport: Leon-Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) Transfer: Leon-Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Aguascalientes International Airport (AGU) Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Five and six night stays can be arranged

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Leon-Guanajuato International Airport or Aguascalientes International Airport anytime on any day of the week. Check-in for the hacienda is at 2:00pm on Day 1.

Please, note that the itineraries below are just an indication and changes can be made at the tour operator's discretion.
For instance, sequence of the haciendas may change from week to week.

Note: Non riders are welcome to join these itineraries and benefit from a discount. Inquire for more information.


Luxury Tour Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Guests will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda & SPA (50 min by car using highway 45 D toll road). At check-in, our guests will receive a welcome free-cocktail and a courtesy hand massage.
Members of the family (horse fanatics themselves!) and owners of the hacienda for more than three centuries, will give you a tour.
Later, you will go an introductory short ride to get to know the horses.
Welcome dinner to enjoy some food specialties from the Hacienda.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 2: Ride to La Puerta del Coche Ranch
Today, we will ride towards La Puerta del Coche Ranch, along the old Camino Real (Royal Road). We will have opportunities to canter in some parts of the trail. When we arrive at the La Puerta del Coche Ranch (after about 3 hours riding), we will have a nice welcome with Tequila and cold beer. Later, we will have a tour of the ranch.
A nice cowboy's lunch will be served. After lunch, we will ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda: a nice evening ride on well-maintained trails will offer us a good ride.
Arrive in Hacienda Sepulveda after a 3-hour ride, in time for a hot tub and relax time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 3: Ride to Hacienda San Cayetano
After having breakfast in the garden, we ride towards Hacienda San Cayetano. We will pass by a mesquite forest, where we can canter on the trails, and enjoy the nice landscapes formed by different species of Cactus, Nopales, and Pirules. Then, we will have a lot of fun while we ride ascending and descending the hills in The Canyon of the Alcazar. Also, we will see some cows and bulls. We should arrive at the hacienda after riding for about 4 hours.
Pita and Juan Alcazar, the Hacienda owners, will welcome us with a courtesy drink; a cold beer or Tequila, and snacks. Pita will cook us a delicious lunch. While sipping a good Mexican wine or Tequila, Pita will show us about the Equinotherapy, which she has been doing for the last 20 years. It is interesting to know more about the theory and allows anyone to learn. Juan will also show us how he trains his registered quarter horses and gives us an explanation of the Mexican rein. At this ranch, they have 30 horses at least.
Then ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda (about 2 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 4: Ride to Sabindas Ranch
Today, we will transfer by car to Sabindas Ranch. We will ride around the ranch; across nice landscapes of mesquite and cactus. We will go down the hill and follow the cattle path; see the reservoir at the Sabindas dam and ride by the water. In the rainy season, sometimes, we will have to swim with the horses to get across. We continue riding along the reservoir and will stop at the top, to rest for a while, and water the horses. After about 4 hours of riding, we will get back to the ranch and have a superb lunch. If Ernesto is in town, he will give us the best of the Mexican BBQ experience! The specialties here are Lechon (pork) and grilled Fish. After lunch, transfer back to Hacienda Sepulveda.
Today, we will have a special dinner in The Corral de los Magueyes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 5: Ride to The Equestrian Centre “ La Herencia”
Ride 2.5 hrs from Sepulveda towards The Equestrian Centre named “La Herencia”. Eugenio Macias, a very well know horse trainer and horse whisper in this area will show us how it is done. We will be able to ride in the arena, do some team penning, and learn how to rope. You will also have the opportunity to do some jumping practice if you want.
We will have a Ranchero meal (Cowboy lunch), with a nice cold beer. After lunch, we will take you by car to the town of Lagos de Moreno, a beautiful colonial town- deemed as Pueblo Mágico. You will get a city tour to visit colonial buildings, churches, theatres, museums, restaurants, and more.
Dinner at some restaurant in Lagos de Moreno, and transfer by car to Hacienda Sepulveda.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 6: Ride to Hacienda San Cayetano
We saddle the horses and ride about 4 hours towards Hacienda San Cayetano. We will pass by mesquite forest where we can canter on the trails and enjoy a nice landscape formed by different species of Cactus, Nopales, and Pirules. We will also pass by el Potrero de la Angostura, where during the rainy season there is a nice waterfall. 
We then continue riding and enter the potrero where the mares are. In this part of the ranch there are lots of Palma del Desierto (Desert Palms). If you are lucky the ranch might be doing some cattle work when we get there.
For Lunch, you will taste a dish called Discada. This is a vaqueros meal, made on an iron disc over wood fire. It is a delicious dish made of beef, pork, chicken, bacon, onions, pepper, pineapple and many more delicious things.
After lunch, we make our way back to Hacienda Sepulveda, riding for about 1.5 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 7: Ride to Hacienda San Cirilo
This morning, we will ride for about 2.5 hours along the Lagos river, where we can canter. On the way, we will visit Hacienda Sanfandila surrounded by corn and alfalfa fields.
Hacienda San Cirilo belongs to Jorge Serrano alias Pancho and Lena his swiss wife. This couple are horse lovers and will give us a demonstration of Natural Horsemanship, as well as some recommendations to improve our way of riding. They will also prepare a special lunch for us.
They will show us their workshop where they do handmade Chaps, Belts, covers and saddles.
Then, ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda (approx. 2.5 hrs.).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 8: Ride to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
Today, we go for a 3-hour ride to a beautiful and authentic hacienda: Hacienda Tlalixcoyan. The first part of our trail, we pass through open fields where they grow alfalfa (main ingredient of a typical Mexican drink called agua de alfalfa, also a premium cattle pasture) and then we start following the ancient Camino Real with its beautiful little bridges.
After 1.5 hours, we start following the Lagos River. Riding along this river, we have plenty of shade and plenty of opportunities to do some cantering! On our way to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan, we also pass the deserted hacienda of “Cieneguilla” where sometimes cows stand grazing in the living room- a beautiful sight for pictures! Before arriving at the Hacienda, Pablo Gomez-Portugal, the owner, is already waiting for us on his horse with a bottle of tequila! As we drink our tequila shots on horseback, we get closer to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan, where a superb Mexican meal awaits us, and all homemade by the lady of the house: Horalia. The homemade flan is the best you can find in Mexico! After lunch, the host family will show us their Hacienda.
Then it is time to get back in the saddle and ride 3 hours back to Hacienda Sepulveda, following the Lagos River, and then taking the old Camino Real.
In the evening, farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast



In the Land of Tequila Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to Hacienda San Cirilo. Pancho and Lena Serrano the owners of this Hacienda will give you a warm welcome. This estate has been refurnished by this entrepreneur couple, and has nice bedrooms decorated with horse crafts.
Enjoy a nice lunch featuring delicious dishes (Mexican food). This afternoon, we go for a short ride to get acquainted with the horses.
In the evening, a good dinner will be served.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda San Cirilo

Day 2: Hacienda San Nicolas Ride
Today, we ride to Hacienda San Nicolas, who has the particularity of having their own private Bullring. On the way, we ride along the canal, passing by the village of Primero de Mayo.
We have lunch in San Nicolas. The owners specialize in cooking local food. Then, enjoy the ride back to San Cirilo, going through Alfalfa fields (opportunities to canter). Once, back at san Cirilo, we can see how Lena works with the horses with the natural horsemanship training techniques
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda San Cirilo

Day 3: San Cirilo to La Puerta del Coche
Our morning trail is bordered by trees and offers pleasant views over the surrounding landscape. We will pass by Hacienda La Estancia one of the largest in the region, and also ride through a dairy farm.
We should arrive to La Puerta del Coche after a 3.5 hours ride. Our lunch features very authentic Mexican food (but milder).
After eating, we will ride for about 2 hours through the ranch's pastures. A light dinner will be served around 8 PM.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Puerta del Coche

Day 4: Sabindas Ranch Ride
This morning, enjoy a tasty Mexican Breakfast buffet style. 
We start the day by riding about 2 hrs. to Sabindas Ranch. This cattle ranch covers 1200 hectares. Once at the ranch, we will explore the property from the saddle (approx. 3 hours), visiting the sabindas dam and enjoying the local flora (Cactus, Nopales, Garanbuyos and Desert Palms).
We will enjoy a delicious lunch with the local horsemen, eating “Lechon” (pork) accompanied with a cold beer and of course a very good Tequila.
After lunch, ride back to la Puerta del Coche (about 2 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Puerta del Coche

Day 5: La Purta del Coche to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
After breakfast, we tack-up the horses and ride to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan. This Hacienda has been owned by the Gomez Family for over 400 years.
We will eat lunch at this hacienda: family recipes will be served. 
This afternoon is free for you to relax. You can walk along a nice trail by the river. There are also a lot of interesting birds to see.
Dinner around a bonfire enjoying the starry sky.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Tlalixcoyan

Day 6: San Miguel del Cuarenta Ride
Today, our ride leads us along the irrigation canal to the dam of Cuarenta (opportunities to canter), From there. we will continue riding along muleteer trails across alfalfa and corn fields. After about 2.5 hrs. we will arrive to the village of San Miguel del Cuarenta, before reaching La Soledad Casa Rural. 
A superb lunch awaits in this Rural House. After lunch, we can try a refreshing digestive call Carajillos.
Then, ride back to the Hacienda Tlalixcoyan.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Tlalixcoyan

Day 7: Hacienda Tlalixcoyan to Hacienda Sepulveda
The first part of today's trail goes through open fields of alfalfa (main ingredient of a typical healthy drink called agua de alfalfa, it is also a premium cattle and horse pasture). Riding along the Lagos river, we have plenty of shadow and some opportunities to canter.  
Then we will be riding along the ancient silver road along the Camino Real. Some part of the old road has a adobe walls on both sides and you will see old brick bridges. On our way, we pass by a deserted hacienda “Cieneguilla”.
After about 3.5 hrs. we will arrive to Hacienda Sepulveda. Dinner in the mamalena restaurant with a good range of dishes to choose from.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 8: Canyon Ride
Enjoy breakfast in the Hacienda's garden. Then, ride to the Hacienda San Cayetano along a rural road (approx. 1.5 hrs.). We then continue riding to the Canyon of the Alcazar. While riding through the Canyon, we will see cows and bulls.
After this exiting ride through the canyon (about 3.5 hrs.), we arrive to the Ranch, where Pita and Juan Alcazar the owners will receive us for lunch.
This afternoon, Pita will teach us about Equinotherapy (she has been doing this for the last 20 years) and Juan will give us a demonstration of how to handle horses with the charra rein.
Then, it is time to ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda (approx. 1.5 hrs.).
Special farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 9: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                        Lagos de Moreno area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	73	76	81	85	88	84	80	80	79	79	77	74
Average Low Temperature (°F)	44	46	51	55	59	60	59	58	57	53	49	46
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	25	27	29	31	29	27	26	26	26	25	23
Average Low Temperature (°C)	7	8	10	13	15	16	15	15	14	12	9	8
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	1	0	0	1	3	9	13	12	8	4	1	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
At an elevation of 5,700 feet this region has a very pleasant and moderate climate. With warm summers and mild dry winters the vegetation of the area is primarily nopal cactus, savila (aloe vera), agave, maguey, huizache, and mezquite trees.

April to June are the driest and hottest months but temperatures don’t get uncomfortable thanks to the altitude. Warm days continue later in the year, but afternoon or early evening rain showers can be frequent between June and October. Finally, November to February tend to be the coolest months but the winter in Mexico usually sees mild temperatures.

 

This list is only a guideline for you

Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Torch/ Flashlight

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra film or batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun protection lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 4 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date claudia parks 6/28/2016 helena goodwin 4/19/2010 ardis young 1/24/2010 jeff marvel 2/13/2009

Accommodations
Choose between the progressive or stationary (all nights at Hacienda Sepulveda) option.

Description
Laundry can be done at Hacienda Sepulveda for a small fee.

Land of Tequila Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Hacienda San Cirilo
Nights 3 & 4: Puerta del Coche
Nights 5 & 6: Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
Nights 7 & 8: Hacienda Sepulveda


Hacienda San Cirilo
Jorge and Lena have been rebuilding this hacienda dating back to 1865 little by little. Each room has its own style with an ensuite bathroom and overlooks the stables. Wi-Fi is available.



Puerta del Coche Ranch
This accommodation features spacious and comfortable guestrooms.



Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
It has been owned by the Gomez family for over 400 years. The owners will give you a warm welcome and tell you stories and anecdotes about the property.



Hacienda Sepulveda
The present owners, the Serranos, have had the property for 3 generations. The Hacienda has been a working ranch for 360 years and dates back to the 17th century. It is now a 4-star boutique Hotel with 26 rooms and exquisite spa facilities including a temazcal (ceremonial Indigenous low heat sweat lodge). The Hacienda is even listed in the top 10 best Hotel Hacienda’s in Mexico by Travel & Leisure magazine.
Guests will quickly find themselves feeling at home, assuming that home is filled with exquisite antiques. Each room in the hacienda has its own personality, and all have either a fireplace or antique wood-burning stove for those nippy winter nights. Many of the rooms have arched brick ceilings, and each has its own unique chandelier. Since a number of the rooms have separate full beds, you should specify if you prefer a twin or king-sized beds. Wi-Fi internet is available in all areas, free of charge.
There is nothing better than the pool and spa after a day in the saddle. Other amenities include holistic massage, steam room, Jacuzzi and sauna.

Room Occupancy
For solo travelers willing to share, a single supplement fee is charged if we don’t find you any roommate.



Meals
All meals are included on any of the 3 trip options.

The meals are mostly homemade Mexican food. Lunch is eaten on the trail and breakfasts and dinners are eaten in the restaurants of accommodations. Sometimes it is a buffet, in some cases a BBQ…
Hacienda Sepulveda is proud to serve traditional Mexican dishes prepared with old family recipes and organic local vegetables from the Huerta or brought fresh from the town market. 

Drinks are not included on this trip and guests are not allowed to bring their own bottles.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

Tack:		Mexican Charro, plus 2 Western and 2 English saddle
Horses:		Quarter, Aztec, Mexican Criollo
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters - 3 to 6 hrs in the saddle per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 14	Max 72
Weight:		Max 265 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

The riding country is varied and the pace is adjusted accordingly. On 4 of the 6 riding days the riders have good opportunities for some nice controlled canters, the other 2 days you ride through canyons and rough country with little or no opportunities for faster paced riding - but it is spectacular.
There is 1 guide for every 5 rider.

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.