Day of the Dead & Mystery Villages Ride

Introduction
Central Mexico Mexico
Enjoy the best tequilas, listen to mariachi music and ride through sites of great historical value.

During our equestrian program, participants will be immersed in one of the most representative Mexican traditions of all time. They will be able to discover Mexico's traditions and actively take part in them, allowing everyone to discover why these festivities have conquered people all around the world.
In addition to discovering traditions first-hand, riders will enjoy the warmth and hospitality that distinguishes the Mexican people. They will also be able to taste a variety of dishes of the ancestral gastronomy of Mexico. Guests will also be guided by experts in the mixology of ancestral drinks, and body painting (catrinas).

During the first 3 days, we will dedicate ourselves to the Day of the Dead celebrations, in two of Mexico's most beautiful cities. The following days, our adventure on horseback will lead us through the mystery villages and their traditions.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

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.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in San Miguel de Allende
Night 3: Posada in Guanajuato
Night 4: Hacienda near Puentecillas
Day 5: Hotel in Calderones
Night 6: Ranch in Santa Rosa
Night 7: Hotel in Sangre de Cristo
Night 8: Hacienda in Sangre de Cristo

Hotel in San Miguel de Allende
This small hotel offers 14 simple and elegant bedrooms, equipped with a TV, internet access, private facilities and a safe.

Posada 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.

Hacienda near Puentecillas
This charming hacienda was founded during the 16th century as a cattle ranch. The current owners decided to transform this place in order to welcome and accommodate tourists from all over the world. Nowadays, the hacienda is surrounded by plants and trees and provides 32 guestrooms.
Each room is bright and spacious and features a TV as well as an ensuite bathroom.
There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening.

Hotel in Calderones
This unique boutique hotel has 10 bedrooms, each featuring its own style. The rooms all include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, ensuite bathroom, a safe and a TV.

Ranch in Santa Rosa
This ranch is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It offers comfortable rooms with shared bathroom. Please, note that there is no internet connection available at this property.

Hotel in Sangre de Cristo
This beautiful complex offers spacious and comfortable dorm-style rooms. The group is usually split into 2 while staying there with one room for ladies and another room for men.
Bathrooms are also shared with one designated bathroom for ladies and another one for men. Up to 8 people can fit in each shared bathroom area.
There is Wi-Fi available at this property.

Hacienda in Sangre de Cristo
This lovely historic hacienda is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and century-old trees. The rooms are simply decorated and come equipped with a TV, a safe and a private bathroom. Guests are welcome to use the outdoor pool to relax in the evening.
Please, note that there is no internet access available at this property.

Room Occupancy
There are no single rooms available on this trip.


Meals
Meals are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day (except for lunch on Day 2).

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.
Breakfast and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

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
Intermediate - A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces and can get on and off without help. At some point, it will be necessary to lead your horse on foot. 
Difficulty of terrain:  60% easy- 25% intermediate – 15% difficult
Physical effort required: 65% easy - 30% moderate - 5% intense
On the trail: 5 riding days

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (October 31st): Arrival
You will be greeted in the city of San Miguel de Allende, a city characterized by its rich traditions, in which popular events and festivals play an important role throughout the year. It is a place full of culture and art.
After checking into your room (around 4 pm), you are invited to our welcome cocktail, during which we will discuss the program. Then, you will have some time to visit the historic city center before dinner (served around 9 pm).
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

Day 2 (November 1st): Day of the Dead
Today, we will be able to live with intensity the tradition of the day of the dead. We start with a walking tour, guided through the route of “offerings”. During this tour, we will visit the historic pantheon of San Juan de Dios. Later, we will enjoy a fun mixology workshop, specialized in pre-Hispanic drinks. You will taste and create four cocktails that have transcended the history of Mexico: Tepache, Pulque, Pox and Raicilla.
In the afternoon, we will attend the theatrical performances alluding to the Day of the Dead, which are held in the main square of San Miguel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

Day 3 (November 2nd): Guanajuato
After breakfast, we will transfer by car (1 hour drive) to the city of Guanajuato, a colonial city with beautiful buildings that contain the elements of the two main cultures that created them, the indigenous and the Hispanic. The constructions retain their architectural and environmental characteristics and because of this, the city was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in December 1988. It is currently considered as the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico. We will visit the historic center, walking through its narrow alleys and discovering houses, squares and gardens. We will visit the “monumental offering” of Guanajuato and “El Tapete de la muerte” (The death carpet) as well as “La Catrina Vive Festival”, enjoying live music with local mariachis.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Posada in Guanajuato 

Day 4 (November 3rd): Mummies & Catrinas
This morning, we visit the "Museum of the Mummies". Here, you will appreciate the mummified remains of our ancestors, some of which date back to 1870. It is considered the current largest collection of natural mummies in the world.
Then, we will go to Rancho Colomitos, where we meet our riding companions. We will get acquainted with our new friends on an introductory ride before dressing up as catrinas (symbol of death and icon of Day of the Dead in Mexico). We will ride as catrinas around the ranch and enjoy a photo and video session.
In the evening, we will enjoy a "Catrinas and catrines" themed dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda near Puentecillas

Day 5 (November 4th): Mystery Villages Ride
This is the day we begin our journey on horseback. We will start by exploring the mystery villages, made up of various communities in which the Chichimeca culture, mining and a Cristero region converge. Today's ride is based on mystery, nourished by the local legends and traditions.
Rancho Colomitos – Calderones 21 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Calderones 

Day 6 (November 5th): Local Legends

Rates and Dates for Day of the Dead & Mystery Villages Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: San Miguel de Allende
Airport: Guanajuato International Airport (BJX)
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                            Guanajuato area