Riders Of The Ancient Desert

Arrive in Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, where colourful buildings climb the steep hillsides and narrow streets wind through the historic centre. After settling into the hotel, there is time to explore the city and get your first taste of this fascinating region.

A guided walk takes you through the historic centre, with its lively plazas, beautiful architecture and underground tunnels, which were originally built to divert the Guanajuato River. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guides and fellow riders before the horseback expedition begins.

After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to the ranch where you will meet the Mexican Quarter Horses and begin your first ride. The route leads through the rural landscapes surrounding the ranch towards Cerro del Sombrero, where ancient petroglyphs can be found carved into the rocks.

After a day in the saddle, return to the ranch for a traditional pre-Hispanic dinner, followed by a tasting of tequila and mezcal. It is a wonderful introduction to the food, culture and equestrian traditions of rural Mexico.

Today’s ride takes you through rural communities and into the dramatic Río Verde Canyon, where towering rock walls create a spectacular natural setting. The route follows ancient trails through a landscape steeped in the history of the Chichimeca people.

There is time to cool off in a natural pool before continuing the ride through the canyon. By the end of the day, the horses will be settled for the night and a short transfer will take you back to Guanajuato to your accommodation.

The route now climbs into the Central Sierra, with the landscape changing as the trail winds through oak and pine forests, deep ravines and mountain passes. The riding becomes more remote as you follow ancient routes through the rugged highlands.

As the terrain becomes drier, agaves begin to appear among the hillsides, offering a glimpse of the landscapes and plants that are so closely connected to Mexico’s history and culture. The day ends at a mountain refuge surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Sierra.

Continue through the remote landscapes of the Central Sierra, riding along mountain trails and through open valleys as the scenery gradually changes from forest to semi-desert. The route takes you through a beautiful mix of rugged mountains, open countryside and traditional rural landscapes.

Agaves, prickly pears and cacti become increasingly common as the trail descends towards Dolores Hidalgo. After a long day in the saddle, arrive in the historic city and enjoy a change of pace among its colourful streets and lively plazas.

After the more demanding days in the saddle, today offers the chance to explore Dolores Hidalgo at a more relaxed pace. The city played an important role in Mexico’s history and is closely associated with the beginning of the country’s War of Independence.

There is time to wander through the historic centre, browse the local ceramics and pottery shops, and sample some of the city’s famous ice cream (dinner is not included today and is for your own account). With flavours ranging from traditional favourites to tequila and mezcal, it is a deliciously unusual part of the local experience.

Today’s ride takes you into the semi-desert landscapes of the Valley of the Cacti, where prickly pears, agaves and cacti fill the open countryside. The scenery is very different from the forests and mountains crossed earlier in the journey, with wide skies and a distinctly drier landscape.

The route follows old rural trails towards Atotonilco, a region with a fascinating blend of indigenous and Spanish history. After the ride, there is time to visit the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno and relax in the area’s famous hot springs.

Leave the horses behind for the day and visit Cañada de la Virgen, an ancient ceremonial and astronomical centre built more than a thousand years ago. The site is set among rolling hills and semi-desert landscapes, with its temples and platforms carefully aligned with celestial events.

After exploring the archaeological site, continue to San Miguel de Allende. The afternoon and evening are free to wander through the cobbled streets, historic buildings and lively plazas of this beautiful colonial city (dinner this evening is for your own account).

The expedition comes to an end in San Miguel de Allende. Depending on your departure arrangements, take some time to explore the historic centre before continuing your journey (meals not included).