Tlacolula Valley Explorer Ride

Introduction
Oaxaca Mexico This is our newest multi-day ride that explores the foothills and fertile farmlands of the Tlacolula valley. Meander weathered cattle trails and canter a camino real made by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago. Horse-drawn carts still work the traditional farmlands and friendly shepherds tend their livestock on the open communal lands. Ride to the Villa Ecologica of Tierra del Sol to learn about sustainable living in their real-life, hands-on center. Ride to the ethnically Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, famed for its beautiful hand-loomed weaving. Ride past agave plantations and marvel at the massive cacti along the trail.

Accomodation
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

Meals
All meals and drinks included: good, honest food. Our ranch signature fresh salads and homemade baking will supplement local specialties to ensure tasty and varied meals. For most lunches the supply vehicle will meet riders for scrumptious tailgate feasts. As always there'll be lots of fresh brewed Oaxaca coffee in the mornings and, artesan mezcal, cold bear and good wine as the sun gets low.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding

Itinerary
Day 1:
Within minutes of riding out from the ranch, trails ascend to protected lands dotted with massive yucca trees and rich in towering old-growth columnar cacti. Ride to a lookout where panorama views stretch out across the great valley of Tlacolula and up to the Sierra Juarez. Dismount, stretch and enjoy refreshing snacks in the shade. The trails then descend toward the Rio Salado where village dairy farmers drive horse-drawn carts and cut alfalfa with a scythe. The wild cane that lines banks of the river is a haven for birdlife.
Back at Rancho Pitaya, a freshly prepared meal awaits. Finish the day with a visit to the 2,000-yr. old Bald Cypress tree in El Tule or join the ranch’s cook to learn authentic Oaxacan dishes. Enjoy sunset with a fresh fruit cooler, ice cold beer or a mezcal Margarita, dinner is served al fresco on the dining terrace outdoors. Overnight in the comfortable guest rooms.

Day 2:
After breakfast on the dining terrace, ride east into the fertile farmlands of the Tlacolula valley. Meander weathered cattle trails and canter a camino real made by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago. Horse-drawn carts still work the traditional farmlands and friendly shepherds tend their livestock on the open communal lands. Ride to the Villa Ecologica of Tierra del Sol with comfortable guest cabins to overnight. After lunch, join a guided tour to learn about sustainable living in their real-life, hands-on center. Dinner at Tierra del Sol. Approx 18 km.

Day 3:
Ride from Tierra del Sol to the Zapotec community of San Miguel del Valle. Cross the valley of Tlacolula from the central valley to the northeast corner. Stop for lunch at the home of Zapotec weavers - you may want to buy a hand-woven rug. The ride ends in scrub oak forests with giant views of the Sierra Juarez. Brechas (single track agricultural lanes) lead to a spring-fed wetland. Ride the final approach to the Zapotec village of San Miguel del Valle along an ancient trail flanked by huge, old candelabra cacti and native agaves. Approx. 25 km.

Day 4:
Be packed. The ride progresses south from the cabins along the slopes of Diaz Ordaz’s traditional farmlands before turning east to ascend a bucolic mesa studded with small trails, freshwater springs, Coyote agaves, pasturelands and occasionally a friendly shepherd with his grazing cattle. The route nips into oak forests before a meandering descent to the valley floor. The last hour of the ride follows a very old camino real perfect for long canters, into the famed mezcal-making village of Matatlan. Overnight at the comprehensive installations of Gracias a Dios where every step of the mezcal-making process is beautifully exhibited. After touring the facility, called palenque, settle into a comfy home where dinner is served. Approx. 32 km.

Day 5:
Early breakfast. Today’s ride is the longest - about 40 kms., traversing east to west the valley of Tlacolula. Caminos reales (the road made by the Spaniards) lead west across the valley. Canter old farming lanes between rolling hills covered in green-blue agaves plantations. The support vehicle meets riders and horses for a sit-down tailgate lunch under towering Jacaranda trees.
Rides through a couple of sleepy Zapotec villages before crossing the Rio Salado for a final approach, through a hidden trail bordered by wild cane, to Rancho Pitaya. Refreshing drinks and the comfy guest rooms at the ranch hold welcomed relaxation before a farewell dinner under the stars.

Day 6:
Breakfast and transfers to the airport or lodging in the city of Oaxaca.

NOTE: The above is only a suggested itinerary. There are endless trails, routes and destinations, some more appropriate from one season to the next. The pace of the ride requires a confident riders comfortable with extended posting trot and canter.

Rates and Dates for Tlacolula Valley Explorer Ride

Dates Note: * alternative dates with 2 riders or more

Other Info
Meeting: Oaxaca
Airport: Oaxaca
Transfer: Oaxaca airport

Climate:

• Suitable clothing: long pants, long sleeves, covered shoes
• Water bottle (refills available)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medication