Colonial Villages Trail

Introduction
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.
This unique riding trip combines the Mexican culture and traditions, beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine and stunning landscape – an experience you will never forget!

Accomodation


Accommodations
Silver Route: This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations. You will be staying in 6 different locations total.
Horse Expedition: This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations. You will be staying in 8 different locations total.

Description
All accommodations are chosen for authenticity and comfort. The variety allows you to appreciate the diversity of life in Mexico. The described accommodations, are used regularly and most of the time during our trips. However, if for reasons beyond our control, we have to use a different accommodation as the one described, we will use as a replacement a similar hotel, located as close as possible to the intended area.

Bathrooms are shared in most accommodations and laundry can be done for a small fee at the accommodations in Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende.



Silver Route Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Rancho Colomitos in Puentecillas
Night 2: Hotel Posada Santa Fe in Guanajuato
Night 3: Mountain Retreat in Santa Rosa
Night 4 & 5: Hotel Hidalgo in Dolores Hidalgo
Night 6: Nirvana Hotel & Spa in Atotonilco
Night 7: Hotel Acuarela in San Miguel de Allende

Horse Expedition Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Rancho Colomitos in Puentecillas
Night 2: Camping at Peregrina Mountain
Night 3: Hotel Socavón in Guanajuato
Night 4: Mountain Retreat in Santa Rosa
Night 5: Camping at Los Guamares Mountain
Night 6: Camping at Otomi Mountain
Night 7: Camping at Spring Waters Ranch
Night 8: Hotel Anber in Dolores Hidalgo

Rancho Colomitos in Puentecillas
This typical Mexican working Ranch is surrounded by farms, working fields, small communities and semi desert nature with mesquite trees. It offers a nice terrace with bbq, garden with sun loungers, practice pens, horse stables and plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the day. The ranch features a rustic décor, wooden furnitures and warm colors. The accommodation is in tents, “Glamping Style” (cowboy themed setting).
Bathrooms are shared and there is no WIFI.

Hotel Posada Santa Fe in Guanajuato
This beautiful colonial hotel is housed in a historic building, and first opened its doors to the public in 1892. It offers comfortable accommodations with cable TV and private bathroom in the historic center of Guanajuato. Free Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Mountain Retreat in Santa Rosa
The Refuge is surrounded by majestic forests and mountains. It is located on the path of the old Royal Road, a strategic place where tired horses were exchanged, for fresh horses, from the carriages of Spanish carriages laden with gold and silver.  
It has 7 comfortable rooms and 3 shared bathrooms. The terrace features a fireplace and a BBQ. The views from this place are absolutely AMAZING.
No Wi-Fi available at this accommodation.

Hotel Hidalgo in Dolores Hidalgo
Just 1 block from the main square of Dolores Hidalgo, Hotel Hidalgo offers a gym, steam bath and bright rooms with free Wi-Fi access. Each room has a cable TV, a ceiling fan and a safe. The ensuite bathrooms include free toiletries and a bathtub or shower.

Hotel Anber in Dolores Hidalgo
This small hotel offers simple rooms with cable TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access in the heart of Dolores Hidalgo.   

Parador del Cortijo in Atotonilco
This boutique hotel offers simple with a colonial-style decor, each equipped with cable TV, wireless internet access and private bathrooms. The hotel also features beautiful gardens and a swimming pools heated by natural thermal springs

Nirvana Hotel & Spa in Atotonilco
The hotel is located on the banks of the Laja River, nestled among century-old mosques, huizaches and cactuses. The architecture is in perfect fusion with nature: adobe, palm, stone, earth and water. 
There is an extensive gardens with a Roman bath and swimming pools heated by natural thermal springs.

Hotel Acuarela in San Miguel de Allende
This small boutique hotel has only 12 rooms, allowing for a warm and personalized welcome. This hotel mixes beautifully Mexican colonial architecture with modern décor and features a terrace with panoramic views. Each room is simply decorated and has a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Hotel Socavón in Guanajuato
This colonial-style hotel provides rooms overlooking its charming interior patio. All rooms have cable TV and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is also available at this property.


Camping
Our camps are safely mounted in strategic sites that allow our guests to enjoy the natural environment surrounding them. We install a tent with awning for rain and a capacity for up to 4 people (used only by two people). The tents are approx. 2 m high and come equipped wit cot beds. We also have a dining gazebo, chairs for each rider, led lighting for the perimeter of the camp, and cooking utensils. We build a campfire every night. A small tent with shower is installed and a small toilet service is enabled.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Triple occupancy is possible at all accommodations. 



Meals
On the Silver Route Ride, most meals are included. Only dinner on day 5 and 7 are not included.
On the Horse Expedition Ride, meals are included from dinner on day 1 to dinner on day 7. Only breakfast is included on day 8 and 9 (no meals while in Dolores Hidalgo).

Meals are based on regional Mexican food and include beef, pork, chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereals, rice, milk, coffee, natural fruit juices, and purified bottled water. During the horse trail most of the food is prepared by the rural communities we visit, made with quality and hygiene, and in many cases with Prehispanic ancestral recipes so the flavors and textures are unique and can be very different.
Breakfast and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased locally in bars and restaurants. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice. However, please note that changes to the menu made locally (without prior notice) might incur additional charges locally.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Required riding level for the Silver Route:
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
Age restriction: 14-18 years old only with a letter signed by parent or legal guardian

Itinerary


Note:
This is an adventure programme, and the itinerary described is intended as a guide. Although we will make every reasonable effort to follow it, the nature of this type of journey may require changes, including at the last minute.
The itinerary may therefore be modified before or during the trip due to safety considerations, weather conditions, the state of the trails, the welfare of the horses, or other unforeseen operational circumstances. The safety and well-being of all participants, staff and horses will always be our highest priority.
Any adjustments will always be made to ensure safety, the proper operation of the programme and the best possible experience for all participants.

Sample Itinerary: Silver Route (2026) - subject to changes

Non riders are welcome to join this trip and benefit from a discount. Inquire for more information.

Day 1: Arrival
Riders will be greeted at 5:00pm at El Marques Hacienda in Guanajuato city and then we will be transferred to Rancho Colomitos, which is a traditional Mexican ranch.
Upon arrival to the ranch, the riders will have the opportunity to meet the rest of our staff and get to know about the journey’s details. All this will occur during the reception with a delicious welcome cocktail on the terrace. A welcome dinner of Ranchero barbecue will be prepared by our cooks at the ranch. We will enjoy our first meal enlivened by soft Mexican music and the light of our terrace campfire.
Accommodation: Rancho Colomitos or similar
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Drinks: Welcome Cocktail, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 2: Colomitos to Peñafiel 
After a delicious breakfast at the ranch, we go to meet the horses. After an appropriate allocation of horses, we will start our adventure from Colomitos to Peñafiel through local rural communities. Once we reach the foothills of the Montecillo mountains, we start to ascend from 1,900m towards the old Cardones hacienda at 2,236m. Our ascent has us crossing landscapes of changing scenery with elements of the semi-desert and the majesty of the central mountain range.
We will have the opportunity to observe several ancient ruins of mines and haciendas over hundreds of years old such as Santo Niño, nestled in the mountains from the times of the Spanish colony. We will cross the Cardo River and, if we wish, swim in natural-filtered water coming from the sacred mountain spring- a small natural pool in the middle of the desert. The amazing  landscapes and stunning natural views remind us of the western films of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, and Gary Cooper. REAL MEXICO!!
We continue riding all the way up the mountains, until we reach the ancient remains of the Cardones Hacienda and its Lienzo Charro (Mexican horse Arena), in Peñafiel. Our horses will remain here for the night while we will be transferred to the hotel located in the heart of Guanajuato’s historic center. We will have the chance to see La Presa de la Olla, a beautiful and ancient dam, which is accessible through a passage built from the Vice-Regal era.
Guanajuato is a colonial city with stunning buildings that contain the elements from the 2 main cultures that created the city: Indigenous and Hispanic. Marking the source of our Mexican nation, this city conserves its architectural features and environment. Guanajuato was declared by UNESCO as the “Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines” in December 1988.
Dinner will be enjoyed in the garden of the Union, where every night regional music groups like Mariachis bands or trios delight walkers with "Rancheras" traditional era songs. Played in the dim light of the Union invokes the past and creates a magical atmosphere.
Riding approx. 21 Kilometers (Flat & Mountainous terrain)
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Santa Fe **** or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 3: Peñafiel to Santa Rosa
After a delicious breakfast, we will be transferred to the horses and start our adventure from the old silver mine towards the Village of Santa Rosa, located in the heart of the central highlands. At 2,850m, this will be a beautiful day through the old royal road, which was used 500 years ago, during the Spanish colonial times, to transport mainly gold and silver. We will pass by old gold and silver mines as well as beautiful rural communities like Peñafiel, Monte San Nicolas, Peregrina, and Santa Rosa. We will have the chance to see the Christ of the Cubilete, which is considered the geographic center of Mexico. We stop for lunch at Santa Rosa.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a delicious cocktail and tequila tasting at the mountain retreat terrace, accompanied by soft Mexican music to complete the day's journey. In the evening, we will enjoy a rich typical Mexican cuisine dinner, which for its originality and various flavors, colors, smells, and textures, is proudly recognized by UNESCO as intangible and an oral heritage of humanity.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers (Mountainous terrain)
Accommodation: Mountain retreat 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Tequila tasting, soft drinks and drinking water

Day 4: Santa Rosa to Dolores Hidalgo
After our breakfast in the mountain retreat, we prepare ourselves for this riding day through the central highlands. Today, we ride through the most bio-diversified area of the state, full of big mountains, with oak, pine, and arbutus forests. We will be followed during the journey by bird songs and surrounded by majestic and changing natural environments. You will be treated to amazing views of huge mountains on one side and the semi-desert area on the other. If you keep your eyes peeled, you have the opportunity to see some coyote, puma, and raccoon footprints on the path. We reach the old hacienda stables where our horses will remain for the night while we will be transferred to the hotel located in the heart of the historical city of Dolores Hidalgo.
Riding approx. 37 Kilometers (Mountainous terrain)
Accommodation: Hotel Hidalgo 4*** or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 5: Riding Through Dolores Hidalgo
Today, we will have the chance of going on horseback to one of the most important historical cities of Mexico: Dolores Hidalgo. On September 16, 1810, Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla initiated the call "Grito de Libertad" decided to take up arms against the colonial regime and the Spanish crown. The city is now known as the "Cradle of Mexican Independence". We will take a brief tour on our horses from the historic center, visiting some of the most emblematic buildings from the war for independence of Mexico.
In the evening, we will have the opportunity to visit the Wine Museum, and enter a real Mexican cantina, or just walk around and visit stores with a great variety of local handicrafts. 
Riding approx. 12 Kilometers (Flat terrain)
Accommodation: Hotel Hidalgo 4*** or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 6: Dolores Hidalgo to Atotonilco
In the morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast accompanied by a typical Mexican coffee named “café de la olla”, we will continue our journey on horseback to the town of Atotonilco. Today will have us passing through the Cactus Valley and the historic hacienda La Erre, which played an important role during the war for independence of Mexico.
We will enjoy a picnic for lunch, in the picturesque town on the outskirts of the old chapel of Barron community.  We will then head to Atotonilco where we will be able to see the imposing walls from the 18th century church. The church contains a living shrine and religious practices are still happening to this day. This invaluable architectural treasure is known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico, and is composed of a nave, sacristy, and over 6 adjoining chapels and several dressing rooms. The place is illustrated with murals and easel paintings, altars, and sculptures stews . This majestic shrine is declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers (Flat terrain)
Accommodation: Nirvana Hotel & Spa 5**** or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 7: Atotonilco to San Miguel de Allende
In the morning, after enjoying a pleasant breakfast served by the pool, we will get ready to continue our route to San Miguel de Allende. Today's ride takes us through unique landscapes that combine semi-desert with wetlands. We will be riding along the old roads that were used 200 years ago during the War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution to the Indian Chapels. The Indigenous groups left testimony of their beliefs in these temples, calvaries, and chapels along the shore of the Laja River. We will explore these areas while we ride our horses through the land of coyote, opossum, huizache and mesquite- the territory pre-Columbian tribes.
After enjoying a day in rural lifestyle and learning a bit more history, we reach the cosmopolitan city of San Miguel de Allende (World Heritage Site/ UNESCO).
Riding approx. 23 Kilometers (Flat terrain)
Accommodation: Hotel Acuarela  or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 8: San Miguel de Allende (no riding)
It is time to leave our horse behind and discover San Miguel de Allende on foot. This city is known for its rich traditions, in which all year long events and festivals play an important role. It is a place full of culture and art, considered as a stage for different traditions and customs. Titled “fortified town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco”, this distinction by UNESCO was awarded because of its cultural and architectural contribution to Mexican Baroque style and its importance in the struggle for Independence of Mexico towards Spain.
The riders will have the opportunity to explore by themselves this historic city founded back in 1542 that has now become a cosmopolitan and attractive destination for tourists. The program ends at 11:30am.
Meals included: Breakfast only



Sample Itinerary: Silver Route (2027) - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Riders will be welcomed at 5:00 p.m. at the previously designated meeting point in the city of Guanajuato, where the anticipation of the journey begins to be felt. From that moment on, the transfer to Rancho Colomitos, an authentic traditional Mexican ranch, marks the transition from everyday life to the equestrian experience that is about to begin.
Upon arrival, the ranch atmosphere surrounds participants with calm and hospitality. The staff and support team accompanying the expedition will be introduced, along with a general explanation of the journey, allowing riders to connect with the spirit of the route and build confidence. This moment is accompanied by a welcome cocktail on the terrace, a first opportunity to socialize while the landscape and the light of sunset create a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
In the evening, the experience is completed with a welcome dinner featuring traditional ranch-style barbecue, where local flavors reinforce the authentic character of the place. The evening unfolds with soft Mexican music and an outdoor bonfire, inviting conversation, relaxation, and connection among participants. It is a perfect close to the first day, awakening excitement and setting the mood for the adventure that will begin at dawn.
Accommodation: Glamping Rancho Colomitos or similar
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Drinks: Welcome Cocktail (Margarita or Beer), Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 2: Rancho Colomitos and Ancestral Petroglyphs
After a delicious breakfast at the ranch, the day begins with a sense of calm and anticipation. The horses are already waiting for us, and after a careful assignment of each horse to its rider, the day’s ride begins, where the connection between horse and rider takes center stage. The first steps of the ride allow everyone to adapt to the rhythm of the terrain and fully enjoy the rural surroundings of the ranch.
Along the route, we will ride through the ranch and visit several local communities, getting closer to everyday life and the essence of the region. The trail leads us to the upper part of Cerro del Sombrero, within the Protected Natural Area, where the landscape opens up and silence invites contemplation. Here, the journey takes on a deeper dimension as we encounter archaeological remains of great historical value, bearing witness to the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region.
Among these vestiges are the petroglyphs—geometric figures carved into limestone using rudimentary tools—believed to have been created by pre-Hispanic indigenous groups. These symbols, associated with both hunter-gatherer and sedentary communities, inspire a powerful sense of respect and wonder, connecting riders with the ancestral past of these lands.
The journey continues toward La Purísima Dam, one of the most important dams in central Mexico. We will ride around its calm waters, enjoying a wide and serene environment that invites rest and reflection. During the ride, a picnic-style lunch will be served—an authentic and simple moment to share, relax, and absorb the beauty of the landscape before continuing the adventure back to the ranch.
Riding approx. 13 Kilometers (Flat, rolling hills)
Accommodation: Glamping Rancho Colomitos or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Coffee, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 3: Rancho Colomitos – Guanajuato
After breakfast, the second major horseback riding day begins—a day that truly embodies the spirit of the route. From the first kilometers, the ride passes through typical rural communities, where time seems to move at a different pace, and continues among old mines, silent witnesses to the mining past that shaped this region.
The journey becomes increasingly impressive as we cross and ascend the canyon of the Río Verde, a striking environment that envelops the rider with its natural walls and sense of isolation. Landscapes change constantly, alternating between open semi-desert areas and the lush vegetation and freshness of the canyon. At the river crossing, the water invites a special pause: those who wish may swim in a natural pool, a moment of enjoyment, freedom, and direct contact with nature.
Along the route, we visit colonial vestiges of great historical value, such as the Hacienda de Cardones, located in a remote area of the central mountain range. Surrounded by silence and landscape, this place inspires deep reflection on the history and life that once flourished here.
At the end of the riding day, our horses will remain in the mining community of Calderones, while we are transferred by vehicle to the city of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The contrast between the wild nature of the day and the colonial elegance of what is considered the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico creates an especially memorable conclusion.
The day ends with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the historic center, where local cuisine, cobblestone streets, and the nighttime atmosphere invite relaxation and celebration after an intense day filled with adventure, history, and emotion.
Riding approx. 21 Kilometers (Flat, rolling hills, canyon, and mountainous)
Accommodation: Hotel in the city of Guanajuato
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Coffee, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 4: Guanajuato – Santa Rosa
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the point where the horses await us to resume the ride, continuing the journey along the ancient Camino Real, a historic route that for centuries connected towns, mines, and territories. Riding along this historic road evokes a sense of traveling back in time, allowing riders to imagine the caravans and characters who once traveled these paths.
The route leads us to the town of Santa Rosa, where we will stop for lunch. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this charming village stands out for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and close relationship with its surroundings, offering a moment of rest and enjoyment in the heart of the mountains.
During the day, the trail passes through historic silver mines and rural communities, reflecting the mining legacy that gave rise to the region. Along the way, we enjoy privileged views of Cerro del Cubilete, a site of great symbolic and spiritual importance, recognized as the geographic center of Mexico. Its presence on the horizon provides a special sense of balance and connection to the national territory.
In the afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation, located in the heart of the central mountain range—an area of high natural value where landscape, tranquility, and ecological richness surround us. Arrival invites rest and contemplation of the mountainous environment.
The day concludes with a welcome cocktail and a tequila tasting, a sensory experience introducing the flavors and aromas of Mexico, followed by a traditional Mexican dinner. It is a warm and authentic ending, ideal for sharing impressions of the day and enjoying hospitality in one of the most beautiful natural settings of the route.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers (Mountainous)
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: 1 Cocktail (Margarita or Beer), Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 5: Santa Rosa – Dolores Hidalgo
This day’s ride ventures deep into the central mountain range of Mexico, crossing a territory of great natural richness where the landscape is in constant transformation. The ride passes through oak and pine forests, interspersed with semi-desert areas, creating a visual and sensory contrast that accompanies riders throughout the journey. The flora and fauna of the sierra appear subtly yet consistently: birds of prey soaring above the peaks, deer and other mammals inhabiting these lands, and vegetation adapted to altitude and climate, reinforcing the sense of being in a living, authentic environment.
Along the way, we immerse ourselves in a vast and imposing natural expanse, where silence and openness dominate the experience. There are no communities or human settlements—only mountains, canyons, and open horizons that convey a profound sense of freedom, isolation, and intimate connection with nature at its purest.
This territory is part of the historic Sierra de Guanajuato, known for hosting one of the most important silver veins in Mexico, whose exploitation gave rise to towns, haciendas, and routes that shaped the country’s economic and cultural development. Riding through these lands allows riders to understand the magnitude of this mining legacy and perceive how the wealth beneath the ground contrasted with the harshness and grandeur of the natural surroundings.
Upon arrival at the corrals of the old Hacienda del Gallinero, we leave our horses to rest after an intense mountain day. From there, we are transferred to our accommodation in the historic center of Dolores Hidalgo, a key city in Mexican history. The shift from wild nature to historic city offers a meaningful and contrasting conclusion, inviting rest and reflection on the journey completed.
Riding approx. 37 Kilometers (Mountainous)
Accommodation: Hotel Hidalgo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Coffee, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 6: Dolores Hidalgo – Historic Ride
The day begins early along the Camino Real, leading us to the historic center of Dolores Hidalgo, known as the birthplace of Mexican Independence. Riding through its streets on horseback is a truly exceptional experience, allowing riders to relive history from a unique perspective as they pass through plazas, churches, and colonial buildings that witnessed one of the most decisive moments in the country’s history. The steady pace of the horses and the monumental surroundings create a solemn and moving atmosphere, connecting riders with the city’s profound historical significance.
Dolores Hidalgo holds unparalleled historical and symbolic value as the place where the independence movement began in 1810. Riding through this historic setting is not only a privilege but also a memorable way to understand its cultural and heritage importance.
In the afternoon, participants will have free time to enjoy the city independently, exploring at their own pace everything Dolores Hidalgo has to offer. Its streets are filled with artisan workshops and shops, western-style stores, cafés, bars, and cultural spaces—ideal for strolling, relaxing, and immersing oneself in local life.
Dinner on this day is at leisure, allowing each traveler to choose the restaurant or atmosphere that appeals most, without schedules or rush. It is an invitation to enjoy the city’s gastronomy and nightlife freely, closing the day in a relaxed and personal way according to each participant’s preferences.
Riding approx. 12 Kilometers (Flat and town crossing)
Accommodation: Hotel Hidalgo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, & Lunch
Drinks: Coffee, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 7: Dolores – Atotonilco
The journey leads us from Dolores Hidalgo to Atotonilco on a ride that crosses the impressive cactus valley, one of the most characteristic landscapes of the Mexican semi-desert. Riding among vast expanses of nopales, biznagas, and centuries-old cacti offers a deeply visual and sensory experience, where the openness of the valley, light, and colors create a feeling of absolute freedom and connection with the land.
The route includes passing by the historic Hacienda de la Erre, a vestige of the region’s agricultural and ranching past, evoking rural life from earlier times and adding historical context to the journey. The trail continues through open, silent landscapes, where the semi-desert reveals its sober and monumental beauty.
Upon arrival in Atotonilco, the first sight is the majestic Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno, one of the most important religious sites in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is renowned for its extraordinary artistic and spiritual richness, as well as its deep historical significance, as it played a key role at the beginning of the War of Independence. Inside, its impressive murals stand out, along with the surrounding “chapels of the indigenous people,” spaces built for evangelization that reflect the fusion of beliefs, traditions, and cultural expressions.
After the day’s ride, our accommodation invites rest and physical recovery, with free time to relax in the thermal waters—a moment of well-being and tranquility that allows participants to absorb the intensity of the journey and bring the experience to a gentle close.
The adventure concludes with a farewell dinner, a special gathering to share memories, celebrate the journey traveled, and say goodbye to the group in a warm and emotional atmosphere, placing the final touch on a journey filled with history, nature, and unforgettable emotions.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers (Flat with some rolling hills)
Accommodation: Nirvana or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Coffee, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 8: Atotonilco
After breakfast, the journey comes to an end, but the experience will remain in the memory of those who lived it. The first encounters and shared excitement at the beginning of the trail will endure; the days of discovery among communities, ancestral archaeological remains, and open landscapes; the canyons that seem taken from western films; the natural strength of the mountains, their deep silences, and the immensity of their horizons; the passage through historic routes, mines, and haciendas that tell centuries of history; and the unique experience of riding through cities and towns that shaped the destiny of Mexico.
The contrasts will also remain: semi-desert and forests, cactus valleys, rivers, and mountains; the spirituality of sanctuaries and sacred paths; rest by the thermal waters and evenings shared around the table. Each day will have contributed a distinct emotion, an unrepeatable landscape, and a deeper connection with the land and the horse.
The horseback journey closes with gratitude. Each rider departs carrying more than memories: the certainty of having lived an authentic experience, where time, history, and nature came together to create something that endures far beyond the trail.
Accommodation: Hotel Anber or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Drinks: Coffee, and drinking water

Rates and Dates for Colonial Villages Trail

Dates Note: For groups of 4+ riders, we can arrange additional departure dates subject to availability (request of custom dates need to be made at least 1 month in advance)

Other Info
Meeting: El Marques Hacienda in Guanajuato
Airport: Guanajuato International Airport (BJX)
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                            Guanajuato area