Day by day:
* Description below is an example of the program. The itinerary can be different during your travel week.We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location, accommodation and difficulty of terrain In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 1 : Leon - Guanajuato
Your trip leaders will be waiting for you in the hotel in Guanajuato. (the hotel will be indicated). The airport of Leon is only about a 35 minutes drive to the center of the historic town of Guanajuato. With its beautiful colonial buildings and the presence of both the indigenous and Spanish culture, Guanajuato is considered the most beautiful city of Mexico. In 1988 UNESCO recognized the city of Guanajuato as a historical heritage.
In the patio of the hotel, you are welcomed with a drink. You will be presented to the Mexican team of Charro’s that will assist you the next days on the ride. You also get a word of practical explanation about the journey. After the checking in a welcome dinner will be served in the restaurant "El Jardin de la Union", a place known for its performances of local ranchero and Mariachi singers. The music, the lights dimmed and the location brings us to a thoroughly magical Mexican atmosphere. HOTEL Posada Santa Fe www.posadasantafe.mx
Day 2 : Guanajuato - Santa Rosa
After a delicious breakfast we meet the horses. Our equestrian adventure starts climbing up the "Sierra Central", a mountainous region. From here we ride to Santa Rosa, a village located in the heart of the Sierra at an altitude of 2.850m. Along the 500-year-old "Estrada Real" (in EN the Royal Route) we travel through beautiful scenery. We pass abandoned gold and silver mines and typical Mexican villages like Peñafiel, Monte San Nicolas and Peregrina. Constant witness of our wonderful trip is the statue of Christ on top of the mountain Cubilete. Place known as the geographical center of Mexico.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a delicious cocktail and tequila tasting at the mountain retreat saloon by the fireplace, accompanied by soft Mexican music, in order to complete the day journey.By the evening we will enjoy a rich typical Ranchero BBQ, which for its originality and various flavors, colors, smells and textures, is proudly recognized as the traditional meal for "Rancheros" .Accommodation in the beautiful Mountain Retreat.
RIDE OF 27km (mountainous terrain)
Day 3 : Santa Rosa - Hacienda el Gallinero
After a delicious breakfast, we go to our horses, that are waiting for us to continue our trek. From the saddle, we appreciate the enchanting scenery of the Sierra Central. Descending and climbing we discover one of the richest regions in terms of biodiversity of the country. 35 km further we arrive at our next destination. The Hacienda "El Gallinero" build in 1709. A hacienda with stories of passion, revenge, hidden treasures, secret tunnels, love, betrayal, and revolution. Here Father Miguel Hidalgo hided with the permission of Count Canal, the weapons that were used during the battle for independence against the Spanish in 1810. One century later the owners of the Hacienda let Pancho Villa stay there when he unexpectedly had to fight in the war in Dolores Hidalgo.
In the by fireflies lit garden of the Hacienda, we are served a delicious dinner prepared with the best products of their own kitchen garden. And ... tonight you might sleep in the bed of Pancho Villa or Padre Hidalgo?!www.bodas.com.mx/haciendas-para-bodas/hacienda-el-gallinero--e123978
RIDE OF 35KM (mountainous terrain)
Day 4 : Hacienda El Gallinero - Dolores Hidalgo - Hacienda El Gallinero
On the beautifully laid tables under the arcades of pink stone we start our day with a delicious breakfast prepared by Dona Yolanda.
We mount our horses and leave for Dolores Hidalgo. The village which is known as the cradle of Mexican independence. The parish of Father Hidalgo witnessed on September 16 of the year 1810 "El Grito de la Independencia" (the cry of independence). A signal that the Father gave to take up arms against the Spanish Crown. Just like the revolutionaries of this time, we enter the village on horseback.We take the necessary time to visit the most important sights of the historic center before we continue our journey to "El Camino Real" The royal road used during the independence war and ride direction to Ex- Hacienda de la Erre, until after a good ride we´ll get to the "Establo" the place where our horses will overnight, meanwhile we go back to the comfort of Hacienda el Gallinero. Hacienda El Gallinero www.haciendaelgallinero.com
RIDE OF 23km (mountainous terrain)
We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location and difficulty of terrain In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 5 : Hacienda El Gallinero - Atotonilco
After breakfast, we’re ready to depart again on horseback, this time the final destination is the village Atotonilco. The ride takes us through the fantastic cactus valley, followed by crossing the estate of Hacienda de la Erre. A hacienda which has played an important role during the struggle for independence of Mexico. We stop in the hamlet Barron to have a pick-nick at an old chapel. After a tasty lunch and refreshing drink, we continue our itinerary. From the distance, we see already the imposing walls of a 18th century church. This church is known as the Mexican Sistine chapel, consisting of a gigantic ship, sacristy, 6 adjoining chapels and several rooms with precious murals, paintings, sculptures, and altars. This majestic shrine was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO . Our accommodation located on the banks of the Laja River is the magnificent Parador del Cortijo. The hot springs swimming pool rich in therapeutic properties bring us a well-deserved rest after a day in the saddle. Our host will serve you some margaritas by the swimming pool.
Parador del Cortijo www.paradordelcortijo.com/suite/
RIDE OF 32km (flat terrain)
Day 6 : Atotonilco - San Miguel de Allende
After a hearty breakfast, we’re ready again for another adventure in the saddle. We leave Atotoniclo and ride towards San Miguel De Allende. A colonial town too beautiful to be true! Again, a UNESCO declared World Heritage town. Along 200 years old bridleways that were used to transport silver for the Spanish crown and later a route used during the revolution, we continue along typical Mexican landscapes of Agave plantations (Tequila is made from agave). The ride goes on through a semi desert landscape where we discover authentic Mexican rural life.
After an interesting day on horseback we entre San Miguel de Allende in a little trot. We install ourselves in a beautiful 4 * posada situated just few blocks away from the town square of San Miguel de Allende. Mariachis give their best serenades every night on the square. San Miguel de Allende, could be picket out of a Zorro movie, ... Not for nothing Zorro and Pancho Villa actor Antonio Banderas have a house here. We have our dinner in a typical restaurant and then go for a drink to the cozy bar Coronelas.
POSADA ACUARELA www.acuarelabb.com
RIDE OF 28km (hilly terrain)
Day 7 : San Miguel de Allende
Today is a day for an adventure in the village because we have the opportunity to discover the magnificent culture of this beautiful city. We explore the magic of San Miguel de Allende before and after lunch in a relaxed way on foot this lovely historic city founded in 1542. Our colonial hotel is located in the heart of the colorful center. After a delicious dinner, there is obviously still time to visit a purebred Mexican cowboy bar. The city’s colonial architecture, based on baroque and neo-classical designs, were “discovered” by foreign artists who began to permeate the scene and forge cultural centers, including the Allende Institute and School of Fine Arts, bestowing on the city a reputation that would attract artists, including the great master in painting, David Alfaro Siqueiros.
This soon attracted art students from abroad, particularly American veteran soldiers, who came to study under the G.I. Bill after the Second World War.
Since then, the city has caught the eye of numerous artists, writers, foreign pensioners and tourists, completely transforming the local economy, agriculture and industry, to meet the demands of foreign travelers and residents.
POSADA ACUARELA www.acuarelabb.com
Day 8 : San Miguel de Allende - Leon Airport
After a night out, we sleep a little longer.
Transfer (not included) to the airport of Leon-Bajio (BJX), or Stay at San Miguel De Allende.
It takes aprox 2hrs to get to the airport of Leon (BJX).
* Make sure you book a flight that leaves later than 14:00 hours.
** End of trip
