In the Land of Tequila: Horseback Riding in Jalisco Haciendas Central Mexico Mexico Special Offer Available!! 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) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs 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 16 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Special Offer: 15% OFF for groups of 4 or more on the same tour date!

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Group Discounts: 15% OFF for groups of 4 or more on the same tour date!

 

Rates Note:

Five and six night stays can be arranged

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Leon-Guanajuato International Airport or Aguascalientes International Airport anytime on any day of the week.

Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

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.

Option A - Luxury Tour

Day 1: Arrival to Leon Airport (BJX) or Aguascalientes Airport (AGU)
Guest are met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda & SPA 50 min by car using highway 45 D toll road.
A welcome cocktail will be offered at check in and a hand massage will be given to our guests as courtesy. Members of the family (horse fanatics themselves!) that have owned the hacienda for several centuries greet us warmly and a tour will be offer visiting the Hacienda.
Your room will be a large and comfortable Master Suite, with all the amenities of a Luxury Hotel: TV, telephone, free wifi internet, bathrobe, pamphlets; 3 types of pillows. Some rooms offer terrace and some have hot tubs with a Jacuzzi.
Introductory short ride to know the horses and you will meet Jorge Serrano alias Pancho. We will be your professional guides during the ride.
Welcome dinner with some specialties of this Hacienda.
Night in a Master Suite in the Hacienda

Day 2: Ride to Hacienda San Bernardo
Breakfast in Mamalena Restaurant where there are one of the best eggs in the region, Sepulvedanos eggs, which we recommend a lot.
Today we will ride to Hacienda San Bernardo, a stunning ride into the Caminos de Arrieros, old trails where the vaqueros used to cattle ride, where we can do some canters. We will have a wonderful view of the mountains of the Sierra of Cuatroalba and do a fast pass riding in the road. Be sure to ask our guide to tell you the tales about the Pilgrims that first arrive in Mexico, good tales about the Indians learning how to ride, and the horses the Spanish brought. We will pass by the village of El Ojuelo and then Las Palomas, where you will be able to see cows stables. We will cross La Sauceda river, and continue riding besides the Canal.
Arrive in Hacienda San Bernardo. This haciendas was built in earlier 1800, property of The Guerra Family. It is a very nice typical Mexican Finca. The food here is homemade and therefore very delicious. We will have the opportunity to visit the Hacienda and also the old Trojes, barn, also the corrals and see some of the swill register cattle they own.
Ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda 2:30 hrs.
Dinner in the Hacienda Restaurant
Night in Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 3: Ride to Hacienda San Cayetano
Breakfast in the garden.
Saddle horses and ride towards Hacienda San Cayetano. We will pass by mesquite forest, where we can canter on the trails and enjoy the nice landscapes of different species of Cactus, Nopales, and Pirules. Ride to The Canyon of the Alcazar with lots of adventures ascending and then descending the hills riding through the Canyon. We will see the cows and bulls. 4 hrs riding in morning and after lunch 2 hr riding.
Pita and Juan Alcazar, the owners of this Hacienda, will receive us with a courtesy drink, a cold beer or Tequila and snacks. Pita will cook us a delicious lunch. In the evening, after with a good Mexican wine or Tequila, Pita will show us about the Equinotherapy, which she has been doing for the last 20 years. It’s interesting to know more about the theory and allows anyone to learn about the therapy. 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 at least 30 horses which we can see.

Day 4: Ride to Sabindas Ranch
Breakfast in the Hacienda.
Today we will head to Sabindas Ranch. We will take the horses in the trailer and transfer guests by car.
Unload the horses at Sabindas Ranch and we will ride approx. 4 hrs with nice landscape of mesquite and cactus forest. We will go down the hill and follow the cattle path and see the reservoir the dam of sabindas and ride besides the water. In the rainy season, sometimes we will have to swim with the horses to cross. We continue riding along the reservoir and will stop at the curtain to rest a while and give water to the horses. After a couple hours more riding, we will get back to the ranch and have a superb lunch. If Ernesto is in town, he will give our riders the best of the culinary experience of the Mexican BBQ! The specialty here is Lechon, (pig) or also another specialty is Fish a la plancha.
After lunch transfer in the car to Hacienda Sepulveda.
Today we will have a special dinner in The Corral de los Magueyes.

Day 5: Ride to Hacienda San Nicolas
Option A:
A good breakfast in the garden will be served.
Horses will be ready and saddled for today’s ride to Hacienda San Nicolas. We will ride in the old Camino Real passing old bridges, where in the colonial times its was used to transport silver and gold.
We will pass by Hacienda Cieneguilla, now in ruins. It is still interesting to see the history in the antique walls. We continue riding in a nice are with lots of trees and cross Lagos river and ride along the river where there are places to canter and lots of shade of the trees. We will pass by the village of 1 de Mayo and continue riding besides the Canal of the reservoir of The 40.
As we arrive after 3.5 hrs to Hacienda San Nicolas, a nice green garden will be the first thing you see. This hacienda is kept at its most original. It has a bull ring, where in those days and less frequently now, they have a corrida de toros. We will a have a superb lunch cooked by the owner Ricardo Garcia. This hacienda specializes in social events such as weddings, so they have lots of experiences with catering.
After lunch we will ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda, taking another road, where we can have 2 good canters. We will pass by Alfalfa and corn plantations, and get to the Camino Real.
After 3 hrs arrive to Hacienda Sepulveda.

Option B:
Breakfast in the mamalena restaurant in Hacienda Sepulveda.
Today we will ride from Hacienda Jaramillo to the old miner village of Comanja. We will load the horses in the trailer and drive 20 min to arrive to Hacienda Jaramillo. We will have the opportunity to see the first Hacienda in the area, built around 1540, just after the conquistadores conquest Mexico in 1521. Get ready for some excitement as we will climb the mountains of la Sierra of Comanja. After 1 hour of going up the hills, we will see different vegetation, such as pines and oaks. The trail levels out and will give us the opportunity to canter. We will continue riding and pass a small chapel, then continue riding the nicest trails with views of the high sierra. After 3 hours, we will arrive in the old town of Comanja de Corona, a former miner village, where you will be riding in the streets and feeling like the old west riding through town. We will stop in Hacienda Los Caballos Restaurant, where we'll have a good lunch. The owner Machin it’s a well know horse trainer, and will show us how he trains his dancing horses.
After lunch, back to the horses, where we will continue riding another 3 hours in the sierra along nice trails and going up and down small hills.
Arrive to the meeting point where the truck and trailer will be waiting for us to pick us up and drive us back to Hacienda Sepulveda.
Dinner in Mamalena restaurant.

Day 6: 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 and he will show us how its done. We will be able to ride in the arena and do some team penning, and learn how to rope. You'll also be able to practice jumping if you so desire. 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- UNESCO world heritage. You'll get a city tour to know the buildings, churches, theatre, museums, etc,
Dinner in a restaurant in Lagos de Moreno.
Transfer by car to Hacienda Sepulveda
Night in our comfortable Master Suite.

Day 7: Ride to Hacienda La Troje
Option A: After breakfast ride to Hacienda La Troje. We will cross the Lagos River and ride a well-maintained trail with lots of Mesquites. We will see Hacienda La Galera on our way and pass besides the reservoir of Tlacualeche, where there are many ducks and heron and many other birds.
We will be welcomed by the Cardenas-Lomelín family, the owners, who will offer us a nice lunch. Free evening to relax at this hacienda. You can go to the saloon and enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine.
In the evening ride back to Hacienda Sepulveda
Free evening: enjoy this luxury boutique hotel.
After some days in the saddle we recommend you to take an holistic massage in the SPA, or many other treatments the SPA has to offer such as the steam room and the sauna.
Dinner and night in the Hacienda.

Option B: Ride to Hacienda San Cirilo
We will ride for 2.5 hrs near the Lagos river, going through some paths and places where we can canter. On the way, we will visit the Hacienda Sanfandila as pass corn and alfalfa along the way.
Arrive to Hacienda San Cirilo, the Hacienda of Jorge Serrano alias Pancho and Lena, his Swiss wife. This couple is 100% dedicated to horses and they have this equestrian centre, where Pancho and Lena can show us Natural Horsemanship in order to improve our way of riding. Afterwards, they will prepare a special lunch for us.
They will show us their workshop where they do handmade chaps, belts, covers, and saddles. This handmade technique is not use by many people because the detail work you have to put into every piece you make takes a long time. They are respected artists in the area.
Ride 2.5 hrs back to Hacienda Sepulveda on a nice trail where we will can canter and enjoy the evening with our horses.
Dinner and Night in Hacienda Sepulveda.

Day 8: Ride to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
Option A: Today we go for a 3 hr to a beautiful 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 an hour and a half 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 a deserted hacienda “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, all homemade by the lady of the house Horalia. The homemade flan is the best there is in Mexico! After Lunch the host family will show us their Hacienda.
We hop on our horses for getting back to Hacienda Sepulveda, riding along the Lagos River and then taking the old Camino Real.
Dinner in Mamalena Restaurant.

Option B: Ride to Hacienda San Cayetano
Breakfast in the garden.
Saddle horses and ride towards Hacienda San Cayetano. We will pass by mesquite forest where we can canter on the trails and enjoy a nice landscape of different species of Cactus, Nopales, and Pirules.
Today we will ride to another part of this big ranch. We will ride towards el Potrero de la Angostura, where in rainy season, there is a nice waterfall. We will continue riding and enter the potrero where the mares are located. In this part of the ranch there are lots of Palma del Desierto, Desert Palms. After 4 hours of riding, we will get back to the Hacienda.
They do cattle drives and branding their cattle, so hopefully when you are here, you will happen to see the vaqueros in action and get to participate with them roping the cattle.
We will have Discada for lunch, a vaqueros meal, made on an iron disc with wood fire. It’s a delicious food made of beef, pork, chicken, bacon, onions, pepper, pineapple etc, we cannot share the recipe as it's a family secret!
Get back to the horses an continue riding to Hacienda Sepulveda for 1.5 hrs.
Enjoy your last day in this Hacienda who has been award to be one of the best Hotel Hacienda in Mexico by Travel & Leisure magazine.
Farewell special Mexican dinner in the Corral
Night in Hacienda Sepulveda

Day 9
Breakfast in Hacienda Sepulveda
Transfer to the airport.

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Option B - In the Land of Tequila

Day 1: Arrive to Leon Airport (BJX) or Aguascalientes Airport (AGU).
Pick up and transfer to Echological Hotel, a charming hotel located close to the town of Comanja de Corona. Welcome dinner at the restaurant to get to know each others.

Day 2: Ride around Comanja Towns
Breakfast at the hotel and then we go to meet the horses. We start our ride by making our way to the city of Comanja Viejo. This old mining town is almost entirely abandoned nowadays. It was deserted by the Spanish settlers many years ago, following the raid of the Chichimeca Indians. The town is now privately owned and efforts were made to restore and maintain the buildings. You will be able to visit the old coin house, the cemetery, the old city hall and the houses of the miners and settlers. You will also have the opportunity to visit the gold mine of El Horcon. 
After our visit, we continue riding along trails and old roads. There will be some opportunities to canter on our way to the town of Comanja de Corona. After crossing the town, we will continue riding towards Hacienda La Ferreria, where we will stop for a visit. The hacienda is a notorious place full of history. It is home to an old foundry —famous for its metal cast fencing— and beautiful gardens.
Following our tour of the hacienda, we mount on our horses again to go to the Restaurant Hacienda Los Caballos. The owner of this place is a famous horse trainer call “Machin”. He will be happy to invite us over for lunch in his restaurant. After lunch, Machin will show us the horses he is training and hopefully he can give us a demonstration. Finally, we will make our way back to Echological Hotel, where we will have time to rest in the evening, before dinner.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours

Day 3: Ride across the Sierra de Comanja to Hacienda San Bernardo
After breakfast, we go for a ride in the Sierra de Comanja. We will pass by the reservoir of La Sauceda and enjoy nice views of the Sierra Alta. When the terrain allows us, we will enjoy some canters. However, the trail is mainly through a narrow and rocky path and we might have to cross some creeks along the way. At this point in our ride, the vegetation changes and you will see more nopales (cactus). 
Our destination for the day is Hacienda San Bernardo. We will have lunch there and enjoy some local specialties before going for a visit. The Hacienda has a big old barn called troje and a lot of cattle.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda San Bernardo.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours

Day 4: Hacienda San Bernardo to Hacienda San Cirilo
After breakfast, we ride to the La Sauceda reservoir and pass through a small village along the way (we can stop to buy a beer or soda). We will make our way to the Camino de Arrieros and pass by Hacienda La Galera as well as the Tlacualeche reservoir along the way, following the canal. We eventually arrive at Hacienda La Troje, where we stop for a visit. Then, we go to Hacienda San Cirilo where we will be welcomed by Pancho and Lena.
This hacienda has been refurnished by the owners and has a nice workshop of leather products (Chaps, Belts, saddles, etc). You can see how they make leather and make handcraft products.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda San Cirilo.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours

Day 5: Hacienda San Cirilo to San Miguel del Cuarenta
After breakfast, we go for a ride to the reservoir called "The 40" and enjoy some canters along the way. Then, we make our way to Hacienda San Nicolas for a short visit, before continuing riding along nice trails borders by alfalfa crops. We will arrive in the town of San Miguel del Cuarenta in time for lunch (at Hotel La Soledad Casa Rural). In the afternoon, we have time to relax in the hotel and try the liquor drink called Carajillos.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Soledad Casa Rural.
Riding approx. 4 hours

Day 6: San Miguel del Cuarenta to Puerta del Coche
Today's destination is a lovely ranch called Puerta del Coche. We will ride on nice trails surrounded by trees and with beautiful landscapes. We arrive at the ranch after some canters, just in time for lunch. For our lunch, we will try authentic Mexican food among real cowboys. After lunch, we go for a ride in the surrounding area and come back to the ranch in the evening.
Dinner will be served at the ranch around 8pm. Overnight at Puerta del Coche.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours

Day 7: Puerta del Coche to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan
After a tasty Mexican breakfast, we saddle the horses and make our way to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan.This Hacienda has been owned by the Gomez Family for over 400 years. You will receive a warm welcome from Pablo, the owner.
You will have the opportunity to taste Horalia's (Pablo's wife) amazing cooking, using family recipes passed down from generations. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy.
We will have a bonfire ready for gathering together before dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Tlalixcoyan.
Riding approx. 3 hours

Day 8: Hacienda San Cayetano to Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda
A rancher's breakfast will be served around 8AM. Then, the horses will be loaded in the trailer and we will transfer by vehicle to Hacienda San Cayetano.
When we arrive at the hacienda, we go for a ride to The Canyon of the Alcazar. A fun trail awaits with many uphill and downhill sections through the Canyon. We will see the cows and bulls of the Hacienda.
After our adventure trail ride, we come back to the Hacienda, where Pita and Juan will offer us a drink and snacks. We will also have the opportunity to taste some local specialties.
Later, Pita will do an Equinotherapy demonstration. She has been doing this for the last 20 years and it is always interesting to know more about this technique. Juan will also give us a demonstration of Mexican rein (also called charra rein).
Finally, we go for one last short ride, in order to get to the Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda. Enjoy SPA and other hotel facilities including the swimming pool, hot tub & the bar.
Farewell dinner in the Corral, or restaurant & overnight at Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda.
Riding approx. 5 hours

Day 9: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

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Option C - Combo Luxury & Land of Tequila

Day 1: Arrive to Leon Airport (BJX) or Aguascalientes Airport (AGU).
Pick up and Transfer to Hacienda San Cirilo. This Hacienda is owned by Jorge Alias Pancho and his wife Lena from Switzerland. They are devoted horse lovers who enjoy nothing more than working with their own horses. They will welcome you with open arms and show you to your room. At San Cirlo you will live in the ambience of the rancher life. If there is time, we will pick our horses and do an introductory short ride. Welcome drink will be offer by Pancho and Lena, then we will eat a very good homemade dinner. Accommodations in this Hacienda.

Day 2:
We will have a ranchers breakfast on the first morning, which is a great way to be introduced to the delicious Mexican food. Saddle horses for today’s ride. As soon as we leave San Cirilo, we will pass. The Franciscans missionaries placed it 300 years ago, which also has a good view of the landscape. Once we pass by corn fields and alfalfa, and cross the river, we can do our first canter. As soon as we arrive to La Estancia, we will visit this beautiful rural mansion with lots of antiques furniture. Lunch in La estancia. After lunch we will continue riding in the hacienda fields cross-country. We continue our afternoon ride on a large open field and across cactus fields. On our way back to the hacienda, sometimes we see some deer running around. When we arrive at the hacienda San Cirilo, Lena starts making dinner while we’re outside drinking a nice cold beer or a good Tequila in the shadow of the patio.. We all fill our stomachs with the delicious Mexican meal Lena has prepared for us. Night in San Cirilo.

Day 3:
Breakfast in San Cirilo. Today we will ride towards Hacienda San Rafael through the old Camino Real where we can do some canters. We will have a wonderful view of the mountains of the Sierra of Cuatroalba. While walking along the road, ask Pancho to tell you the tales about the Pilgrims that first arrived to Mexico, the Indians learning how to ride, or the horses the Spanish brought over. Arrive in Hacienda San Rafael, which was built in 1845. The owner, Mrs. Maria Serrano will welcome you with open arms and show you around. This hacienda offers wide green areas and at the front of this rural mansion, archery practice is available. The food here is base on antique Mexican recipes, spiced with fresh herbals grew in their orchard and fashioned in a very special way. Lunch will be made for you and will be served in the Hacienda Restaurant. This Hacienda is a secretive and special place, with lots or butterflies, birds, and a good ambiance. Free evening to do as you like. Hiking is a popular activity in this hacienda, where you can stretch your legs and visit the San Antonio Dam and Cañaditas´s dam. The property is 500 Hectares, with many different well-maintained trails to choose from. Dinner in the Hacienda Restaurant. Night in suite in San Rafael.

Day 4:
Breakfast in San Rafael. Saddle horses and ride for 5 hours through pine and oak forests to la Sierra of Cuatroalba and La Sierra of Comanja. We start our ride in the old Camino Real where we will pass by Hacienda San José de los Ranchos and then we will start ascending the hills with spectacular views. The landscape will change as we keep ascending. We get an amazing lookout at the peak and continue our descent to Hacienda San José de los Ranchos. We enjoy an appetizer and cold beer in Hacienda San José de los Ranchos for a well-deserved break and afterwards continue Riding towards Hacienda San Rafael for 1 hour. Maria Serrano will offer us a magnificent lunch back at the hacienda. We have a free evening to relax. Night in a Suite san Rafael.

Day 5:
Breakfast in Hacienda San Rafael. Ride from San Rafael to Hacienda La Labor for 3 hours. On the trail we will visit hacienda Sanfandila with beautiful gardens as we pass. Once we reach hacienda La Labor, we will have the opportunity to see this hacienda and also see their Lienzo Charro (Arena where the Charros practice).As we continue to Hacienda Sepulveda, we pass through Lagos River, where we will be able to see and ride through the Elms Tree forest. Arrive to Hotel Hacienda Sepulveda & SPA,  a small luxury Boutique hotel where we are offered a tour and welcoming margarita. Lunch in Mamalena Restaurant. Free evening to do many activities such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, carriage ride, Jacuzzi, or swimming pool. Diner in Mamalena Restaurant of traditional Mexican cuisine. The food in this hacienda is from antiques recipes passed through generations of the Serrano Family. Night in a suite in Hacienda Sepulveda.

Day 6:
After our delicious breakfast in Hacienda Sepúlveda’s restaurant “Mamalena”, we saddle our horses and start our ride to Hacienda San Cayetano Ranch. We cross the Camino Real and take a trail that leads us through a little village called Chipinque. From the back of our horses, we salute the locals and their children and after having passed through the village, a whole new world of thickly grown cactus fields and magnificent nature awaits us. We ride through the beautiful canyon called Cañon de los Alcazar where we encounter groups of cows. Jorge even gives a small demonstration on how to catch a cow with his rope. We do some nice canters in this canyon and head back for our lunch at Hacienda San Cayetano. At San Cayetano, the owners Pita and Juan are already waiting for us and the table is already set for a magnificent Mexican meal ! We start with some appetizers and drinks outside and then move to the dining room of the ranch, where we enjoy our superb meal together with the family. Afterwards, Pita tells us about her work: she does equine therapy: horse riding therapy for disabled children. If time allow us we will go by car around 10 min away to a Potrero we will be able to see around 35 mares with their colts. It's a fun experience to see the mares in stampede coming towards us as we sound the horn of the car in hopes for a feeding. We jump back in the saddle and head home to the comfort of Hacienda Sepúlveda. The horses also feel we’re heading towards their stables and so we have some long canters on a trail leading straight home. We arrive at sunset at the hacienda and let our horses have their well-deserved rest. And we do the exact same thing!
Dinner in Mamalena Restaurant. Night in a suite.

Day 7:
Option A: Today we go for a 3 hour ride to a beautiful 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 an hour and a half we start following the Lagos river. Riding along this river, we have plenty of shadow AND plenty of opportunities to do some cantering! On our way to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan we also pass a deserted hacienda “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, all homemade by the lady of the house Horalia. The homemade flan is the best there is in Mexico! After lunch, Pablo shows us around in his beautiful hacienda with its magnificent history. After signing their guestbook, we climb back on our horses for our ride back to Hacienda Sepúlveda. During the last part of our journey back, we see the sun set and we depend on the moonlight to guide us on our way home… A memorable experience! Optional visit the Colonial town of Lagos de Moreno a UNESCO world heritage. Dinner in Mamalena Restaurant. Night in Hacienda Sepulveda.

Option B: Hacienda Sepulveda – Equestrian Center of La Herencia. The Equestrian Center named “La Herencia” is a 2.5 hour ride away. Eugenio Macias, a regional well-known horse trainer and horse whisper, will show us how the Natural Horsemanship is preformed. We will be able to ride in the arena and practice our riding skills by learning how to do some team penning, or learn how to rope in the Mexican styles. You can also do jumping. We will have a Ranchero meal (Cowboy lunch), with a nice cold beer. After lunch we will continue riding 3 hours towards Hacienda Sepulveda. Dinner and night in Hacienda Sepulveda.

Day 8:
Breakfast in Mamalena Restaurant in the Hacienda. 9:00 am transfer by car to Sabindas Ranch. Today we will ride cross-country in one of our favourite rides mentioned by our guest riders in their reviews.
This is a ranch of 1200 hectares has a diversity of trails and landscape views. We will ride mostly on through the trails of the cattle and some parts on the road where we will be able to do some cantering.  There are some climbs and down the hills that required your expertise. We will ride along the Sabindas Dam, which is a very old dam built by the Great Grand Father of the owner. BBQ Lunch with Ernesto Serrano and family where will feel the real Mexican hospitality. Transfer by Car to Hacienda Sepulveda in the evening. After days on the saddle, a SPA treatment will be perfect, so you can make and appointment. Dinner in Mamalena Restaurant.

Day 9:
Breakfast in Hacienda Sepulveda. Transfer to the airport.

                                        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

Option A - Luxury Tour Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent in Hacienda Sepulveda. The present owners, the Serranos, have had the property for 3 generations.  Hacienda Sepulveda has been a working ranch for 360 years and dates back to the 17th century. It is now a 4-star boutique Hotel with 23 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.



Option B – Land of Tequila Accommodations
This is a progressive ride with 7 different accommodations.

Nights 1 & 2: Echological Hotel
Ecological hotel offers you to stay in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, in the heart of the Guanajuato and Jalisco mountains. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Night 3: Hacienda San Bernardo
This authentic and historic hacienda (constructed in 1850) offers simple accommodation.

Night 4: 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.

Night 5: Hotel La Soledad Casa Rural
This hotel offers spacious bedrooms with private bathroom and decorated with local artefacts. Guests can relax in the garden or go for a swim in the outdoor swimming pool. Wi-Fi is not available at this property.

Night 6: Puerta del Coche Ranch


Night 7: Hacienda Tlalixcoyan


Night 8: Hacienda Sepulveda
The present owners, the Serranos, have had the property for 3 generations.  Hacienda Sepulveda has been a working ranch for 360 years and dates back to the 17th century. It is now a 4-star boutique Hotel with 23 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.



Option C – 5 Haciendas 

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride with 4 different accommodations.

Nights 1 & 2: Sierra de Alta Ranch
This ranch features simple rooms with private bathrooms. There is no Wi-Fi available here.

or

Nights 1 & 2: Hacienda Vergel de la Sierra
Vergel de la Sierra is a former Jesuit hacienda located in the middle of the mountains. It features spacious and comfortable ensuite rooms with incredible views of the sierra. Wireless internet access is provided.

Nights 3 & 4: Echological Hotel
Ecological hotel offers you to stay in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, at the heart of the Guanajuato and Jalisco mountains. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Nights 5 & 6: 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.

Nights 7 & 8: Hacienda Sepulveda
The present owners, the Serranos, have had the property for 3 generations.  Hacienda Sepulveda has been a working ranch for 360 years and dates back to the 17th century. It is now a 4-star boutique Hotel with 23 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 three 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 16 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.