If there are varied levels of riding experience, you may be broken into two groups so everyone gets can get a bit of what they want. To a large extent, you choose how much you want to ride, and if you want to rest one afternoon or book an excursion, for example, that’s fine.
The rides take you through picturesque villages, past stately haciendas and colorful markets where you will often be the only tourist. There is much to see and experience during your stay at the ranch. Ursula offers tips and help so that you can get the most out of these interesting and exotic surroundings.
The riding starts from the ranch, every day. Subject to the time you arrive, you are free to start riding as soon as you get there.
There are many different daily rides, but no fixed itinerary, so the tours can in many cases be adapted to your preferences and interests.
Here are examples of the daily programs.
Day Ride 1:
After a hearty Mexican breakfast, you ride to the old Tandeje hacienda, which was built in 1685. A cobblestone path takes you through an old oak forest where the trees are weighed down by Spanish moss and old roots grow between the stones. Once you have passed the woods you reach a waterfall.
After lunch you will pass El Huizachal in the old part of San Agustin Buenavista. There is a Lienzo "charro ring", a place where they hold festivities with horses. Behind the Lienzo, there is a really beautiful view of two of the three waterfalls located next to the ranch.
Back at the ranch, you can relax on the patio with a refreshing beer or a Margarita before you are served a gourmet dinner.
Day 2:
Friday is market day in the town of Jilotepec. About 30 minutes by car from the ranch, you have the opportunity to explore the largest market in the region where people from the surrounding districts come and sell their goods. You can buy everything from different animals, colorful vegetables and fruits, fashionable sombreros, leather boots, equipment for horse and riders and lots of chili peppers. If you want to go to the market so, book and paid once you are there.
After the market you can go on an an afternoon ride.You cross the Rio Rosas, galloping along the old canal and then climb up the hill for sunset. Here you get an amazing view over the ranch. Then a final gallop back to the ranch in time for dinner.
Day Ride 3:
This morning, you ride up through the mountains. You will pass local cemeteries where in early November del Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - is celebrated. You then follow the river to the center of the village of San Agustin Buenavista and see the church built in 1701. You continue then along the river back to the ranch. In the afternoon you are driven to the archaeological site Atlantes of Tula (optional and booked and paid locally). After you have gone up the stairs to the temple, you can admire the giant stone figures. After this you will visit the city of Tula. This is a popular place to look out over the main square, the main meeting place on the town.
Day Ride 4:
After crossing the Rio Rosas, you get to gallop through corn and flower fields. You will pass the racetrack where illegal horse races are usually held once a month. From there, you follow the old Spanish built stone road to El Bordo Viejo and cross the type of Mexican countryside you might recognize from the movies. Heading back to the ranch, you will pass through some rocky terrain that the horses can handle with ease.
Day Ride 5:
After breakfast, you ride north through the village of Vista Hermosa, which means ‘beautiful view’. From there, after a steep climb, you head up to the Cerro del Ahorcado "the hanged man's hill" with a 360 ° view of the pink church of Heroes de Carranza and the Lake District. A gallop through eucalyptus trees and then down to the lake where the horses love to cool off by the water’s edge.
Back at the ranch, you can look out over the water and eat an arrachera steak cooked the Mexican way on the barbeque grill under the big oak tree.
In the afternoon, you take a different path down and across the river, then take a steep climb and after riding through some small ponds, you gallop up a hill where you enjoy a breathtaking view of the ranch. A long gallop takes you back across the open fields, and finally to the ranch. Why not relax with your favorite drink and listen to some Mexican music in the background while dinner is prepared.
Day Ride 6:
Today you pack your swimsuits. On the way to the Mexicaltongo springs, you will visit a hacienda called La Goleta, which was built around 1690. You continue over open fields until you reach the village of Zaragoza and then you gallop further across the fields to the cool springs of Mexicaltongo next to the village of El Tejon, where you then eat picnic. On the way back, you ride over an old stone bridge "Puente del Muite" and for the last section, you ride under shady trees along the river.
Day Ride 7:
Today's ride takes you 600 meters (2000 ft) up in to the mountains. The landscape changes quickly as the horses start to climb up behind the small villages. Further up the mountains, the landscape is filled with cactus and tequila plants. A gallop across the high plateau takes you to the other side where you descend to the city of San Francisco Soyaniquilpan de Juarex. This is where the Rio Rosas (which flows next to the ranch) starts its journey through the valley. For lunch you eat at a local restaurant where you can taste the local cuisine. On the way back, you ride through San Agustin Buenavista.
Departure Day: You drive to Mexico City Airport in time for your departure. If you have a late departure, you have the opportunity to ride in the surrounding area before you leave for the airport. Or you can choose to stay a few extra days and experience some more thrilling rides.
