Rates Note:

Transfers from Leon (BJX) or Aguacalientes (AGU) are included. Transfers from Guadalajarra (GDL) can be arranged at additional cost.

Sample Itinerary - the sequence of the haciendas may change from week to week.
Day 1:  You will be met at the airport in Leon (BJX) and transferred to the Hacienda Ahito.  After settling in, its time to meet the horses!  Lena and Jorge, the owners of El Ahito, will recommend a great horse to match your skill level, but of course, the riders can decide which horse they want to ride (although we recommend you listen to Lena and Jorge’s advice as they know their horses best).  If time permits, choose your horse and familiarize your self with him on a short, 2 hour ride through the hacienda’s fields.  After freshening up, meet for a special welcome dinner. Overnight at the hacienda. 



Day 2:  After a hearty, homemade breakfast of fresh eggs and delicious fruit, head to the stables for a short introductory ride.  If you did not choose your horse yesterday, now is your chance!  Ride around the hacienda and get to know your horse until lunchtime.  Lena will have prepared a marvelous lunch for you in the cozy kitchen of the hacienda and you can pair it with a cold, refreshing beer.  As you eat, Jorge will entertain you with one of his many cowboy stories. 

After lunch, mount your horse for a second ride.  Here is your first chance to be a part of the real cowboy experience.  Canter through the many fields belonging to El Ahito until we reach the heard of cattle.  Everyone has a chance to search for the cattle and when we find them Jorge and Lena will give a demonstration of how they usually work their horses. 

Enjoy a relaxing dinner, a couple of nice cold drinks, and a hot shower before going to bed at this authentic working ranch. 



Day 3: A healthy, delicious breakfast at Hacienda El Ahito is the best way to start a long day of riding, and it is a good send off as we make our way to our next destination, El Rebozo Ranch.  There are many chances for long canters through the cactus fields and around stunning lakes.  Occasionally you may spot a curious loose horse that has shown up to join the ride!

At noon we arrive at the cozy ranch of El Rebozo and receive a warm welcome by the owner, Jorge de Alba.  Jorge gives the group an introductory tour of the ranch showing off his collection from the Old Wild West.  You can join Jorge for some smooth tequila, or opt for a friendlier drink – either will help get your blood flowing for our second ride of the day.
We start out the afternoon ride in a large open field, weaving through the herd of wild horses calmly grazing nearby.  Continuing across cactus fields, we eventually leave the normal trail and make our way through the wall to a new field.  Pause to enjoy the beautiful view before helping Lena and Jorge search the field for newborn foals!  If you are lucky, you will spot a newborn foal running alongside its mother.  The evening is also the best time to spot wildlife such as the resident deer of the area, so keep your eyes open on the way back to the hacienda! 

When we arrive at the hacienda, relax in the shade while dinner is prepared.  After a delicious dinner we head off to Hacienda Sepúlveda for the night.  The Jacuzzi in the garden makes a moonlit swim too tempting to resist!  

Day 4:  Spend the morning relaxing at the spa and enjoying breakfast in Hacienda Sepúlveda’s restaurant, Malmalena.  When everyone is ready to move on, saddle up and ride to San Cayetano Ranch. 

Cross the Camino Real and take a trail that leads through a village called Chipinque.  Wave to the children who are excited to see the visitors who are passing through!  Wind through a whole new world of thickly grown cactus fields and appreciate the magnificent natural beauty of the area.  Jorge leads the way to trails hidden from the rest of the world so we can ride where nobody has ever ridden before!

Ride through the beautiful canyon called La Cañada/Canyon de los Alcazar and encounter a heard of cows.  Jorge may take this opportunity to demonstrate how to rope a cow.  Spend some time riding in the canyon with the cows, ask Jorge if you can practice roping one yourself!  Head back to San Cayetano for lunch.
Back at San Cayetano, the owner is waiting for us and the table is already set for a magnificent Mexican meal!  After lunch, jump back in the saddle and head home to the comfort of Hacienda Sepúlveda.  The horses are excited to head back to the stable and are eager for the long canter back along the trail that leads straight back to the ranch.  We arrive at sunset and take a well deserved rest. 

Day 5 : A morning ride is followed by a City Tour of Guanajuato -- Guanajuato is one of the most important historical and cultural cities of Mexico, known for its colonial Spanish architecture. The whimsical path of its streets, its peaceful squares and gardens and the beauty of its buildings, give Guanajuato city a romantic touch. Don’t miss Kiss Alley - famous for its legend of eternal love, this romantic spot is formed by two balconies just 23 inches apart.

Day 6: Take a three hour ride to a beautiful, authentic hacienda – Hacienda Tlalixcoyan.  Pass through alfalfa fields, follow the ancient Camino Real and over its quaint little bridges.  An hour and a half flies by on this trail and soon you are on the Lagos River.  Riding along this river, there is plenty of shade and plenty of opportunities to do some cantering!
Keep your eyes open for a deserted hacienda along the way.  You may find cows grazing in the living room!  A great place for a photo op. 

Pablo Gomez-Protugal greets the group as we ride in to Hacienda Tlalixcoyan to introduce us to his home before dinner.  The homemade meal is made by the lady of the Horalia house, and her homemade flan is the best in Mexico!  After lunch and enjoying the beautiful land, head back to Hacienda Sepúlveda.  Ride as the sun goes down, and then by moonlight…a mesmerizing, once in a lifetime experience. 

Day 7: On the last riding day, saddle up for a short ride towards Hacienda La Labor. The morning is yours to have a nice massage, enjoy a late breakfast, or relax in the pool at Hacienda Sepúlveda. 

At noon, jump in the saddle and ride through beautiful fields to Hacienda La Labor.  Owner Don Jesus Vega and his family greet their new guests even before you reach the stable.  Don Jesus, a real authentic Mexican, gives a tour and shares the history of the Hacienda and his family.  Enjoy appetizers and drinks at the bar as lunch is prepared, and then listen to the entertaining melodies of tradition Mexican songs performed live! 

After lunch (and don’t miss the homemade ice cream!), relax on the patio while the children of the hacienda perform a charrería – doing all kinds of tricks with ropes, and give an impressive exhibition on horseback.  Have a laugh trying on authentic Mexican sombreros, and spend the afternoon enjoying time with your new friends. 

Ride back to Hacienda Sepúlveda in the late afternoon for the last ride of the trip.  Say your goodbyes to your horse and rest up for your following day of travel. 



Day 8: Departure after breakfast and transfer to the airport in Leon.

At an elevation of 5,700 feet this region has a very pleasant and moderate climate with an average temperature of 19 degree Celsius. 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.

You will sleep in three haciendas and visit other two.
Hacienda Sepulveda
This 5-star hacienda was built in 1684 and has recently been refurnished to cater to the modern world with eleven spacious suites, you can be part of a colonial version of Mexico with all the commodities of home! Each of the lavishly furnished suites offers an individual decorating style with unique natural scenery. There is nothing better than the pool and spa after a day in the saddle; holistic massage, steam room, Jacuzzi and sauna.
Traditional Mexican gourmet cuisine is offered at the Mamalena Restaurant.



Hacienda Rafael
Hacienda San Rafael was constructed in the 19th century and is one of the oldest and most unique in the region. It is a place where you can rest, relax and live along with nature in a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere. The hacienda has been completely renovated, but at the same time it is still rich with the history of the revolution and the charm of the original structure. Today it offers 6 exclusive suites designed and furnished with a very typical Mexican enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy Mexican living in an antique, colorful and charming hacienda surrounded by one of the most colonial and beautiful cities in the heart of Mexico - Lagos de Moreno. Nature, flowers, piñatas, mariachis, tequila! Where silence and peace will delight your soul. Sorry no pool. Meals are prepared with fresh garden ingredients in the traditional Mexican ways.



Hacienda el Ahito
This is a family house on the estate offering a very personal ambiance. There is a very unique bar that reminds you of "old Western times". Less amenities, but lots of charm.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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.

Tack:		Mexican Charro, plus 1 Western and 1 English saddle
Horses:		Quarter, Arabian, Thoroughbred, Mexican Criollo
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters according to riding country and rider level - 3 to 6 hrs in the saddle per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Age:		Min 14	Max 72
Weight:		Max 260 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 14

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.

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