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% difficult
Physical effort required: 85% easy- 15% moderate
On the trail: 6 riding days (6-8 hours a day)

Required riding level for the Horse Expedition:
Intermediate - A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
Difficulty of terrain:  45% easy- 40% intermediate – 15% difficult
Physical effort required: 75% easy- 20% intermediate - 5% difficult
On the trail: 6 riding days (7-9 hours a day)

Itinerary


Note: itineraries below can change due to territory or weather unpredictable changes. Guides are looking after the safety of riders and horses, he or she can take any decisions or change on the original itinerary to assure security of the group at all time.

Sample Itinerary: Silver Route - 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: Horse Expedition - subject to changes

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, 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 Peregrina Mountain
After a delicious breakfast and an appropriate allocation of horses, we will start our adventure from Colomitos towards the mountain range of Peregrina, which is part of the massif of Central Sierra. A small abandoned mining village is located at the base of the mountain which holds the stories and legends of the place. As we pass through this unique place, we will see some silver vein on the ground. We will ride along the old trail that borders a mountainous area and passes through a cave that contains a spring of clear water, seeping through the mountains of Peregrina. We will go on ascending into the woodland, home of hundreds of animal species such as mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons, armadillos, and many others.
You can choose to join a free activity (must be requested at time of booking): How to make guacamole.
Riding approx. 23 Kilometers (Mountainous terrain)
Accommodation: Open country camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 3: Peregrina Mountain to Guanajuato
Waking up to the sound of birds and the smell of fresh coffee is like waking up in heaven. The guides will have prepared a delicious country breakfast that we will enjoy before continuing the adventure.
Today, we will make our way to Guanajuato, a colonial city with beautiful buildings that contain the elements from the 2 main cultures that created the city: Indian 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.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers
Accommodation: Hotel Socavon ***  or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 4: Guanajuato to Santa Rosa
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, prepare yourself to be amazed on today's journey to the Santa Rosa Mountains, reaching heights of 2,800 meters above sea level. We will pass by old buildings dating from the colonial era, that have now been reduced to ruins, largely because of treasure hunters. We will see ancient haciendas, abandoned mine shafts, and wonderful rock formations.
Our destination of the day is the village of Santa Rosa, a small settlement nestled in the heart of the Sierra. Set in a typical Mexican landscape of mountain villages, this city is famous for its natural-based cuisine.
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.
You can choose to take part in a free activity (must be requested at time of booking): How to make a margarita cocktail.
Riding approx. 25 Kilometers
Accommodation: Mountain Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Tequila tasting, Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 5: Santa Rosa to Los Guamares Mountain
After our breakfast at the mountain retreat, we get ourselves ready for our riding day through the heart of the central highlands. It is the most bio-diversified area of the state, full of big mountains with oak, pine, and arbutus forests. All day long, we will be followed by bird songs and surrounded by majestic and changing natural environments. We will have the opportunity to pass by the old mine El Molino which was, during the colonial era, very important for silver vein. We eventually reach the mountain of Guamares, which owes its name to one of the Chichimeca tribes who inhabited the area hundreds of years ago.
At night, in the camp, we will enjoy a delicious dinner, prepared by our guides.
You can choose to take part in a free activity (must be requested at time of booking): How to track wild animals.
Riding approx. 31 Kilometers
Accommodation: Open country camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 6: Los Guamares Mountain to Otomi Mountain
After our delicious breakfast served by our guides at the campsite, we will continue our horse expedition through mountains of the central highlands. On the mountainside, we will be crossing through pumas, coyotes, and wildcats’ territories. We will pass by hidden army barracks that Pancho Villa and his brave soldiers used during the Revolutionary War.
In the evening, we will return to our camp to enjoy dinner and night.
You can choose to take part in a free activity (must be requested at time of booking): How to make a proper campfire.
Riding approx. 27 Kilometers
Accommodation: Open country camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 7: Otomi Mountain to Spring Waters Ranch
After breakfast, we will leaves the mountains and continue our journey on horseback to enter a semi-desert zone, surrounded by cacti and desert trees. We will be crossing small typical Mexican villages that characterizes the landscapes of Mexico. Our ride takes us to the thermal waters of El Gallinero Ranch, where we will spend the night. Upon arrival, we can enjoy a rich bath in its thermal waters that will provide a comforting rest. Later we will enjoy dinner in this wonderful place.
You can choose to take part in a free activity (must be requested at time of booking): How to make a perfect taco.
Riding approx. 35 Kilometers
Accommodation: Camp in a ranch
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water

Day 8: Dolores Hidalgo
After breakfast and another dip in the hot springs, we will be transferred by car to the city of Dolores Hidalgo.
Today we will have the fortune 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" 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, a real Mexican cantina, or just walk around and visit stores with a great variety of local handicrafts. Afterwards, will enjoy our dinner at a unique Mexican restaurant located in the main garden. It is an old house dating back from the eighteenth century and known for serving delicious traditional dishes. The garden is decorated with beautiful flowers and is lit by fireflies flitting through the gardens- truly an ambience to be enjoyed! We will appreciate the culinary arts of the area, mainly based on natural products, which by its simplicity excites the senses.
By the evening we will enjoy a fun farewell cocktail,
Accommodation: Hotel Anber or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services.
Meals included: Breakfast



Taste of Mexico Extension
Continues from Day 8 of your riding trip

Day 8: Archeological Sites
After breakfast, pick up at the hotel and private transfer to visit 2 archeological pre-hispanic sites: Peralta & Cañada de la Virgen.
Cañada de la Virgen is an Otomi archaeological site that has been recently excavated. Peralta dates back to 300-700 CE, when the Teotihuacan was declining and the Tula was rising.
Lunch will be taken in the area. Then we will continue to our accommodations in a lovely rustic hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Piedra****  or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and boxed lunch (no dinner)

Day 9: Tequila Factory & Plazuelas Archeological Site
We'll have breakfast at 9:00am and then visit the Tequila Corralejo Factory. After the visit, we will be transferred to Plazuelas archeological site (prehispanic mesoamerican). We will then transfer to Leon.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte León***  or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and boxed lunch (no dinner)

Day 10: Leon
Guided visit of the historic side of the city and the leather market. At the market, you will be available to find all kinds of leather products with a huge variety of shoes and of course Mexican saddles and tack as well as the most original, charro outfit. In the evening, we visit the modern side of Leon.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte León***  or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (no dinner)

Day 11: Departure
You can do a personal walking tour or visit shopping areas. Program ends at noon.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Colonial Villages Trail

Dates Note:
For groups of 6 we can arrange additional departure dates.

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

Climate:
                                            Guanajuato area