Central Highlands Explorer Central Mexico Mexico Discover the beautiful region of the Central Highlands of Mexico from the saddle! This program includes full day rides to off the beaten path destinations in the Central Highlands. Learn about the way of life of local people while riding through beautiful landscapes, far away from the crowds! Our journey begins at the Rancho Camilo Romero and start your exciting ride on the trails of Nopala, Cerro de Nopala, Hacienda El Astillero Valley, and other hidden gems in the region. As we explore this enchanting part of Mexico, we'll immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of the area, from ancient ruins to colonial architecture. Our guides will take you on unforgettable rides through diverse landscapes, including volcanic terrain, oak forests, and rugged mountain ranges. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Mexico City Airport: Mexico City or Queretaro Transfer: Mexico City or Queretaro Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 16 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Queretaro International Airport (QRT).

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that riding activities offered depend on weather conditions as well as the water level of the dam and the river.

Day 1: Arrival
We will be waiting for you at the airport, so, as soon as you arrive we will take the road to the ranch. Just arriving, our staff will welcome you with a drink and take care of your luggage, while we give you a tour of the entire place. Depending on the time of your arrival we will take you to meet the horses and you can start riding them or if you prefer, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in our bar with a snack and a bottle of great Mexican wine or tequila and margaritas.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Rancho

Day 2: Ride to Nopala
Breakfast at the ranch while preparing the horses for our first riding trail. The adventure starts thru the extinct volcanic landscape of the region, multi fractured with cliffs, hills and mountains, great views all the way thru the town. Nopala has had relevant moments in Mexico history, burned twice by the French soldiers, witness of the revolutionary events of XX century, cradle of Fernando de Tapia (Conin) founder of Queretaro City and also of Nicolas Romero (The Mountain Lion) as the nick name the French soldiers used for him. This small-town counts with a colonial architecture to admire with a central plaza bordered by portals with pink quarry arches of old Mexican town houses. On Monday the market day took place where you can get plenty of souvenirs. We rest at Casa El Capricho, at downtown of Nopala de Villagran, is a 1880 house, remodeled with a very fine taste, with hot water Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a nice central garden with full installation for horses. Unfortunately, the pool is with cold water.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa El Capricho

Day 3: Cerro de Nopala & Hacienda El Astillero Valley
We start the day having breakfast at Casa de La Abuela, a small traditional restaurant one block away from Nopala´s downtown while horses are being prepared for the day route.
We will ride up to Cerro de Nopala, crossing it up and down until arrive to a huge valley of Hacienda El Astillero and Cerro Coatepec. We will have there some snacks and refreshment beverages.
Ride back to Casa El Capricho
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa El Capricho

Day 4: Casa El Capricho to Las Vegas trail and Ranchotel
Breakfast at Casa El Capricho while getting ready for our next horse trail.
We take the way thru a blown glass craft workshop where we can stop for some souvenirs and then continue our way to Peñafiel and then Las Vegas, a valley and some small mountains full of oak trees with beautiful views for our horseriding experience.
Back to Rancho Hotel for lunch or dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho Hotel

Day 5: Back to Rancho Camilo Romero
Breakfast at Rancho Hotel before we start our ride to Rancho Camilo Romero thru a different route.
We take the way to Maravillas Town, then, thru some small oak tree mountains and a Porfirian railroad track that runs downside the hill of the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho Camilo Romero

Day 6: Horse mountain climbing La Joya
Spectacular experience going up thru an oak forest till the top of La Joya mountain with great views of valleys, lakes and mountains. At the top we take a lunch and cheers with your favorite beverage and some snacks. The return thru the forest and scarped cliff is a challenge for the binomial, man and horse and then a great valley, paradise for any rider as there are endless trails to canter and gallop till the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho Camilo Romero

Day 7: Cerrito Pelon
This is a small track, considering that you must be tired for the day before, even so, we ride a huge plain landscape and go thru a small cerrito till we arrive to San Sebastian de Juarez for a refreshment. On the way back, we took the return under a cliff that borders all our way back thru the ranch. About 4 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho Camilo Romero

Day 8: Departure
If you have an early flight to catch – we will serve you a breakfast before it’s time to go and one of our drivers will drive you to the airport upon request. In case your flight leaves at night, you will have time to do one last trail nearby the Ranch and we will accommodate with lunch and dinner to your schedule.
Meals included: Breakfast [Lunch & Dinner]


OPTIONAL: Teotihuacan pyramids excursion.

We start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will drive you to Teotihuacán pyramids.
We are going to be guided by a site guide that will explain to us the history and a better explain about the Teotihuacán pyramids and their meanings to the archaeological remains. It is one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica during the pre-Hispanic era. It is located approximately 45 kilometers from downtown Mexico City and in this important site you will find archaeological monuments that were declared a World Heritage Site.
At the moment it is the archaeological zone with greater affluence of tourists in Mexico, over places like Chichén Itzá and Monte Albán. You will need a whole day to enjoy the history and mysticism that surrounds all its main monuments such as La Ciudadela, La Calzada de los Muertos, The Temple of the Feathered Serpent, The Palace of Quetzalpapáloltl and of course the famous Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

                                                    Tula area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	73	76	80	83	83	80	76	77	75	75	74	74
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	42	46	49	53	54	54	54	53	49	45	42
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	24	27	28	28	26	25	25	24	24	24	23
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	6	8	10	11	12	12	12	12	9	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	1	1	1	3	6	7	8	6	7	4	1	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The ranch is situated in a valley at an altitude of 7,500 feet  (2,300 m) above sea level and protected by high mountains. This means that the weather conditions are very tempered and the sun shines almost every day (333 days of sunshine per year). The average daily temperature all year round is approximately 22ºC (or 75ºF).  However, it is a good idea to bring some long-sleeved shirts or sweaters for the mornings and evenings, as it does get a bit cool before the sun rises and as it sets.

The ranch is open and operating year round. Guests often ask, "Which is the best time of the year to visit?"   The answer is simple.  Every season has its highlights.

Spring (March – May)
Changes take place. Imagine passing by farmers working the fields in the way they have done for generations.  See local farmers start to prepare their fields for the corn crops using ploughs drawn by oxen or horses.

Summer (June – August)
Known as the 'rainy season', but is (unfortunately for the farmers here) not really the case.  The ranch is located in a valley at an altitude of 7500 feet, which means the clouds can't gather as much as in other regions of Mexico.  But there is an occasional shower (downpour) that lasts only an hour or two in the evenings/night .  This is just enough to allow all of the usually dormant plants to bloom, creating spectacular vistas of vibrant color with cosmos flowers everywhere.  The nights are cool and in the morning a bright sunny blue sky awaits you for another perfect ride..

Autumn (September – November)
Until the dry season begins at the end of October there are still flowers everywhere. As harvest arrives, the local farmers usually let the corn dry until the end of November and then take it in.  They use the corn primarily to feed their animals during winter, and they grind part of the crop to make the meal used in the famous Mexican tortillas.

Winter (December – February)
The driest season with practically no rain at all. This means that the fields are very dry, painted a golden color against a brilliant blue sky, and spotted with green cactus and mesquite bushes. 

This list is only a guideline for you  
 
Essentials

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

Riding Gear

• 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

Personal Clothing

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

Additional Items

• 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 

For riding, we recommend jeans and short boots. Tennis shoes are not really appropriate for riding as your foot may get stuck in the stirrups and may not be comfortable.  If you would like, you can buy short leather boots in the local markets for about US$ 25 to US$ 50 depending on the size and quality. You may want to wear a pair of bicycle shorts or pants underneath your jeans if you are a beginner or have not been riding for a long time. It will help prevent rubs. The ranch does not provide riding helmets, so you will have to bring one along if you want to use one. Most people simply wear sombreros to protect against the sun as it can be really hot beneath the black helmets.
You can purchase sombreros at the markets as well.
Laundry services are offered for an additional charge.

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date pascalle brekelmans 12/10/2024

Accommodations
This is a mostly stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night, except for 2 nights spent at a different locations.

Description
Most nights are spent in a traditional rancho/hacienda. The property has been in the hands of the same family for the past 140 years. It offers a nice view over the surrounding landscape.
The rooms are simple but comfortable and all feature a private bathroom with hair dryer. there is no Wi-Fi available at the ranch. 

During this tour, you will also spend 2 nights in a small hotel close to the city of Nopala. The rooms all come equipped with a private bathroom and a TV. There is also a small outdoor pool (not heated) where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement does not apply if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex, unless we are unable to find you a room companion.



Meals
All meals are included in your package from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day. Soft drinks and local beers are included, but not hard liquor (available at extra cost).

Dietary Restrictions
We know that most people do not eat as much chili as we do in Mexico, so do not worry, we will adapt to your taste.
If you are allergic to any food or have dietary restrictions, let us know and we will do our best to cater to you.

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

Tack:		Mexican & English
Horses:		American Quarter Horse & Criollos
Pace:		5-6 hours in the saddle per riding day, except for the last day (2-3 hours) - all paces according to level | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 12	Max 60
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Horses
We believe that the best way a horse could live is in great open spaces and that is why when they are not at work, they can live as a herd in different fields around the ranch.

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 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.