Allende Adventure Getaway

Introduction
Central Mexico Mexico
Imagine… The famous UNESCO heritage site of San Miguel de Allende - Great rides through rural countryside - Fantastic Mexican food – Margaritas – Zen & Wellness – Art & Culture…

Experience our all-inclusive ranch in the heart of Mexico.  Visitors from around the world stay here to experience the true colors of Mexico through exceptional horseback riding and cultural adventures accented by comfortable accommodations, great amenities, fine food and friendly service. The Ranch sits high above the mountain plains and is nestled amidst more than 500,000 acres of pristine countryside offering limitless guided trails and open-range horseback riding for all abilities.  No artist could paint a more perfect landscape.  Majestic mountains, open fields, peaceful lake waters, and lush vistas await. 

It's always a beautiful day to ride as the area boasts 333 days of sunshine each year and year-round midday temperatures around 75°F/22°C.  While riding, stop in one of the pueblos (small towns) for a drink and explore.  The wranglers can introduce you to the locals and highlight points of interest. If you prefer to exchange time in the saddle for a more robust sightseeing, cultural or shopping tour, English-speaking guides will take care of every detail.  They are proud to share their history and show off their beautiful country. And, if relaxing is more your style, spend your day at the Ranch.  Unwind with a massage in the spa. Cool off in the infinity pool or soak your muscles in the hot tub. Then, fix a margarita for yourself in the bar…or better yet, have a staff member make one for you!

Various riding programs are at your disposal.  Beginner and Advanced riders will be kept in separate riding groups. There are over 30 different half and full-day riding tours to choose from, so no day is ever the same.  This is an ideal option for friends/family who may want to ride together but have different experience levels.  They can send two wranglers with a group so that riders are able to split up for brief periods and vary the speed. The herd of horses range in size and personality - from the most docile (for beginners or those looking to take it easy and relax) to the most zippy (for those who want enjoy the thrill of letting their horse “lay low and open up”).Those who need a break from riding can trade time in the saddle for any of the scheduled cultural excursions, or simply enjoy the pool and other amenities at the Ranch. With endless opportunities, you are sure to discover the best parts of Mexico from our Ranch!

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night.

Description
The ranch is made up of several Mexican-style buildings set in beautifully tended gardens.  Facilities include a spacious and comfortable lounge and library, a conservatory, well-stocked bar, billiard table and dart board and the heart of any Mexican home, a fabulous open kitchen.Outside you'll find a perfect place to unwind: a beautiful infinity pool with Jacuzzi set within the sun terrace, decked with loungers and a hot tub  - all overlooking the breath-taking rolling hills and natural waterfalls below. A walk around the grounds of the ranch offers further 'hidden treasures', including three gorgeous waterfalls and a cactus garden.  
We also offer laundry services at an additional fee.
WIFI is available.

Room Options
Our packages include lodging in the Classic rooms. If you like to stay in one of the Deluxe Rooms or Suite & Casitas Rooms, there is an extra charge for the upgrade. The guest rooms are individually decorated in typical Mexican-country fashion. Much attention is given to the finer details creating a seamless combination of comfort and style. All rooms are available with either one king size or two generous twin beds (on request). Rooms are made up daily.
All rooms have private en-suite facilities -- hairdryer, bathrobe, purified drinking water, liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

Classic Rooms
Classic rooms include two double beds, accommodating up to four people.
 


Deluxe Rooms
Deluxe rooms are the same as classic rooms, but are a little larger with extra sitting area.
 


Suite and Casitas Rooms
The Suite & Casitas are luxurious rooms fit for families or honeymoon couples. King-size bed and a large seating area which can be exchanged for two or three twin beds.
 


Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is possible.
We have 3 Single rooms at no extra charge. Once they are reserved, there is a 20% supplement unless you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included. Three gourmet meals are served daily, prepared with fresh local ingredients and designed to individual guest preferences. The kitchen is always open, encouraging a late night snack or early morning mug of coffee and a well stocked bar is located in the great room for guest use on a trust bar system.

There is seating in the dining room, outdoors on the patio or under the trees, where you may watch the sunset and listen to the rushing waters.
You are welcome to hang out and chat in the kitchen. Many guests have enjoyed watching and learning as meals are prepared. Fresh fruit drinks and cool purified water are always available there.

The finest local ingredients are indicatively combined by highly skilled chefs to create authentic Mexican, as well as international cuisine. The meals are specially created to introduce the characteristic flavors of this region. Chili is a common ingredient in many of our recipes, but we can always adapt to your taste preferences. According to ranch tradition the meals are served family style, with plenty of second and third helpings and lots of good conversation. Home cooked meals are served three times a day, and often include fresh eggs from our own chickens and Nopales cactus from our own back yard.

Breakfast and lunch rides to scenic areas are regular events. Don't worry if you are a non-rider, we'll take you to the picnic spots!
Lunch is served under the big oak tree or as a picnic when riding.
Every evening, a gourmet four-course dinner with wine is served in our stylish, rustically-designed dining room. You are welcome to hang out and chat in the kitchen. Many guests have enjoyed watching and learning as meals are prepared.

Local drinks are included while at the ranch (soda, wine, beer, liquor).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding
Because of the vast and varied terrain in which we ride, all of our rides are guided by our wranglers and there is a maximum of 8 riders per wrangler. Once we see that you are able to handle your horse, there is no nose to tail riding here!
Rides cater to all riding levels and advanced riders can enjoy fast paced riding. Less experienced riders will go out with a separate guide to ensure that everyone gets the best experience.
Choice of morning rides, afternoon rides, all day rides and challenging all day rides. Every evening our team arranges with all guests the appropriate riding program for the next day considering riding level and fitness.
Private riding lessons can be arranged for US$ 35 for 30 minutes.



Horses
The horses are in excellent shape, easy to ride, sure-footed at every pace and trained to accommodate riders at every skill level from absolute beginner to expert rider. Currently we have mixed breed, Criollo, Azteca, Quarter amongst others, suited to confidently handle the variety.
The herd consists of geldings and stallions - but not to worry they are all very well behaved and get along just fine due to the way they can freely roam and form small 'family units'. The corral is located beside the barn and you can spend some time with the horses and help with feeding or grooming whenever you feel like it. After the rides you can treat your horse to a sugar or watch the sunset from the paddock wall. If you love horses you will fall in love with these. Each one has its own character and yet is trained to be responsive with any level of rider. The Wranglers work hard to ensure that the horses are always at their best in terms of fitness and training.

Tack
The tack is ‘Charro’ style (similar to Western) and provides an exceptionally comfortable ride.

Itinerary


A La Carte Riding
Flexibility is a specialty at the ranch! There are over 30 different half and full-day riding tours to choose from, so no day is ever the same.  Every evening at dinner, a  member of the staff will discuss the riding and sightseeing options for the following day.  As a group, you plan the next adventure. Do you feel like riding all day? Or maybe you’d rather take a cultural trip or just relax by the pool.  It’s up to you!  Just tell the staff what you’re in the mood for and they'll do their best to make it happen.

Riding Excursions Examples:

Lake District Ride
You start your ride by crossing the Rio Rosas and passing through the quaint little village of 'Los Colorados'. Heading along country lanes you ride through the community of 'Heroes de Carranza' before entering the lake district, which offers incredible views and varied terrain for some delightful and diverse riding. At the small town of 'San Juan Daxthi', enjoy a local Mexican lunch, before taking a stroll through the vibrant market. In the afternoon, the open fields heading back to the ranch are perfect for a canter and the occasional gallop too, if you like. Local cowboys (charros) and farmers use the myriad of trails to tend to their farm plots and small herds.

Ex Hacienda Tandeje Ride
This ride takes you to the old hacienda of Tandeje and to the waterfalls of Fresno with its breathtaking ancient trees. A short climb on your horse takes you up to the little sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe - The Black Virgin of Mexico, from where you have a beautiful view into the canyon below.

Cerro de los Caballos & Ex Hacienda La Goleta
Start the ride today crossing the old stone bridge 'El Puente del Muite' (built in the late 17th century). The horses follow the beautiful green path towards the 'Cerro de los Caballos' - The Horses’ Mountain. The flat fields and quiet unpaved roads offer excellent gallops for confident riders, one of the great thrills on offer! Once you reach the monument at the top of the mountain, the panoramic views are stunning. The monument stands for the battle that took place here where the Mexicans defended this territory and won.
Lunch will be served in a little local Mexican restaurant in Deguedo. Back on the horses enjoy some nice canters this afternoon through this open sky country. Nearing the end of the ride you take a stroll to the hacienda (estate) of ‘La Goleta’ which was built around 1690 by the Spaniards. The wrought iron in the windows was brought from Sweden, the tiles covering the front porch from Spain and you can still admire part of the original blue wall paintings. The old aqueduct continues to produce water for the many families living around the hacienda.

San Miguel de las Piedras - Los Organos - Peregrinos Petrificados
This ride will make you think you are on a western movie set. Ride to 'Los Organos' a place forgotten in time. The trail, passing San Miguel de las Piedras leads into the canyon where wild horses roam. You will visit the 'Peregrinos Petrificados' a natural rock formation, where it is said that “the Pilgrims turned into stone because they did not want to finish their pilgrimage”.
Your lunchtime picnic will be taken by the river. Goats and sheep graze nearby. Here the river is mixed with a volcanic warm spring so it is enjoyable for a swim while the horses are resting.
Homeward bound, you climb up the canyon and pass through the village of Carranza with its church dating from 1697. On to the Presa of La Goleta, where the soft flat lake shore offers you a final opportunity to canter or gallop, arriving at the ranch late afternoon.

Xochitlan de las Flores - Ex Hacienda San Antonio
Today's ride takes you along a picturesque canyon to the village of 'Xochitlan'. You will be amazed by the sure-footedness of your four-legged friends. Now and then you will enjoy some easy canters between the corn fields.
'Xochitlan de las Flores' got its name from the many flowers that grow here due to the temperate climate. Experience the leisurely way of living, visit the beautiful old church and have a little rest and some refreshment.
On the way to San Antonio, the lunch stop is in a local 'Fonda'. Then you follow the old Spanish plastered stone road towards el ‘Bordo Viejo’. Pass by a race track where once a month there are non-professional horse races.

Cerro del Ahorcado
Saddle up for a half-day ride through the village of Vista Hermosa (which translates into ‘beautiful view’). From there, a steep climb takes you up the Cerro del Ahorcado (the 'hanged man’s hill’) with a 360º view of the entire region. A canter beneath the eucalyptus trees takes us down to the lake where the horses love to splash along the shore.



3-day Highland Explorer Ride Upgrade- Sample Itinerary

Day 1: San Miguel de la Victoria Comunidad - Canalejas - Cathedral de Canalejas
The journey today starts in the extinct volcanic landscape of the region. After a little stop for a drink and a snack in San Miguel de la Victoria, the landscape changes as the trails lead into the green forests of Canalejas. These mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands have delightful tracks for cantering along. Lunch is taken in the town of Canalejas. Here the barbecue restaurants offer tacos filled to the brim with succulent meat. Suitably tasty vegetarian options can also be arranged. After lunch and a leg-stretching walk around the small town, the trail rises to the Cathedral of Canalejas. This church, set atop a hill, dominates the local view. It was built on the spot where an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was found in a rock, which now forms part of the altar. The ride from the cathedral meanders back through the small surrounding villages of Canalejas to the overnight stables for the horses. Here you are met by the ranch staff and driven back to the ranch for a well-earned swim and relaxing hot soak before dinner.

Day 2: Canalejas - Lago de Huapango Agua Escondida
The first part of the ride follows forest trails and crosses hill slope fields; but the real treat of the day is to be found in the wide, flat, well-irrigated lowlands of the lake of Huapango (aprox. 10.000 acres when full), famous for its fishing. This day's riding takes you to a wide open landscape of low impact agriculture and common rangeland. A paradise for any rider, as there are endless trails to canter and gallop.
Enjoy a picnic on the shores of lake, relax, and prepare for the two hour ride through the small villages and woods to the 'Agua Escondida', where the horses are left stabled overnight. Transportation brings you back to the ranch (approx.. 30 min) where another mouthwatering dinner awaits.

Day 3: Agua Escondida- San Francisco Soyaniquilpan - El Fresno - Atlantes de Tula
Today you are heading south out of the hilly country and woodland trails to San Francisco / Soyaniquilpan. The farm land here is flat, rich, well irrigated and fertile. Taking trails to the west of the 'Cerro de las Brujas' (the witch’s mountain) the paths divide up the large fields. In the village of El Fresno Village the horses can be rested at the local shop and then the trail continues down the cobbled streets past the ruins of the hacienda and into a canyon. This delightful valley leads to a river lined with old cedar trees. Just before reach- ing the clearing and popular picnic site, the trail takes a small detour up to a small shrine to the Virgin of Guadelupe at the summit. The best waterfalls in the region are hidden just behind the cedar trees and well worth a visit.
After lunch, a short drive then takes you to the archaeological site of the Atlantes of Tula*, which is thought to be the most important Toltec site in Mexico. It gives a great insight into the rich history of this region. In Tula there is a fine market as well as a couple of Western /charro outfitters, so guests wishing to buy hats, boots, belts, belt buckles, shirts, saddles and charro riding tack, can shop to their hearts desire



Other Options (included)
Activities: Horseback Riding, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Wellness Activities (Yoga, meditation, stretching, Tai Chi, Foam Roller Classes), Bird Watching, Cooking Classes
Amenities: Solar Heated Pool, Jacuzzi, Hot Tub, Sauna (Selective hours)

Other Options (additional fees)
Cultural Excursions: Explore the archeological sites, colorful markets and colonial towns that make up this extraordinary country. Trade time in the saddle for any of the scheduled cultural excursions. The English-speaking staff will take care of all the details so you won’t miss a thing.
Spa Experience: Select from a variety of services to help soothe the body and mind. Please inquire for rates and details.



Cultural Excursions (extra cost - inquire for rates)

Monastery & Craft Market in Tepotzotlan  (Half-day)
This colonial town, just 45 minutes from the ranch offers culture, history and shopping in abundance. The history of the Jesuits in Mexico is brought to life at this old monastery. On Sundays, the arts and crafts market is vibrant and colorful and offers an opportunity to buy some great souvenirs.

The Atlantes of Tula (Half-day)
Tula, thought to be the most important Toltec site in Mexico gives a great insight into the rich history of this region. The great Atlantes are 4 huge warriors (remarkable sculptures over 6 m high) in black basalt on a pyramid. This platform is encircled by a low relief frieze depicting jaguars and coyotes, and Tlaloc masks adorn the walls.
After visiting the archeological site, you have will have time for shopping for “Charro” and Western items and to enjoy a fresh fruit ice cream in the “Zocalo” (town square) of the city of Tula.

Temazcal - Mexican Sauna (Half-day)
A temazcal is a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples. They are still used today for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual purification, by connecting the four elements: air, land, water and fire.

Jilotepec - Colorful Market (Half-day)
This small town offers a vast market on Fridays. You can find everything from chilis and sombreros to live sheep and great food. On the way back, stop at some local ceramic and cloth stores for a bargain.

Teotihuacán (Full day)
Teotihuacán ("teh-oh-tee-wa-KHAN") is an ancient sacred site. The ruins of this incredible site are among the most remarkable in Mexico and some of the most important ruins in the world. Teotihuacán means "place where gods were born," reflecting the Aztec belief that the gods created the universe here. Constructed around 300 AD, the holy city is characterized by the vast size of its monuments, carefully laid out on geometric and symbolic principles. Its most monumental structures are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Sun (the third-largest pyramid in the world) and the Pyramid of the Moon.

Colonial San Miguel de Allende (Full day)
Many beautiful towns keep you at bay and usually, traveler can admire, shop, eat, sleep but never break the surface. San Miguel, however, takes you in, befriends you. Here, the town is the promise of community. The streets and sidewalks are narrow. People talk to each other and engage easily. Colonial charm and style are in abundance. The architecture and cobbled streets invite a stroll and the shopping is outstanding.

Mexico City Tour (Full day)
The biggest metropolis in the world is at your feet.  Museo de las Bellas Artes, the Zocalo, the statue of Diana La Cazadora or the Angel de la Independencia and much more to see on this fantastic excursion.  You can also visit the Anthropology Museum or the Blue House of Frida Kahlo.

Rates and Dates for Allende Adventure Getaway

Dates Note:
Stay as long as you like (minimum 3 nights)

Other Info
Meeting: San Franscisco Soyaniquilpan de Juarez
Airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Transfer: Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Queretaro International Airport (QRT), or Leon International Airport (BJX)

Climate:
                                                    Tula area

• Travel documents and Voucher
• Flight tickets
• Passport 
• Visa (check with your consulate)

• riding pants/ jodpuhrs: Light weight, stretchy pants that are cool but protect from rubs work best.
• Short riding boots/ narrow hiking boots and half chaps (boots should be comfortable for walking)
• Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
• A hat with brim for sun protection
• Long sleeves in your shirt or blouse 
• A light jacket (for cool mornings or evenings)
• A bandana or big handkerchief is very useful as towel, cleaner and against the dust

• Another thick jacket or a sweater 
• Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Underwear and socks
• Pajamas
• Bag for dirty clothes
• Bathing suit

• Personal Toiletries
• Insect protection not necessary (The ranch itself is fumigated against mosquitoes and there are normally not many around)
• Personal medications
• Sore cream (for the emergency)
• Adapter for electric appliances if you come from Europe
• Camera and enough extra films and batteries
• Sun glasses with strap
• Sun Block