Enjoy a unique journey on horseback that takes you through the heart of Mexico's colonial heritage while surrounded by the natural beauty of the central highlands.

Your journey begins in Guanajuato, a city steeped in history town, where the cry of rebellion against the Spanish was raised and the struggle for Mexican independence began. Guanajuato is not only picturesquely situated and of exceptional beauty, but is also rich in historic buildings and magnificent architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. This colonial gem is the perfect starting point for discovering unique haciendas and beautiful colonial villages in the central highlands.

Over the following days, the ride takes you along ancient paths, past mountains, forests, areas of great biodiversity and agricultural land - always accompanied by the gentle twittering of birds and the pattering of horses' hooves. The ride also takes us to the historic town Dolores Hidalgo, considered the "cradle of national independence", and to the "Sanctuary of Atotonilco", a majestic church complex from the 18th century, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The last two nights of our trip are spent in the picturesque town San Miguel de Allende, where you can immerse yourself in a vibrant and lively community of artists and musicians.
This unique horseback riding tour combines Mexican culture and tradition, beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking scenery - an experience you will never forget!

On certain dates, a trail is also offered where you can discover the magnificent nature and ride even further into the mountains, spending four nights in a tent (see Nature Expedition below).

Itinerary

Itinerary Historic Silver Route:
Day 1: You will be welcomed at 17:00 at Hacienda El Marques in Guanajuato and then taken to Rancho Colomitos, a traditional Mexican Ranch
Over a delicious welcome cocktail on the terrace, you will get to know the guides and discuss the program. The chefs will prepare a ranchero barbecue to welcome you. Enjoy your first meal to the sound of soft Mexican music and the glow of the campfire on the terrace.

Day 2: After a delicious breakfast at Ranch , the horses are assigned and you begin your adventure with a ride from Colomitos to Peñafiel through rural communities. As soon as you reach the foothills of the Montecillo Mountains, the ascent of 1,900 m to the old CardonesHacienda at 2,236 m begins. The route takes you through a varied landscape of semi-desert and the majestic central mountain range.
On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of mines and haciendas that are over a hundred years old, such as Santo Niño from the time of the Spanish colony. You will cross the Río Cardo and can swim in a small natural lake in the middle of the desert . The impressive landscapes are reminiscent of the western films of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and Gary Cooper. REAL MEXICO!
You to ride continue up the mountains until you reach the remains of the CardonesHacienda in Peñafiel. Here the horses stay for the night while you are taken to the hotel in the heart of historic Guanajuato. Guanajuato is a colonial city with impressive buildings that contain elements of the two main cultures that gave rise to town : Indigenous and Spanish. The town and the surrounding mines, which represent the origin of the Mexican nation, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1988.
Dinner is taken in the Union's garden, where regional music groups delight guests every evening with traditional songs from the "rancheras".
Riding distance: approx. 21 km.

Day 3: After a delicious breakfast, you will be taken to the horses and set off from the old silver mine towards the village of Santa Rosa in the heart of the central highlands. At an altitude of 2,850 m, you will ride along the old royal route, which was mainly used to transport gold and silver 500 years ago during the Spanish colonial period. You will pass old gold and silver mines as well as beautiful rural communities such as Peñafiel, Monte San Nicolas and Peregrina. You will stop for lunch in Santa Rosa.
In the afternoon, you arrive at your destination for today, a mountain hut, and enjoy a delicious cocktail and tequila tasting on the terrace, accompanied by Mexican music. In the evening, a typical Mexican meal awaits, which has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible and Oral Heritage of Humanity due to its originality and variety of flavours, colors, smells and textures.
Riding distance: approx. 27 km.

Day 4: Today to ride you will ride through the most biologically diverse area of the state, through high mountains with oak, pine and strawberry tree forests. As you ride through majestic natural landscapes, you will be accompanied by the chirping of hundreds of birds. The view of the huge mountains on one side and the semi-desert on the other will inspire you. Watch out for tracks of coyotes, cougars and raccoons. In the evening, you will reach the old stables of Hacienda, where the horses will stay for the night while you are taken to the hotel in the heart of the historic town Dolores Hidalgo.
Riding distance: approx. 37 km through the mountains.

Day 5: Today to ride you will visit one of the most important historical towns in Mexico: Dolores Hidalgo. On September 16, 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla proclaimed the "Grito de Libertad" and decided to take up arms against the colonial regime and the Spanish crown. Today, town is known as the "cradle of Mexican independence". You will take a short ride through the historic center and learn a lot about the Mexican War of Independence.
In the evening, you have the option of visiting the wine museum, going to a real Mexican cantina or simply strolling through the stores that offer a wide range of local handicrafts. Overnight stay in a nice city hotel.
Riding route: approx. 12 km on flat terrain.

Day 6: Today's tour takes you through the Cactus Valley and to the historic Hacienda La Erre, which played an important role during the Mexican War of Independence.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the picturesque village on the edge of the old chapel in the municipality of Barron. Afterwards, you will drive to Atotonilco, where you can visit the imposing walls of the 18th century church. The church is a living sanctuary where religious practices still take place today. This priceless architectural treasure is known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and consists of a nave, a sacristy and more than 6 adjoining chapels. The place is adorned with murals and easels, altars and sculptures. This majestic sanctuary has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in a luxurious hotel at town.
Riding distance: approx. 27 kilometers (flat terrain)

Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast by the pool, you make your way to San Miguel de Allende. The route leads through unique landscapes that combine semi-desert and wetlands. You to ride on the old routes that were used 200 years ago during the War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution to the Indian chapels. In these temples, calvaries and chapels on the banks of the Río Laja, the indigenous groups have left evidence of their faith. The territory of the pre-Columbian tribes is also home to coyotes, opossums, huizaches and mesquites.
After an eventful day at saddle you reach the cosmopolitan town San Miguel de Allende (World Heritage Site/ UNESCO). Evening meal and overnight stay in the hotel.
Riding distance approx. 23 km (rather flat terrain)

Day 8: It's time to leave the horses behind and explore San Miguel de Allende on foot. This town is known for its rich traditions: Events and festivals play an important role throughout the year. It is a place full of culture and art, a stage for various traditions and customs. The title of "Fortress City of San Miguel and Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco" was awarded by UNESCO due to its cultural and architectural contribution to the Mexican Baroque and its importance in Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain.
Participants have the opportunity to explore town , founded in 1542, on their own. The program ends at 11:30 am.

Itinerary Guanajuato Nature Expedition:
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Hacienda, the starting point for your ride. A welcome dinner with ranchero barbecue is prepared by the chefs at Ranch . Enjoy your first meal to the sound of soft Mexican music and the glow of the campfire on the terrace.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, you start your ride to the Peregrina mountain range, which is part of the Sierra Central massif. At the foot of the mountain is a small abandoned mining village that is the subject of many legends. As you pass through this unique place, you will see several silver veins on the ground. You to ride on the old path that borders a mountain area and leads through a cave where a spring with clear water water rises. Continue uphill into the woods, home to hundreds of species of animals such as mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons, armadillos and many others.
You can take part in a free activity today (must be requested when booking), e.g. see how to make guacamole. Overnight stay in a tent camp. Riding stage: approx. 23km.

Day 3: Waking up to the sound of birdsong and the smell of fresh coffee is like waking up in heaven. The tour guides have prepared a delicious rural breakfast. Afterwards, you set off from Pergrina mountain to Guanajuato, a colonial city with beautiful buildings that contain elements of both cultures, Indian and Hispanic. This town, which represents the origin of the Mexican nation, has preserved its architectural features and its surroundings. Guanajuato with its silver mines was declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in December 1988. Riding distance approx. 27 kilometers, overnight stay in a middle-class hotel.

Day 4: Ride into the Santa Rosa Mountains up to 2,800 meters above sea level. You will pass old colonial buildings that are now only ruins, mainly because of treasure hunters. You will see old haciendas, abandoned mine shafts and beautiful rock formations. The day's destination is village Santa Rosa, a small settlement in the heart of the sierra. The town is located in a typical Mexican landscape with mountain villages and is famous for its good cuisine.
In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious cocktail and a tequila on the terrace of the mountain lodge, accompanied by soft Mexican music to round off the day's journey. In the evening, enjoy typical Mexican cuisine, which has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity due to its originality, diverse flavours, colors and aromas.
Once again, you have the opportunity to take part in a free activity (must be requested when booking): E.g. see how to prepare a margarita cocktail. Riding distance approx. 25 kilometers, overnight stay at the mountain lodge.

Day 5: After breakfast, we travel through the heart of the central highlands. It is the most biologically diverse area of the state, full of large mountains with forests of oak, pine and strawberry trees. Throughout the day you will be accompanied by birdsong and surrounded by majestic and changing natural landscapes. You will pass the old El Molino mine, which was an important silver mine in colonial times. Finally, you will reach mountain Guamares, which owes its name to one of the Chichimeca tribes that inhabited this area hundreds of years ago.
In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at the camp. If you are interested, you can learn how to track wild animals today, for example. Riding time approx. 31 kilometers, overnight stay in a tented camp.

Day 6: Ride on through the mountains of the central highlands. On the mountain slopes, you will cross the territory of pumas, coyotes and wild cats. You will pass hidden barracks used by Pancho Villa and his brave soldiers during the Revolutionary War. You will return to camp in the evening.
Today you can learn how to make a real campfire, for example. Riding distance approx. 27 kilometers.

Day 7: After breakfast, you leave the mountains and continue your journey on horseback to reach a semi-desert surrounded by cacti and desert trees. You will pass through small, typical Mexican villages. The ride takes you to the thermal springs of Ranch El Gallinero, where you spend the night. Here you can take a long soak in the thermal water, which will give you a soothing rest. Later, you will have dinner in this wonderful place. Today you can learn how to make a perfect taco.
Riding approx. 35 kilometers, camp on a Ranch.

Day 8: After breakfast and another dip in the hot springs, you will be taken by car to town Dolores Hidalgo. Today you will visit one of the most important historical towns in Mexico on horseback: Dolores Hidalgo. On September 16, 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called to arms against the Spanish colonial regime. Today, town is known as the cradle of Mexican independence. You will take a short tour on horseback through the historic center and visit some of the most emblematic buildings from the Mexican War of Independence.
In the evening, you will have the opportunity to visit the wine museum and a real Mexican cantina and stroll through the stores offering a wide range of local handicrafts. Afterwards, dinner is served in a unique Mexican restaurant. It is a house from the eighteenth century that is famous for its delicious traditional dishes. The garden is magnificently adorned with flowers. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Breakfast and departure.

Accomodation
You change accommodation every day. All accommodation is ed for its authenticity and comfort. One night is spent on a beautiful Hacienda, one night in a mountain hut and the remaining nights in comfortable hotels in the towns you visit.

Some of the rooms do not have their own bathroom, but have shared bathrooms. In the accommodation in Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende you can do laundry for a small fee to wash.

Saddle & Tack: Chiarro, Western

Experience: Moderate riding speed in all gaits, depending on the terrain. Safety in all gaits and trail experience is required.

Horses: Quarter Horse, Azteca and Mexican Criollo

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