Central Highlands Explorer Central Mexico Mexico Discover the beautiful region of the Central Highlands of Mexico from the saddle! This program includes full day rides to off the beaten paths destinations in the Central Highlands. Learn about the way of life of local people while riding through beautiful landscapes, far away from the crowds! Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Mexico City Airport: Mexico City or Queretaro Transfer: Mexico City or Queretaro Riders: Min 2 riders Max 20 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Tax: 16 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Queretaro International Airport (QRT).

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that riding activities offered depend on weather conditions as well as the water level of the dam and the river.

Day 1: Arrival
We will be waiting for you at the airport, so as soon as you arrive we will drive you to the rancho. Once you arrive, our staff will welcome you with a drink and take care of your luggage, while we give you a tour of the place.
Depending on the time of your arrival we will take you to meet the horses and you can start riding them or if you prefer, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room or the common area.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 2: Ride to Nopala
After breakfast at the ranch, we go for our first full riding day. We ride across the extinct volcanic landscape of the region, with cliffs, hills and mountains. Our destination for the day is the city of Nopala. This small town features a colonial architecture, including a lovely central plaza, bordered by portals with pink quarry arches. Each Monday, there is a small market where you can get plenty of souvenirs. 
Tonight, we sleep in a small hotel, just outside the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala

Day 3: Cerro de Nopala & Hacienda El Astillero Valley
We start the day with breakfast at Casa de La Abuela, a small traditional restaurant one block away from the city center, while the horses are being prepared. Today, we will ride up to Cerro de Nopala, on our way to the beautiful valley of Hacienda El Astillero and Cerro Coatepec. We will enjoy some snacks and refreshment beverages before riding back to the Hotel near Nopala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Nopala

Day 4: Back to Rancho
This morning, we start our ride back to the Rancho, exploring a different route. 
On the way, we will stop to visit a blown glass craft workshop in the town of Maravillas. We will also ride across a hill covered with small oak trees. Finally, we follow a Porfirian railroad track that brings us back to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 5: La Joya Mountain Ride
Today's ride brings us to the top of La Joya mountain, with great views over surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains. At the top, we take a lunch break. Our ride back to the rancho leads us through forests and scarped cliffs.
Just before reaching the rancho, we will cross some open plains with endless trails to canter and gallop.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 6: Cerrito Pelón
We will ride for about 4 hours as you must be tired from the previous day. We first ride across a huge plain and go up and down a small cerrito, before arriving to San Sebastian de Juarez.
On the way back, we ride under a cliff up to the rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 7: Maravillas Ride
We ride near some cliffs on the way to Rancho San Isidro, before heading to the small town of San Bartolo and Rancho Nuevo´s dam. Today's destination is the town of Maravillas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 8: Departure
If you have an early flight to catch – we will serve you breakfast before it’s time to go and one of our drivers will drive you to the airport upon request.
In case your flight leaves at night, you will have time to do one last trail near the Rancho.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                    Tula area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	73	76	80	83	83	80	76	77	75	75	74	74
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	42	46	49	53	54	54	54	53	49	45	42
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	24	27	28	28	26	25	25	24	24	24	23
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	6	8	10	11	12	12	12	12	9	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	1	1	1	3	6	7	8	6	7	4	1	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The ranch is situated in a valley at an altitude of 7,500 feet  (2,300 m) above sea level and protected by high mountains. This means that the weather conditions are very tempered and the sun shines almost every day (333 days of sunshine per year). The average daily temperature all year round is approximately 22ºC (or 75ºF).  However, it is a good idea to bring some long-sleeved shirts or sweaters for the mornings and evenings, as it does get a bit cool before the sun rises and as it sets.

The ranch is open and operating year round. Guests often ask, "Which is the best time of the year to visit?"   The answer is simple.  Every season has its highlights.

Spring (March – May)
Changes take place. Imagine passing by farmers working the fields in the way they have done for generations.  See local farmers start to prepare their fields for the corn crops using ploughs drawn by oxen or horses.

Summer (June – August)
Known as the 'rainy season', but is (unfortunately for the farmers here) not really the case.  The ranch is located in a valley at an altitude of 7500 feet, which means the clouds can't gather as much as in other regions of Mexico.  But there is an occasional shower (downpour) that lasts only an hour or two in the evenings/night .  This is just enough to allow all of the usually dormant plants to bloom, creating spectacular vistas of vibrant color with cosmos flowers everywhere.  The nights are cool and in the morning a bright sunny blue sky awaits you for another perfect ride..

Autumn (September – November)
Until the dry season begins at the end of October there are still flowers everywhere. As harvest arrives, the local farmers usually let the corn dry until the end of November and then take it in.  They use the corn primarily to feed their animals during winter, and they grind part of the crop to make the meal used in the famous Mexican tortillas.

Winter (December – February)
The driest season with practically no rain at all. This means that the fields are very dry, painted a golden color against a brilliant blue sky, and spotted with green cactus and mesquite bushes. 

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Accommodations
This is a mostly stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night, except for 2 nights spent at a different location.

Description
Most nights are spent in a traditional rancho/hacienda. The property has been in the hands of the same family for the past 140 years. It offers a nice view over the surrounding landscape.
The rooms are simple but comfortable and all feature a private bathroom with hair dryer. there is no Wi-Fi available at the ranch. 

During this tour, you will also spend 2 nights in a small hotel close to the city of Nopala. The rooms all come equipped with a private bathroom and a TV. There is also a small outdoor pool (not heated) where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement does not apply if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex, unless we are unable to find you a room companion.



Meals
All meals are included in your package from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

Dietary Restrictions
We know that most people do not eat as much chili as we do in Mexico, so do not worry, we will adapt to your taste.
If you are allergic to any food or have dietary restrictions, let us know and we will do our best to cater to you.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Mexican & English
Horses:		American Quarter Horse & Criollos
Pace:		2-4 hours in the saddle per riding day - All paces according to level | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 12	Max 60
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 20 riders

Horses
We believe that the best way a horse could live is in great open spaces and that is why when they are not at work, they can live as a herd in different fields around the ranch.

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.