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Join us in rural
Mexico unchanged by time... ride
past farmers plowing with oxen,
longhorn cattle, goats and
sheep free-grazing on rocky
terrain... cross flowing rivers with
tumbling waterfalls, see egrets and
ducks roosting on tranquil lakes as
the horses splash along the water's
edge.
The countryside changes quickly as
we begin the climb beyond the small
villages into the mountains where
the landscape is filled with cactus
and tequila plants... you will
be able to dismount and explore the
ruins of an 18th century hacienda,
as well as enjoy a picnic on the
plateau of the summit…
Only 50 miles north of Mexico City,
the riding at this ranch, surrounded
by three waterfalls at an elevation
of 7.500 ft, is unlimited. There are
no boundaries or fences throughout
the magnificent countryside.
Discover unsurpassed hospitality,
scenery and equestrian riding in the
heart of Mexico…
The seven day ride ’MEXICO LINDO’
is designed for the intermediate
rider. Rides include all day trips,
lunch breaks with picnics in the
shadows of the trees beside the
waterfalls, short hikes to visit
canyons, observe wild horses still
grazing open land, or swim in a
naturally heated stream. Climb the
mountains on horseback for a
breathtaking 360º view of the
countryside. There are many
opportunities to canter or gallop
across the open fields prior to
entering canyons, crossing rivers or
climbing rocks.
 IT-MXRLC02
2007 Rates are ‘all
inclusive’ meals,
drinks, daily riding
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,320
Single +$240
additional days with meals and
riding $220
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HT SPECIAL
INTRO OFFER
7 days/ 6 nights $ 975
Single +$180
.. add $100 for Dec 22 and 28 trips
additional days with meals and
riding $159
5- and
11-day trips are available
2007 DATES:
01/14-01/20
01/28-02/03 02/11-02/17
02/25-03/03 03/11-03/17
03/25-03/31
04/08-04/14 04/22-04/28
05/06-05/12
05/20-05/26
06/03-06/09
06/17-06/23
07/01-07/07
07/15-07/21
07/29-08/04
08/12-08/18 08/26-09/01
09/09-09/15
09/23-09/29 10/07-10/13
10/21-10/27
11/04-11/10 11/18-11/24
12/02-12/08
12/16-12/22 12/22-12/28*
12/28-01/03*
...
additional dates upon request
Extra
Special : 1 extra night
(1 day earlier arrival) Free plus no
charge for airport transfer
availability & reservation
Meeting: Hidalgo
Airport: Mexico
City
Transfer: $145 per
car (up to 4 people)
return from Mexico
City airport - to pay locally
Level:
Rides can be catered to any
riding level - we suggest an
intermediate level to enjoy all
excursions
Tack:
Mexican Charro
Horses:
Quarter and Criollos mix
Max Riders: 12
Min Age: 12
Pace: All paces with many
opportunities for long canters. Less
experienced riders will go with a
separate guide.
Included: Riding on
all days; all lodgings at the ranch;
international gourmet meals served
three times daily; a kitchen open 24
hours, stocked with huge bowls of
fresh fruit, snacks, freshly
squeezed juices, bottled water, hot
tea & coffee; an open bar providing
alcoholic or non-alcoholic
beverages; daily room service;
drives to the weekly Market in
Jilotepec and the archeological site
of the Atlants of Tula (as
programmed); use of Jacuzzi;
satellite T.V.; 24 hr internet
access; and service charges
(gratuities optional)
Note: not included
are private Painting Instructions
with local artist, laundry services
Accommodating different rider levels
– Any mixed group can be divided
into various rides. We always
provide personalized attention and
will organize each day’s rides to
meet our guest’s preferences. Often
a morning sunrise ride is followed
by a quiet afternoon at the ranch,
in preparation for an evening sunset
ride. During the sunset ride, horse
and rider both enjoy the sun’s
glorious display as it slips
silently behind the mountain range.
Our rates include the best room
available upon arrival. If you like
to be guaranteed to stay in one of
the Deluxe Casitas, there is a
charge of $60 per Casita (Cabin)
per night. Upgrade to the Deluxe
Patio Room is $30 per room per night
- of course only on availability
basis at time of booking.
Lodgings:
Built in 2003 by Swiss owner and
operator Ursula, the amenities sport
a European flare. Three gourmet
meals, prepared with fresh local
ingredients and designed to
individual guest preferences are
served daily in the rustic dining
room. Outside dining under the big
oak tree or picnic stops during a
ride are also guest favorites. The
kitchen is open 24 hours,
encouraging a late night snack or
early morning mug of coffee and a
well stocked bar is located in the
great room for unlimited guest use.
Four clean, well-appointed rooms
with king beds, private baths and
tiled shower all open onto a fresh
air courtyard with fountain and hot
tub. There are two separate cottages
with sitting rooms and a porch
providing more privacy.
Sample 7-day itinerary
Day 1
Morning arrivals
will be able, after a short
introduction, to ride in the
afternoon on this very first day.
At an easy pace we will explore the
countryside close to the ranch.
Riding through the village of ‘El
Colorado’ we will be able to observe
how the locals live. Across the
wide, open country we arrive at the
‘Bordo de San Bartolo’ a little lake
in the middle of nowhere! On our
ride back in the sunset we will
cross the river ‘Rio Rosas’ and upon
arrival you will enjoy your first
good Mexican Tequila from horseback!
Late arrivals will be attended at
any time. Often these arrivals are
able to go for an extra morning ride
on the day of departure.
Day 2:
After a rich Mexican breakfast we
will head to the old Hacienda of
Tandeje. Built in 1685 the walls
still try to tell us of the past. A
cobbled stone path takes us to the
enchanted forest of old oak trees
heavy with Spanish moss, roots
growing between the rocks overflowed
by a river at the base of the
waterfall are a few of the sights
along the route. After lunch we will
pass by ‘El Huizachal’ of the old
part of San Agustin Buenavista, the
old lienzo charro ‘charro ring’ a
place where they have festivities
with horses. Behind the lienzo we
will have a great view of two of the
three Cascadas (waterfalls) which
are located next to the ranch. Relax
in the Patio with a refreshing
‘Cerveza’ (beer) or a tasty
Margarita before trying a nice
gourmet dinner.
Day 3:
Today’s morning ride will take us
along the hill. We pass by the local
graveyard where always at the
beginning of November big
celebrations del ‘Dia de los Muertos’
day of the dead, are going on. We
follow then the river into our
village center of San Agustin
Buenavista. Our church was built in
1701…We cross then the village and
we will again join the river on our
way back to ranch.
Lunch with barbeque under the great
shade tree…
In the afternoon we will drive to
the archeological site of the
Atlants of Tula. This site was built
around … and you will be able to
admire the giant stone figures once
you climbed the steep stairs to the
temple. After the Atlants we will
visit the town center of Tula From
our favorite spot we can overlook
the colorful Zocalo (main square)
which is everybody’s meeting place
where we will also be able to mix
with the locals.
Day 4:
After crossing the ‘Rio Rosas’ we
take an easy canter between the corn
fields. Pass by the race track where
once a month there are held some
‘illegal’ horse races. From there we
follow the the old Spanish plastered
stone road towards el ‘Bordo Viejo’
and cross some Mexican countryside
as you know it from the movies. Back
to the ranch we will cross some
rocky terrain which the horses
manage without any problems. After
this showing of trust we are sure
you will wish you could take your
horse along in your hand luggage.
Lunch will be at the ranch as today
is also the departure day for group
one and the arrival day for group
two. Hopefully you are with the
lucky ones… staying on for the
second tour!
The afternoon ride takes us along
the canyon to the village of ‘Xochitlan’.
Sunday is a leisurely way of living
in the village and a visit takes to
their beautiful old church. A canter
or gallop will take us back into the
sunset. Horse and rider both will
enjoy the sun’s glorious display as
it slips silently behind the
mountain range.
Day 5:
Today you have to pack your swimming
trunks. On the way to the wells of
Mexicaltongo we visit the hacienda
called ‘La Goleta’ which was built
around 1690. You can see the wrought
iron from Sweden in the windows, the
tiles from Spain covering the front
porch and the original blue wall
paintings. The old aqueduct is still
providing the water for the many
families living there. Through open
fields we get to the village of
Zaragoza and from there we canter
cross country to arrive to the
refreshing wells of Mexicaltongo
next to the village of El Tejon
where we will have a picnic and some
rest.
On the way pack we cross the old
stone bridge ‘Puente del Muite’ and
the last part takes us along the
river under shady trees. Enjoy your
sunset cocktail and dinner at the
ranch.
Day 6:
Today the ride takes you 2,000 feet
up the mountain. The countryside
changes quickly as the sure-footed
horses begin the climb beyond the
small villages into the mountains
where the landscape is filled with
cactus and tequila plants... a
gallop across the high plains takes
us to the other side where we
descend towards our district town of
San Francisco Soyaniquilpan de
Juarez. Here the Rio Rosas, our
river, starts its journey through
the valley from underneath a big
tree ‘El Arbold de la Virgen’
blessed be a statue of the Virgin
Guadalupe which was put inside the
trunk of the tree.
Today’s lunch will be taken at a
colorful Mexican Fonda ‘La Mesita
Campestra’ tasting true local
cuisine.
On the way back we pass our village
of San Agustin Buenavista with its
church finished by 1701.
Early dinner at the ranch allowing
time to enjoy a ‘full’ moon ride!
Day 7:
Today is the final ride of your stay
at the Ranch. Only late departures
or those with “Extra Nights” may be
able to join us for one last lope
through the wide open countryside.
Our driver will bring you back to
the airport.
Itinerary
subject to change!
Additional
days - samples:
-
After a tasty
breakfast we ride north through the
village of Vista Hermosa which
translates into ‘beautiful view’
from there a steep climb takes us up
the Cerro del Ahorcado ‘the hanged
mans hill’, with a 360º view of the
pink church of Heroes de Carranza
and the Lake District. A canter
beneath the eucalyptus tree rows
takes us down to the lake where the
horses love to splash along the
shore.
Taste the rich ‘Arrachera’ beef
prepared the Mexican way on the
barbeque under our big oak tree
overlooking the ‘Cascadas’.
Afternoon takes you on another route
back down to the river. After the
crossing there is a steep climb up
the rocks. Through little ponds we
get to canter up the little hill
from where we get a spectacular view
of the ranch and Tula. A long open
canter across the takes you back to
ranch.
Why not relax in the Jacuzzi
enjoying your favorite drink
listening to Mexican music in the
background as dinner is prepared for
you.
-
Today is market day
in the town of Jilotepec.
Approximately a 30 minute drive from
the ranch you will have the
possibility to discover the biggest
weekly market in the region where
all the people from the surrounding
villages bring their goods to sell.
All types of live animals, colorful
vegetables, tasty fruits,
fashionable sombreros, fine leather
boots, tack for horse and rider and
great mounds of chili peppers are
everywhere. Back to the ranch for
lunch and a let’s “saddle up” for
the afternoon ride.
The horses will cross the flowing
‘Rio Rosas’, pick up an easy canter
along the old water channel to then
climb sunset hill. A breathtaking
view of the town of Tula and the
ranch from above. Then amble back to
the ranch with another easy canter
or walk, just in time for dinner
with today’s special Romantic
Mexican night… ‘Noche Mexico
Romantico’… which will bring back
memories of times long gone.
-
Passing through
Mexican countryside taken out of a
movie, crossing old overgrown train
rails hidden between cactus, we will
ride to ‘Los Organos’ a place
forgotten in time. The trail leads
us down into the canyon along
rivers, where wild horses roam. We
visit the ‘Peregrinos Petrificados’
a big rock formation in the middle
of nowhere where it is told that
they are Pilgrims turned into stone
because they did not want to finish
their pilgrimage.
Picnic along the river as goats
graze near-by. Here the river is
mixed with a warm well so it is
quite nice for a swim while the
horses are resting.
Homeward bound we climb up the
canyon and pass through the village
of Heroes de Carranza with its pink
church from 1697, then along the
lakeshore, arriving at the ranch
late afternoon.
- Market
day in Jilotepec is an option to the
morning ride, which takes us to the
waterfalls of El Fresno. On the way
we visit an old hacienda and with
it’s breath-taking old oak trees
where we climb to the little
sanctuary of the Virgin of
Guadalupe, the colored virgin of
Mexico. Her celebration is the
biggest celebration in Mexico,
always on the 12th of
December. People from all over
Mexico visit the original Virgin in
the Cathedral of Mexico City. From
there you have a beautiful view down
into the canyon.
We meet back at the ranch for lunch
with the retuning market shoppers!
Get your swimming trunks! This
afternoon we swim with the horses. A
30 minute ride (with or without
saddle) takes us to the lake. The
saddle comes off and you will learn
to ride and then swim bareback on
your horse. At least if you fall
off… there is only water and no hard
ground. It will be a once in a
lifetime experience and the horses,
every one of them, love this
adventure.
Back at the ranch we get ready for
an entertaining and unforgettable
evening. The theme tonight is ‘Noche
Rosa Mexicana’ the Pink Mexican
Night. If you like to coordinate to
the table deco, wear something pink!
However, it is not really necessary,
as at any dinner, you may dress
casual. This night is filled with
music and Mexican folklore, yet
another memory of Mexican life to
take home…
Also available
5 and
11 day stays:
COLORES DE MEXICO
IT-MXRLC01
5 days/ 4 nights
$ 880
Single + $
160
HT SPECIAL $
795
2007 DATES:
01/10-01/14 01/24-01/28
02/07-02/11
02/21-02/25 03/07-03/11
03/21-03/25
04/04-04/08 04/18-04/22
05/02-05/06
05/16-05/20 05/30-06/03
06/13-06/17
06/27-07/01 07/11-07/15
07/25-07/29
08/08-08/12 08/22-08/26
09/05-09/09
09/19-09/23 10/03-10/07
10/17-10/21
10/31-11/04 11/14-11/18
11/28-12/02
12/12-12/16 12/18-12/22
availability & reservation
VIVA MEXICO
IT-MXRLC03
11
days/ 10 nights $ 2,195
Single+$300
HT SPECIAL $
1,590
..
add $100 for Dec 28 trip
... combination of the 7 and 5 day
rides
03/07-03/17 03/21-03/31
04/04-04/14
04/18-04/28 05/02-05/12
05/16-05/26
05/30-06/09
06/13-06/23
06/27-07/07
07/11-07/21
07/25-08/04 08/08-08/18
08/22-09/01
09/05-09/15
09/19-09/29
10/03-10/13 10/17-10/27
10/31-11/10
11/14-11/24 11/28-12/08
12/12-12/22
12/18-12/28
Extra
Special : 2 extra nights
Free (2 days earlier arrival) plus
no charge for airport transfer
availability & reservation
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