Colours of Mexico, Mexico
Overview
Reviews
“It was an unforgettable week on a beautiful ranch and was one of the best holidays ever. It's amazing how well these horses respond to the rider. They are forward going but can be held back at any time and at any speed. The ranch is beautiful with a lot of attention to detail and you feel at home immediately. It was perfect.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Mostly Quarter Horse and Criollo crosses.
Nature of horses:
Responsive, fit and very sure-footed.
Height of horses:
14 - 16hh
Weight limit:
210lbs / 15 stone / 95kg
Tack type:
Mexican Charro - all saddles and tack are locally made, similar to western style.
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride Description
This beautiful Mexican ranch is a haven for all levels of rider and non-riders alike, providing guests with a taste of Mexican vibrancy, fantastic cuisine, superb facilities and a stable of responsive trail horses. The majority of the staff are Mexican, including most of the wranglers, but the ranch itself is owned by an experienced Swiss lady who ensures high standards. The ranch is great for single travellers looking to make friends, couples wanting a romantic getaway, families or even large groups of friends or colleagues. Single lady travellers will also be made to feel welcome and secure here, just one of the reasons why many guests look to return. Decorated in vibrant and authentic Mexican style, each room offers a beautiful base for your Mexican riding adventure. Meals made with quality local ingredients, beautifully tended gardens and the quality of the horses are just further examples of the owner's exceptional attention to detail and the pride that the staff take in offering you unbeatable levels of service.
If you love horses and free, open riding, you will fall in love with this idyllic location. Set on a central Mexican plateau at 7500ft and bordered by three beautiful waterfalls, the ranch offers varied terrain and fantastic riding opportunities for everyone from the nervous beginner to the seasoned rider looking for a challenge. The rural countryside is unchanged by time and farmers plough the land with oxen whilst longhorn cattle, goats and sheep graze freely on the rocky terrain. As you ride out across the patchwork of small farms and quaint villages, you may cross flowering rivers, view the tumbling waterfalls or perhaps observe the egret and ducks. Depending on your riding level and preferences, rides out might involve gentle strolls around the lake, cantering up a hill side, traversing rocky mountain paths, galloping across the open plains or perhaps swimming with the horses on a sunny day. Advanced riders can enjoy great faster paced riding whilst those with less experience will head out with a separate guide to ensure that all have the best horseback experience.
The extinct volcanic geology of the region has created an area crisscrossed with ancient lava flows. These have evolved into a rich landscape creating low undulating hills, volcanic outcrops, narrow stream valleys, dry seasonal common pasture, ancient barren lava fields, seasonally lush shallow lake shores, high hill climbs with fabulous views and dry plains. The seasons produce fields of maize, wheat, oats, beans, squash and sunflowers. Wild saguaro and nopal cacti, agaves and thorn bushes predominate on the the common grazing land and from June to October, which is the green season, you will see a colourful riot of wild flowers. There is a temperate climate with daily temperatures of around 22C which is ideal for horse riding.
When out of the saddle guests can enjoy one of the many fascinating cultural and historical excursions which are available from the ranch. These optional cultural tours are the ideal way to explore more of Mexico and they can take you to places such as Teotihuacan, where you can see the pyramids of the sun and the moon, or perhaps to the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. You might also wish to take a dip in the solar heated infinity pool with built in jacuzzi, relax in the hot tub with a margarita or select a book from the ranch library to enjoy in one of the garden's hammocks. Massages can also be arranged on site and offer the perfect way to end a day in the saddle.
This destination was visited by Holly from Far and Ride in Sept/Oct 2012. Feel free to call or email the office to ask her about it!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The ranch is made up of various buildings, all decorated in vibrant Mexican style, and surrounded by beautiful gardens which are well maintained. The standard rooms (some in the main house, some in the 'Pueblito') each have their own dressing area and en-suite facilities. They are all provided with towels, hairdryer, bathrobe, purified drinking water, liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.
Deluxe rooms are available for a small supplement and these have an additional seating area. There are also two casitas which are small detached lodges to offer more privacy. Each casita has its own shaded veranda and seating area, as well as a lounge area, work space and internet connection. There is a supplement if you wish to stay in a casita.
Facilities at the ranch include lounge, small library, conservatory with guest computer, bar (they use an honesty system), billiards table, dart board and a large, open style kitchen. There is a solar-heated infinity pool which is set into the sun terrace and surrounded by loungers. There is also a hot tub - the perfect place to unwind after a day in the saddle. A massage room is on site and massages can be booked at an extra cost. If you explore the beautiful ranch grounds then you are sure to find tempting hammocks or the interesting cactus garden.
There is a daily maid service and laundry services are available.
Quality local ingredients are used by the ranch's skilled chefs to create both authentic Mexican and international cuisine. Meals are designed to introduce the characteristic flavours of the area and you can be assured of attention to detail. Chilli is a common ingredient used throughout the recipes but don't worry if this isn't to your liking, meals can easily be adapted to suit your preferences and special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Each morning you can enjoy a varied breakfast which is served on the veranda. Lunch is usually served outside under a large oak tree or, if you are out riding around lunchtime, then you might stop off for a delicious picnic. Each evening there is a four course dinner, served with wine, which guests eat in the rustic style dining room.
Activities
The solar-heated swimming pool with integrated jacuzzi is a real draw, providing the tired rider with a lovely way to relax or to enjoy a refreshing swim. The sun terrace with loungers overlooks the beautiful ranch surroundings and guests may also wish to take a dip in the hot tub, overlooking the waterfalls, where they can sit back and relax whilst enjoying a margarita or two. There is a massage room on site where you can be treated to a Swedish or hot stone massage to leave you totally relaxed and invigorated.
The area is lovely for hiking or running as the varied terrain provides a challenge in a physical sense whilst the pretty landscapes make great views. You can explore quaint local villages or perhaps take some time to explore the wildlife in the area. Photographers and painters are bound to be delighted with colourful aspects of the land - the cacti, wild flowers, historical haciendas, tumbling waterfalls and not to mention the birdlife. Bird watchers should definitely bring their binoculars in order to view the hawks, kites and eagles as they soar across the blue skies or to view the wild turkeys as they dash through the bushes.
The lounge provides guests with the chance to play a game of darts, pool or chess, to listen to some music or to enjoy a drink from the bar. Anyone for a margarita? The library is also well stocked with volumes in English, Spanish and German so why not pick yourself out a great novel and retire to one of the hammocks.
For those with an interest in Mexican culture or history there is a fabulous range of fascinating excursions which can be arranged for you at an added cost. These optional cultural tours are the ideal way to explore more of Mexico and they can take you to places such as Teotihuacan, where you can see the pyramids of the sun and the moon, or perhaps to the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. These excursions are the ideal way for non-riders to make the most of their time at the ranch. They are by car/minibus and an English speaking staff member accompanies each trip. Some require a minimum of two persons. Please contact us for a list of the available excursions and their prices… options include visits to the weekly markets, museums, monasteries and even to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary (at the right time of year).
Further Details
Languages: English, Spanish, German and French. Guides' English is limited.
Health requirements: No special requirements.
Age limit: None.
Tuition: No (private riding lessons are available at an added cost).
Included: Classic room double occupancy, all hotel taxes, daily horseback riding as per itinerary, cultural excursions mentioned in the programme, three delicious meals a day, open bar at the ranch (including soda, wine, beer and alcohol). Wifi, use of all ranch facilities.
Not included: Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, drinks while not at the ranch, private riding lessons, massages and other spa services, laundry service, gratuities (10 - 15% is customary if happy with service) and extras not mentioned.
Travel Information
It's easy to get here - the closest airport is Mexico City International, a very modern and safety oriented airport. The ranch is located only fifty miles north of the airport.
Airport transfers can be arranged for $55USD plus tax each way per person. These are shared group transfers and will be synchronised with incoming/outgoing international flights so all incoming and outgoign clients can be collected together (it may be necessary to wait up to 4 hours of your arrival time).
Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged so clients are collected on arrival. The price of $195USD per car plus tax each way covers up to 4 passengers.
Please contact the office for larger group transfer prices.
All transfers are to and from Terminal 1/ Puerta 8 of Mexico City International Airport and can be arranged for any time of the day or night and any day of the week.
Airport: Mexico City
Programmes
Tailor Made Ranch Stay
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During a ranch stay, riders of any level head out from the main house to follow a variety of paths. There is a choice of morning rides (approximately 2 - 4 hours), afternoon rides (approx 1 - 3 hours) and all day rides (approx 5 - 6 hours). You can decide one day ahead what your next day's riding plan will be. There are also progressive rides available, as well as a programme combining horse riding with yoga. Horses can be swapped on a regular basis to ensure that both horse and rider have the best experience, though the horses have great stamina and fitness. Groups are split according to ability and preference of speed and each head out with a wrangler who will take pride in ensuring that you have the best riding experience possible. The ranch also offer a unique approach to riding in that they are able to offer 'combined rides' for partners, friends or family who are of different riding levels but who want to be together. These mixed groups are taken out by two wranglers and when some are walking comfortably, the others can head off for a canter or a gallop with the other wrangler before joining their friends again further down the road. This means that you can spend your holiday together but still enjoy a great ride, each one at their own pace. Each stay is really tailor made according to your wishes and there is no strict programme - just plenty of riding and fun! |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 20 |
| Ability description: | Rides are now split into groups: easy, medium, advanced and challenging so novice riders are catered for. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | Flexible, as per itinerary. |
| Departure dates: | All year round: arrival and departure is possible on any day and stays can be of any length! |
| Pricing: |
2018: £270 per person, per night based on standard double room occupancy. £1062 per person 4 nights £1314 per person 5 nights £1538 per person 6 nights £1762 per person 7 nights Upgrade to riding package (3-day Highland Explorer ride) £260 per person Deluxe room supplement: £47 per room, per night Casita supplement: £94 per room, per night Single supplement: +20% Christmas, Easter and New Year supplement: +20% Price is inclusive of: 16% taxes, All inclusive shared room accommodation, Daily riding (half or full days), All national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee at the ranch, Use of amenities, including solar heated pool, jacuzzi and hot tub. Please note there are two rooms without single supplement on a first come, first served basis. (These rooms not available at Easter or Christmas) |
Mexico Canyon Explorer
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Day 1: Saturday Arrival After being collected from the airport you will be driven to the ranch and given time to get settled, have a drink or snack and explore the ranch and its wonderful facilities. If time permits on your arrival day there is the option to view and be matched with your first horse and to ride out that very afternoon. You may ride to the nearby village of San Agustin, view the church dating form the 1700s and begin to become accustomed to the friendly, relaxed pace of life in rural Mexico. That evening you can unwind in the hot tub with a margarita, overlooking the waterfalls or go for a swim in the infinity pool. Enjoy your first 4-course dinner - a delicious fusion of Mexican and international cuisine, served in the ranch’s dining room. Day 2: Sunday Heroes de Carranza - La Copa - San Juan Daxthi - Santa Cruz On your first full days riding from the ranch the trail winds through farm land and plateaus. You will notice the intricate network of irrigation canals managed by the local farmers to water the crops until the rains come. Travelling through valleys to the cliffs at 'la Copa' in Santiago Oxthoc the waterfalls spring from the rocks and fall into a martini glass shaped rock formation. A sign by the pool says 'viva el 3 de Mayo 1842" or "cheers to the 3 of May 1842"! This celebrates when the waterfall miraculously sprang from the wall, a phenomenon attributed to the Virgin of Guadalupe. She is venerated in a small shrine just before the waterfall. Your expert horses will help you climb to the top of the cliffs and along onto the high plains. On clear days the views from this rocky plateau are simply spectacular. On Sundays in San Juan Daxthi, where you will stop for lunch, there is a charming local fruit and vegetable market to explore and during holidays the town hosts a small rodeo. With great opportunities to canter and gallop you are in for a fun afternoon on your way back to the ranch. Day 3: Monday Monday: Cerro del Ahorcado - San Antonio - Xochitlan de las Flores This morning you will ride up to hangman's hill, 'Cerro del Ahorcado', and then into the steep valley of San Antonio. Be sure to bring your camera, especially today, as the views from the hill and scenery in the canyon are superb. After taking lunch at a small restaurant in San Antonio and a small rest you ride to the pretty village of ' Xiochitlan de las Flores' - the village of the flowers. The trails in the afternoon follow the contours of the rolling hills and lead you back to the plains and to the ranch. Day 4: Tuesday San Miguel de la Victoria - Comunidad - Canalejas - Cathedral de Canalejas Today you will ride through the rugged landscape of extinct volcanoes to San Miguel de la Victoria for a little drink. From here on the landscape changes to the green forest of Canalaejas. This area has wonderful tracks for cantering through the forest towards the town of Canalejas. Lunch in this town will be delightful, the barbecue restaurants offer tacos filled with delicious meat and vegetables. Suitably tasty full vegetarian options can also be arranged. Lunch will also provide time to stretch your legs after the morning's ride and walk around the small town if you wish. In the afternoon 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 5: Wednesday Canalejas - Lago de Huapango - Agua Escondida Through forest trails and hillside slopes you come to real treat of the day - wide, flat, well irrigated lowlands surrounding the 10,000 acre Lake Huapango. There are endless trails on which to canter and gallop through this area of scenic low impact agriculture. After a picnic on the shores of lake, you have time to relax before the two hour ride through the small villages and woods to the area where the horses are left stabled overnight. Transportation brings you back to the ranch (approx. 30 min) where another mouthwatering dinner awaits. Day 6: Thursday Agua Escondida - San Francisco Soyaniquilpan - El Fresno - Atlantes de Tula As you head towards San Francisco/Soyaniquilpan you are heading south out of the hilly terrain to an area of flat, rich and fertile area where paths for cantering and galloping divide up the farmland. You can rest up in the the village of El Fresno Village and tie up the horses at the local shop. You will the ride through the cobbled streets and past a magnificent ruined hacienda and into the nearby canyon. The delightful valley leads to a river lined with old cedar trees. Through the cedar trees are best waterfalls in the region are hidden just behind the cedar trees and well worth a visit on your way to the clearing for your picnic. 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 and charro outfitters. Guests wishing to buy hats, boots, belts, belt buckles, shirts, saddles and charro riding tack can shop to their hearts content. Day 7: Friday San Miguel de Las Piedras - Los Organos - Vista Hermosa Today you will ride back into the more rugged landscape of 'Los Organos', a place forgotten in time and giving you the impression you are riding right through the set of a western movie. The trail, passing San Miguel de las Piedras leads into the canyon where wild horses roam. You'll visit the geological wonder of '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 quiet river as sheep and goats graze nearby. Here the river is mixed with a volcanic warm spring so it is very enjoyable for a swim while your horses are resting. Homeward bound you climb up out of the steep canyon trails, giving the horses opportunity to show off their technical ability. As you near the top you will be close to the village of 'Heroes de Caranza'. After a short drink break, ride back over the open plains offering the chance to canter or gallop home, sound in the knowledge that after such a long day out a soothing swim and a hot shower await at the ranch. Day 8: Saturday Departure If you have time, enjoy a short morning ride before you are transferred back to the airport. Please note the itinerary may change due to local circumstances and is flexible. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Based Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 hours average per day |
| Departure dates: | Starts every second Saturday of the month |
| Pricing: |
2018: £2022 per person based on double room accommodation Price is inclusive of: Local 16% taxes, All inclusive shared room accommodation, Riding as per itinerary, All national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee at the ranch, Use of amenities, including solar heated pool, jacuzzi and hot tub. Upgrades: Deluxe room supplement: £47 per room, per night Casita supplement: £94 per room, per night Single supplement: +20% Christmas, Easter and New Year supplement: +20% |
Magic of the Mexican Highlands
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Day 1: Sunday Arrival You’ll be met at the airport and be driven directly to the ranch. Get settled into your room, explore this beautiful place and discover its many amenities. If time permits, the first afternoon ride takes you to our local village, San Agustin, with its ancient church dating from the 1700s. During this ride you will be able to familiarise yourself with your horse. Afterwards relax in the hot tub overlooking the waterfalls with a margarita or go for a swim in the infinity pool. Enjoy your first 4-course dinner - a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine – served in the ranch’s dining room. Day 2: Monday Tula - Atlantes plus Western Apparel & Mexican Tack Shops Enjoy this first morning with a ride on one of the beautiful horses through this epic and diverse countryside. If you wish however, you will have time to get to know the ranch, take the morning to relax by the pool or go on a hike. In the afternoon, take a short drive to the archaeological site of the Atlantes of Tula. On top of one of the pyramids you will find the great Atlantes, four huge and impressive warrior statues of black basalt. Following this you will visit the town centre of Tula and some shops around it. Take in the vibrant colours and life of the main square before heading back for dinner. Day 3: Tuesday Cerro de las 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 provide excellent gallops for confident riders, one of the great thrills on offer! On the way you'll back encounter ancient churches, lakes and rivers. At the end take a beautiful stroll to the hacienda (estate) called ‘La Goleta’ which was built around 1690 by the Spaniards. The wrought iron windows were brought from Sweden, the tiles covering the front porch from Spain, and you can still admire part of the original blue wall paintings. Day 4: Wednesday Teotihuacan - Archeological Site of the Sun & Moon Pyramids - you'll visit Teotihuacan - the place where gods were born. The Aztecs believe that the gods created the universe here. This site will prove to be a fascinating and worthwhile experience! Many people today believe that Teotihuacan is a place of great energy, and it is quite common to witness people meditating at the top of the main pyramids. Before an enjoyable lunch near the site, you will take a stop at a silver shop, where you will learn about a special drink known as Pulque (distilled agave liquor) made in honour of the god of fertility. In the evening, enjoy another relaxing sunset at the Rancho followed by cocktails and dinner. Day 5: Thursday Tandeje, El Fresno & The Waterfalls This ride takes you to the old hacienda of Tandeje and to the waterfalls of Fresno with its breathtaking ancient oak trees. The climb on your horse takes you up to the little sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe from where you have a beautiful view into the canyon below. This afternoon you have some time to relax at the pool or go for another ride. Day 6: Friday Jilotepec - Local Market Tour Today is Market Day and you will have the chance to get immersed in the feelings, colours, vibes and flavor of this incredible place. Mind-boggling arrays of chilies, an almost astonishing variety of Nopales (cactus paddles), aromatic herbs, spices, scrumptious Oaxacan cheese and so much more. Markets aren’t just for shopping, eating and drinking. They are a microcosm of society and therefore offer a fantastic insight into the culture and everyday life of the folk around here. Back at the Rancho enjoy the infinity pool, go on a hike or take another ride. Day 7: Saturday 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, you have a lunch stop in a local 'Fonda'. Heading back you cross countryside that is straight out of an old western movie. Then you follow the ‘Camino Real’ an old Spanish road used by the royal carriages. Day 8: Sunday Lake District & Local Sunday Market in San Juan Daxthi Start your ride 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. Day 9: Monday San Miguel de las Piedras - Organos - Peregrinos Petrificados Back into a more rugged landscape today, you would think you were 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'll visit the 'Peregrinos Petrificados' a natural rockformation, 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. Day 10: Tuesday San Miguel de Allende – Architecture, Arts & Shopping Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the town of San Miguel de Allende is our stop for today. Without a doubt, it is an incredible place. Also called ‘The Heart of Mexico', this will be a milestone during your visit. A great trip for shoppers and a real treasure for architecture lovers, this amazing city boasts beautiful churches, small town squares, dreamlike alleys and many hidden patios (Mexican courtyards). You can find coffee shops, antiques, handicrafts, jewellery, paintings and many other things while you wander around this enchanted town. We will be spending the night in San Miguel, ensuring you fall under the magic spell this city casts on you. Enjoy our special Sunset Surprise. Day 11: Wednesday San Miguel de Allende - La Aurora & Cactus Gardens Absorb the special atmosphere of San Miguel during breakfast in a lovely courtyard. Take time for a stroll through other parts of town. Visit the old street market and/or La Aurora - an old factory turned into an exclusive arts and crafts gallery. Before heading back to the Ranch, you will visit the famous cactus garden which was sanctified as a peace zone by the Dalai Lama. Enjoy the many different species of native plants and animals and a beautiful final view of San Miguel. Day 12: Thursday Departure Day Enjoy a nice breakfast and some R&R before we bring you to the airport to catch your flight. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Rides suited to ability |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | 6hrs average per day |
| Departure dates: | Starts every 2nd Sunday of the month |
| Pricing: |
2018 £3525 per person Price is inclusive of: Local taxes of 16%, All inclusive shared room accommodation, Riding as per itinerary, All national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee at the ranch, Use of amenities, including solar heated pool, jacuzzi and hot tub. Upgrades: Deluxe room supplement: £47 per room, per night Casita supplement: £94 per room, per night Single supplement: +20% Christmas, Easter and New Year supplement: +20% |